Sustainable Melbourne Fund has launched a web-based animation and case study video providing information on the availability of loans of up to $500,000 through its $6.4 million investment program for sustainability projects throughout Victoria.


The aim of the program is to operate as a catalyst for innovation and investment in activities which stimulate the market and contribute directly to long-term sustainable environmental outcomes.

 

Sustainable Melbourne Fund Chief Executive Scott Bocskay said individuals, commercial enterprises and building owners in greater Melbourne should make themselves aware of how Sustainable Melbourne Fund can invest in their sustainability projects.


“We have invested $7.7 million in energy generation, energy efficiency and water efficiency business ventures and technologies through our investment program,” Mr Bocskay said.

 

“The investment program is focussed on projects that deliver improved commercial and environmental outcomes in the built environment, particularly in the areas of energy, water and waste management.”

“Consideration of the social benefits of projects completes our triple bottom line investment approach.”

 

Sustainable Melbourne Fund has an established track record of almost ten years of integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability into the built environment. Established by Melbourne City Council in 2002 with an initial investment of $5 million, the fund is currently worth $6.4 million.

 

EKO Energy CEO Erik Zimmerman said that Sustainable Melbourne Fund’s investment program played an important part in strengthening the business during a key growth phase. EKO Energy has since been acquired by AGL, Australia's largest integrated renewable energy company.

 

“Funding from Sustainable Melbourne Fund’s investment program made it possible for EKO Energy to continue its bulk-buying strategy to make solar affordable, which enabled us to grow the business and bring renewable energy within the reach of many more Victorians,” Mr Zimmerman said.

 

“This funding allowed EKO Energy to install solar systems on 571 properties in Victoria, an investment that will save two tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every day for the next 25 years.”

 

The animation and case study video are available on the Sustainable Melbourne Fund website at www.sustainablemelbournefund.com.au/invest