Darebin Council - Sustainable business

Small Business Energy Saver Program

The Small Business Energy Saver Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the State Government.

Provides significant discounts for small businesses (One to 19 employees) who want to replace inefficient fridges, freezers, refrigerated display cabinets, hot water systems, and heating or cooling systems.

Our Sustainable Business Team as your local program experts can guide you through this program.

Register your interest by completing our sustainable business registration form.

Or email: sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to get involved.

Light$mart – Free LED lighting upgrades

All businesses and organisations in Darebin can apply for a free or subsidised LED lighting upgrade through our Light$mart program.

Our Sustainable Business Team as your local program experts can guide you through this program.

Register your interest by completing our sustainable business registration form.

Or email: sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to get involved.

Solar for Business

As part of the Solar for Business Program rebates of up to $3,500 are available for eligible Victorian small businesses to install solar power systems up to 30KW. Apply and find out more about the Solar for Business Program.

Energy Compare

The Victorian Government's Energy Compare tool is a free independent energy price comparison tool that will help your business get the best electricity and gas offer. Apply the GreenPower filter to access 100% renewable energy.

Business recycling bins

Up to two 240 litre yellow-lidded recycling bins, collected fortnightly, are available to Darebin businesses for a one-off fee of $102.00. Find out more about recycling for your business.

Business organic waste recycling

Our Organic waste recycling services provide a number of free and paid options available to Darebin businesses for recycling organic waste.

Cafe to Garden

Our Cafe to Garden program helps local cafes recycle their coffee grounds. You can discover what cafes are currently participating in the Darebin food harvest network.

Email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au to join up.

The Circular Economy and sustainable purchasing

Is your business ready to join the circular economy and move from a "Take -> Make -> Waste model to the Borrow -> Use -> Return -> "model?

Watch our short video or longer webinar to find out more about what local businesses are doing in this space.

The Buy Recycled Directory produced by Sustainability Victoria helps to support the circular economy with your purchasing decisions.

Sustainable business leaders

Darebin has many inspiring sustainable business leaders featured on our Sustainable business playlist.

Sustainability events

We hold regular online sustainability events.

Upcoming events

Register for the Small Business Energy Saver Program - Information session for Darebin businesses, Wednesday 13 October 2021.

Green Business Networking event, Thursday 25 November 2021-

Sustainability Matters, Thursday 28 April 2022

Email: sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to register your interest in any of these events.

Past online events can be view on our channel.

Efficiency and sustainability health check

Our Efficiency and sustainability health check helps you reduce energy bills and waste. Making your business more resilient and sustainable. Eligible businesses get a green business certification and will be promoted on our Business map and Sustainable Darebin map.

Email: sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to request a check.

Our business and sustainability maps

Is your business listed on our Darebin business map?

If not, use the ‘add your business’ button to get listed.

On our Sustainable Darebin map you can find out where to take your items to be recycled. Support businesses that are going single-use plastic-free.

Single-use plastics

By February 2023, single-use straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria. Check out our Plastic free Darebin business guide to find reusable alternatives.

Other programs to support you reduce your use of single-use plastics include WANGIM Cup, Boomerang Bags , Retub, Trashless Takeaway and Responsible Cafes.

If you have a Food business watch our video on Cleanliness to ensure all food is safe to consume, in containers fit for purpose and you meet all your legal responsibilities.

Free timers for non-perishable drinks fridges and other equipment

We provide free timers for businesses with fridges that contain non-perishable items, helping you reduce energy costs. You may also be able to access them for other equipment like sandwich presses and hot bain-maries.

To request a timer email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Free bike racks for customer parking

You may be able to get a free bicycle parking hoop installed outside your business as part of our Bicycle Racks for Businesses program. Conditions apply. To find out more fill in our online form.

Environmental upgrade agreements

Environmental upgrade agreements are available for businesses interested in installing large solar systems or undertaking significant energy efficiency upgrades.

Email: environment.support@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out more.