Taking control of your energy use and boosting energy efficiency is an effective way to reduce your business’s environmental footprint. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water offers valuable insights on how businesses can cut costs by cutting energy consumption.

Here are some practical tools and resources to help you get started:

Free Energy Advice

Access FREE tailored and independent energy advice for your business and learn how you can save money. Contact the Australian Government’s Business Energy Advice Program for support and more information.

Energy Tips for Business

If you are a small to medium sized business and would like to improve how you manage energy then the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has resources to help you manage your energy.

To understand your energy rating Label, Understand the Energy Rating Label | Energy Rating helps you understand what your label means and what you can do to make it higher.

Find an Energy Plan that suits you

If you are a small business the Australian Government offers FREE electricity and gas price comparisons so you can find the right energy plan and save. Energy Made Easy also has lots of resources for you to understand your plan and bills and makes it easy to compare offers from all suppliers. Compare and understand your gas and electricity HERE. You can also consider whether accredited GreenPower, with zero emissions, is right for you. 

Solar for Business Sydney

Using clean energy sources such as solar power not only helps the environment but can significantly lower your energy bill. To learn if solar is a good fit for your business, visit the Clean Energy Council for more information.

Sunspot is a not-for-profit solar and battery calculator Used to estimate System size, the cost, and potential savings. This tool is free and allows you to investigate solar privately and safely.

Water is an essential part of life and maintaining a healthy environment. You can save water and money by reducing the amount of water you use by selecting products with a high water-efficiency rating. For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Water Efficiency labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and Smart Approved Watermark.

Water efficiency Tips 

Tips on how to find, fix and restore leaks in your water system can be found HERE. This site gives valuable information on how to keep your water usage efficient and how to save money on unnecessary usage.

Sydney Water has also created at FREE desktop assessment that helps large businesses save water and money. To access assessment, click HERE. 

Businesses in NSW have access to a range of government support and funding to help reduce waste, improve recycling practices, and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy. Grants are available to assist with waste reduction initiatives, on-site recycling solutions, and innovative projects that align with state-wide sustainability goals. These programs are designed to empower businesses to take meaningful action in managing their environmental impact.

For more information on reducing waste, check out the business waste page HERE

Climate change impacts to your business can be short or long term, direct or indirect and knowing how to be prepared is critical in a changing environment. Impacts to businesses can include financial, operational and reputational. To help mitigate and adapt to a changing climate see the below resources:

• NSW business and climate change | AdaptNSW
• How to calculate your carbon footprint - Calculate Your Carbon Emissions | Carbon Positive Australia

Sustainable purchasing considers the environment, social impact, value for money. Sustainable purchasing refers to the purchasing of products and services that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment.

The below resources can help you improve on your environmental and social footprint.

• Reduce Plastics and Packaging for Businesses
• Sustainable Procurement Guide - DCCEEW
• Sustainability & Environmental Certification Program - GECA
• NSW business and climate change | AdaptNSW

Did you know that water that falls onto our footpaths and streets flows untreated and unfiltered into our local creeks and rivers?

Local businesses can help by ensuring:

• When cleaning or washing that the runoff does not enter stormwater drains 
• All cleaning wastewater (e.g. mop water) is disposed of to sewer and not down external drains
• Staff are educated on their responsibilities when it comes to disposal of wastewater. Business owners can be held accountable for the actions of staff and fines can apply for anyone who causes water pollution
• Waste is stored securely so that it can’t be blown or washed into drains or waterways

We can all do our part in protecting our creeks and rivers. Remember, the drain is just for rain. 

For more information, visit Council's Waterways information.

There are a number of grants and programs provided by the NSW and Australian Government, as well as private organisations that are designed to help businesses reduce their environmental impact. Keep up to date with current programs by regularly checking the following websites. 

• NSW Government’s Business Recycling Grants
• Grant and funding information available from the NSW Government
• GrantConnect provides information on forecast and current Australian Government grant opportunities
• The Australian Government’s grants and program finder, especially for business

For more grant and funding offerings visit the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact Council’s Sustainability Team for more information on 13 22 63 or sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au.

For more information and updates on sustainability for your business register to the Sustainable Camden E-Newsletter HERE.