Grant delivers energy savings
Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) push to reduce its carbon footprint has received a boost thanks to a grant which aims to assist local organisations cut energy costs.
BCH has received almost $15 thousand from the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiency Grant program to install block out blinds at two of its key locations.
The buildings at BCH Drysdale and Point Lonsdale were renovated in 2014 and 2019 respectively but block out blinds were not included at the time. Both buildings have a large number of west and worth-westerly facing windows which are impacted by the heat.
“This grant will allow us to install almost 70 block out blinds which will substantially reduce the radiant heat entering our buildings,” said BCH CEO Kathy Russell. “Given that windows are a large source of heat during summer, the block out blinds will reduce the heating load inside these buildings and the energy costs associated with cooling.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker visited the buildings where the blinds will be installed and said she was pleased the grant will support energy savings.
“Costs are rising and it’s hard to make energy savings, so we’re thrilled to be able to support Bellarine Community Health to invest in new blinds that help reduce energy use and support the comfort and wellbeing of the staff who work in those areas,” she said.
The reduction in energy consumption achieved from the installation of these blinds will have a positive impact from an environmental perspective as it will reduce BCH’s carbon emissions and improve the comfort and amenity for staff, especially in times of extreme temperatures.
Reduction in energy use is one of the actions included in several pillars of the BCH Environmental Sustainability Implementation Plan and will help BCH progress its aspirational target of achieving year on year reduction in carbon emissions.
BCH hope to have the new blinds installed within the next few weeks ahead of the critical summer months.
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