Anita Roper, CEO, Sustainability Victoria
Sustainability Victoria is brainstorming simple and smart ways to reduce the State’s environmental impact, one person at a time.
Sustainability Victoria is an agency of the Victorian Government that facilitates and promotes the sustainable use of resources. Its vision is for Victorians to use resources sustainably so as to support a thriving community and economy. It acts as a catalyst for sustainable growth and development in Victoria, bringing together the knowledge and capabilities of people, organisations and communities to deliver integrated social, economic and environmental outcomes.
The agency implements Victorian Government policy by working together with business, government and the community to deliver tangible outcomes in the areas of carbon pollution reduction and the smarter use of resources – specifically energy, materials and water.
Sustainability Victoria is making it easier for Victorians to make sustainable choices, providing rebates for solar hot water, photovoltaics and insulation. It’s delivering the right advice to consumers about energy efficient appliances, with the help of over 300 retailers.
Changing for climate change
The agency is helping low-income Victorians adapt to climate change by off ering free retrofi ts, improving the energy effi ciency and comfort of their homes. Delivered in partnership with agencies such as the Brotherhood of St Lawrence and Mission Australia, the Energy and Water Task Force provides employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed and will help shape the development of a new industry for home sustainability assessors.
Victorian businesses are encouraged to become ResourceSmart with the help of the Sustainability Fund and the Premier’s Sustainability Awards. Sustainability Victoria is partnering with key industry groups, commercial building owners and tenants to help drive change across all business sectors.
Zero Waste
Sustainability Victoria is also helping local governments, industry and communities move towards zero waste through public place recycling and infrastructure grants as well as supporting best practice in kerbside recycling.
Established under the Sustainability Victoria Act 2005, the agency is a statutory authority with a nine member Board reporting to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.
During the next five years, it will work closely with its stakeholders in areas of priority for the Victorian economy, community and environment, particularly those where there is clear evidence of market gaps or failures, and where it can demonstrate that its actions will deliver benefi ts for Victorians.
Websites:
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au
