Mildura’s first EUA signing a boost for the environment and business

Published on 10 April 2018

Mildura Rural City Council will sign its first Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) this morning, highlighting the benefits of this unique program for both businesses and the environment.

An EUA is an agreement in which a financial institution advances funds to a commercial property owner to undertake upgrade works which improve their environmental performance.

These funds are then re-payed through the property owner’s Council rates.

Councillor for Environmental and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said EUAs can fund any improvements to a building that improve energy, water or waste efficiency, or increase renewable energy.

The first business in Sunraysia to take advantage of this opportunity is Mildura’s Ritchies IGA Supermarket in Deakin Avenue.

A 99kW solar system will be installed at the supermarket, which will produce about 150MWh of electricity – enough to power 22 average-sized homes in Mildura.

“This is a fantastic example of how EUAs can benefit both businesses and the environment,” Cr Cirillo said.

"This system will not only shave a significant amount off the supermarket’s annual power bill, but will eliminate 175 tonnes of Co2 emissions annually.”

Cr Cirillo said EUAs are delivered in Sunraysia through a partnership between Council and Better Building Finance, which provides third party administration services for EUA programs. The project is financed by Sustainable Melbourne Fund.

“These agreements can provide building owners with an incentive to improve their building’s performance and reduce operational costs, with the added bonus of improved environmental outcomes,” he said.

“Examples of projects that could qualify include lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades (HVAC), solar installation, recycling and waste minimisation.”

To be eligible for an EUA, building owners must pay Council rates, ensure planned works are retro-fit projects on non-residential buildings, and deliver environmental benefits, such as energy, waste and water savings.

Find out more about Environmental Upgrade Agreements and how they work by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Sustainability/Environmental-Upgrade-Agreements

For more info contact Environmental Sustainability Project Officer Thomas Stevenson on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 

Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au