Environment Victoria welcomes revival of Greener Government Buildings Program

Environment Victoria has today welcomed the Andrews Government’s decision to reinstate the Greener Government Buildings program.

Environment Victoria CEO Mark Wakeham said today:

“Greener Government Buildings was a highly successful program delivering environmental benefits and cost savings to government, until it was scrapped by the previous Baillieu/Napthine governments.

“The state government is a major user of energy and water through its operation of hospitals, schools and large office buildings. Issuing green bonds to finance the retrofit of these buildings is an important and sensible step towards saving energy and reducing climate pollution.

“The next step for government buildings is to commit to a plan to retrofit the 80,000-odd public housing estate homes owned by the Victorian government for energy and water efficiency. In many cases, people in these homes are the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and high electricity and water bills. Renewing these assets would deliver for the environment and social justice, create jobs and save government money.

“Environment Victoria joined with the Energy Efficiency Council and the Australian Industry Group to advocate for the reinstatement of Greener Government Buildings. We’d like to congratulate the Finance Minister Robin Scott and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio for delivering a good outcome today for the environment and the state’s economy.”