Two businesses in Dandenong, Chobani Pty Ltd and Moondarra Cheese, have recently been awarded $21,500 in grants to help reduce their energy usage under the $6.1 million Victorian Government’s Boosting Business Productivity Program.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said yoghurt manufacturer Chobani received $12,800 through the program. It has identified potential savings of up to of $200k or 17% of site energy usage a year through an energy assessment of its business.

Moondarra Cheese is the largest manufacturer of flavoured cream cheese in Australia and it received $8,600 of grant funding. It has identified opportunities to reduce energy consumption by $95,000 a year across its automatic controls, procedures and energy purchasing arrangements.

Both businesses are now working with an experienced energy consultant to further identify potential energy efficiency improvements, review pricing tariffs, and suitable renewable energy options.

The program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria, supports businesses with three different efficiency grants: a sustainable finance service, training events, and information resources. The Energy Assessment Grants are open to businesses spending more than $20,000 a year on energy.

Since the program was launched by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, grants have been awarded to more than 60 businesses across Victoria to co-fund energy efficiency assessments.

For more information on the program, please contact Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Business advisors on 1300 363 744 or email grants.enquiries@sustainability.vic.gov.au.