Adelaide GREEN Assistance Programs Still Available

Last year the city of Adelaide made great progress in greening the city, through various assistance programs and numerous government projects across the city. The opening of 2012 will still be healthy for solar power and other green retrofits as programs and grants are still up and running and are expected to encourage more residents to green their properties since the carbon tax is due a few months from now.

Currently there are five ways major ways to go GREEN in Adelaide covering the entirety of the community.

1.       Solar power rebates – The somehow flag carrier of the city’s green campaign is still available this 2012 reimbursing up to $1,000 for installing solar panels in Adelaide properties (minimum 1KW peak) and up to $5000 for Adelaide based apartments (common use). A maximum of $1000 can also be reimbursed by installing solar hot water systems and no more than $500 for residential rainwater tanks.

2.       Special offers – Business and residential participants of the Adelaide Solar City Program will be able to take advantage of special discounts on accredited solar power systems and receive freebies such as free smart meters, free energy audits and energy efficiency pack which includes a power saving power board and shower timer.

3.       Free home energy audit kit – Residents can borrow a free home energy audit kit from the council library to determine your energy usage and average carbon emissions that will assist you in using energy wisely and more efficiently.

4.       Green transportation – Adelaide is home to the world first solar-powered electric bus, Tindo which charges its battery pack from 100% solar energy in the city’s central bus station. Tindo is under the connector bus service of the city at no cost to you that aims to introduce to the riding public the benefits and viability of solar power.

5.       CitySwitch green office – the program is a partnership between Adelaide and other city council across the country that aims to reduce up to 50% of carbon emission from the business sector simply by modifying behavior. Businesses signing up to CitySwitch as a signatory commit to achieve and maintain an accredited 4 stars or higher NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System).

The continued pipeline of programs will help Adelaide fulfill its renewable energy action plan of 2008 – 2012 and reduce significant amount of carbon. With the city’s efforts at full scale it will be no surprise if Adelaide is listed in Australia greenest city in the future.