Geelong Sustainability has called on the community to help support its initiative to help local not-for-profit organisations reduce energy costs and emissions.
The Community Energy Revolving Fund (CERF) provides interest-free loans for local organisations to help them upgrade to more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Cloverdale Community Centre provides a safe space for community members, running programs, encouraging adult education and acting as a Neighbourhood House.
Cloverdale recently transitioned to rooftop solar thanks to the revolving fund.
Chief executive Liz Bonner said Cloverdale was “so grateful” for the support from the CERF.
“The interest-free loan – as well as a partial state government grant – allowed us to
install solar with no upfront costs, making the project cash-flow positive from day one,” Ms Bonner said.
“Thanks to the CERF, we are saving $5000 per year on electricity costs and cutting 25 tonnes of carbon emissions annually – savings that can now be reinvested into our community support services.”
Established in early 2022, the CERF has supported solar and hot water heat pumps at nine sites across the region, including Cloverdale, Lonsdale Links Golf Club, Torquay Community House and Apollo Bay Museum.
Geelong Sustainability chief executive Jane Spence said donations of any amount were welcome.
“The CERF is an innovative way to provide long-term financial and environmental benefits to
local organisations while helping our region transition to clean energy,” Ms Spence said.
“We invite individuals, businesses, and philanthropic groups to contribute and be part of this ongoing transformation.”
Visit geelongsustainability.org.au/cerf to make a donation or find out more about the CERF.
