Project Looks to Boost Renewable Energy Use at NFPs

A new program is set to be launched in Melbourne, which will enable not-for-profit organisations to install and benefit from renewable energy systems.

The project is a collaboration between the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF), who are looking to work with Victorian NFPs to reduce their CO2 emissions while saving money.

NFPs would be provided with a free site feasibility and supplier assessment, to help them “understand the potential for sustainable energy improvements to achieve real economic and environmental savings”.

The ATA said this project would be useful in allowing NFPs with limited resources to invest in renewable energy.

“Finding the most appropriate technology, its sizing and design considerations, and how much it will save is complex and beyond the reach of most NFPs,” the ATA said on its website.     

“Struggling with resourcing to deliver their core organisational goals, NFPs typically do not have the time to take advantage of energy management opportunities – despite these opportunities potentially ‘freeing up’ operational funds for better use in core service delivery.”

Through the project, the ATA will complete an assessment of nominated NFP sites, while considering a range of sustainable energy improvements.

They will facilitate a relationship with financing partners to overcome any hurdles with the upfront cost, and also monitor technology performance – examining the money and carbon savings for six to 12 months after implementation.

The project will also provide technology recommendations to ensure lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

The ATA and LMCF hope this will “build internal capacity and confidence within NFPs… to continue on their pathway to smarter energy management”.

Damien Moyse, the ATA’s policy and projects manager said: “With the right mix of sustainable energy technologies, not-for-profits can save a lot of money while reducing their carbon emissions.

“Finding the most appropriate technology, its sizing and design considerations, and how much it will save is complex and beyond the reach of most not-for-profits.

“They typically don’t have the time to take advantage of energy management opportunities – despite these opportunities potentially freeing up operational funds for better use.”

Any organisation that is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission or which has tax charity concession status with the Australian Tax Office is eligible for the program.

The program will officially be opened on 17 November.