Sustainable business
Sustainability events
We hold regular online sustainability events.
Upcoming events
Sustainability Matters 2022 - Business Innovation and the Circular Economy
Wednesday 11 May 2022 from 6pm—7.45 pm
Online or in person at the Reservoir Community and Learning Centre
Join us online or in person for this free Sustainability Matters event.
You will hear from local businesses Fungi Solutions; Paper Loop; Sunny Electronics and Green Earth Recycling, who will share their stories of the work they are doing in the circular economy space, leading business innovation, slashing waste, CO2 emissions and rising as local sustainability leaders.
Finger food will be provided.
Watch our past online events
Past online events can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
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 emailsustainable.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. Use the GreenPower filter on the website 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 organic recycling options available to Darebin businesses.
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?
Come to this year's Sustainability Matters event or 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.
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? 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 about 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.
Resources
You might want to tap into some of these resources from other sustainability groups, programs, and organisations.
- Darebin Business Zero Waste Network facebook group
- Sustainability Victoria/business
- Business Energy Advice Program
- Australian Energy Foundation
- Climate Active
- CitySwitch Green Office Program
- Sustainable Salons
More information
Sustainable Business OfficerPhone: 03 8470 8888
Email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au