Applications open today for a new grants program by the Federal Government for hotels to improve the energy efficiency of venues.
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program can provide grants of $10-25,000 to small and medium hotels and motels (with up to 99 rooms, available to the public).
The program aims to assist hotels to:
- upgrade equipment to reduce energy consumption (eg. air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating)
- upgrade the building to reduce energy consumption (eg. windows, curtains, insulation)
- undertake energy management activities and assessments, such as energy audits and engineering feasibility studies for energy efficiency upgrades
- invest in energy monitoring and management systems
Plans for the scheme were first announced ahead of the 2020 Federal Budget, and at least 400 grants will be provided to hotels as part of the $1.9 billion funding package allocated to ‘emerging technologies’.
The Morrison government wants to expand the powers of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) beyond only supporting and investing in renewable and clean energy, and most of the funding (over $1.6bn) will be provided to ARENA to invest.
The program is seen as a win for industry and the shift toward addressing climate change, and has won the support of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).
Beyond being a boost to the hard-hit accommodation sector, it is hoped the program will have further flow-on benefits for both suppliers and tradespeople.
Applications open today, closing 1 April, with works to be completed by 30 June 2022.