Farmers and agricultural businesses across Australia feeling the pinch from rising energy prices are taking action, with support and advice from SMF making the process easy. They are among some of the latest business we’ve been working with to improve their energy productivity through environmental upgrade finance, with some great results.
When Kevin Minogue from the Minogue Dairy Farm was rethinking how he could reduce costs and overcome future power outages, he looked to SMF for advice and support. It was a simple process that allowed Kevin to finance a new solar system through the local council, and his farm is now 90% self-sufficient. Read more
Processing facility, Integrity Fruit
The energy costs of storage, processing and cleaning of fruit are high, so for fruit processing facility Integrity Fruit, solar energy was the perfect solution. But with little knowledge of solar systems, orchardist, Peter Hall, reached out to SMF for advice. Securing an EUA to fund the solar installation was a simple and effective process, and Peter has no regrets. “One of the pleasant surprises is that it was very easy for us.” Read more
Lettuce farm, Hussey and Co
Similarly, Hussey and Co, a lettuce farm on the Mornington Peninsula was looking to reduce the strain on their energy costs. After SMF did the paperwork and loaned Hussey & Co the capital it required, they quickly secured an EUA to fund the solar power system. SMF has now provided Hussey & Co with another $1 million in capital to install a second solar system. Read more
Regional pub, the Rye Hotel
12 months ago, Peter Houghton, owner of Rye Hotel, took out an Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) to install an 88kw solar panel system on the hotel. Now a year later, Peter confirms the immediate benefit: “having an EUA in place puts a big dent in what would otherwise be a very high cost.” Read more
As a business leasing their premises, Ritchie’s Supa IGA wondered if the cost of installing a solar system would be worth it. But with an EUA, Ritchie’s was given the finance for a bespoke solar system without any upfront, out-of-pocket expense, and provided a win-win benefit for both tenant and landlord. Read more
Commercial landlord, Impact
The EUA also provides an opportunity to improve appeal and value of their assets. Impact looked to do just that through the refurbishment of 401 Collins St, an iconic art-deco building in the heart of Melbourne. Comprehensive environmental works were undertaken, with funds sourced via an EUA, that provided a low-cost capital option. Impact has now successfully tenanted the building to co-working franchise WeWork on a 15-year contract. Read more
As we continue to work closely with owner-occupiers, tenants and building owners, more stories of success will inevitably follow. We are proud to offer EUA services that are secure, easy-to-access, low-cost and fast, that help businesses improve their sustainability, environmental efficiency and energy productivity.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is an initiative established by the Victorian State Government. The scheme aims to promote energy efficiency by encouraging households, businesses, and indu..
The hospitality industry increasingly faces a pivotal challenge: how do hospitality businesses become more sustainable while ensuring profitability? The hospitality sector, encompassing hotels, restau..
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