The clean economy encompasses initiatives, practices and products which address climate change mitigation and adaptation, encourage renewables, and compliment the transition to a circular economy.
We have supported several innovative organisations who have launched new products and services through the Clean Economy Grants program. This initiative, part of our broader business support program since 2014, fosters demand for sustainable products and collaborates with local suppliers to meet that demand. As a result, the program has driven positive economic growth and sustainability outcomes in Greater Geelong; aligning with Geelong's UNESCO City of Design designation, and the community-led 30-year vision for a clever and creative future.
The Clean Economy Grants program drives market-responsive growth in the clean economy. Small grants support businesses in developing scalable clean economy projects in Greater
Geelong. These funds are often used to cover the costs of materials testing, prototyping, market research, field trials, R&D, testing to achieve accreditations/standards, and exploring IP rights. Grant applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) can also access the extensive support offered by the City of Greater Geelong's Economic Development team to help them start, run and grow their business.
The grant-funded projects serve as tangible examples of clean economy solutions, boosting awareness of the economic and sustainability benefits they bring. Introduced to accommodate projects often too small for state or
federal funding, collectively they deliver significant economic growth and sustainability outcomes. Look here for more information.
2023 demonstrations
BOOM Power Pty Ltd
The team behind the BOOM software-as-a-service platform are working with their ASX-listed strategic partner, Bill Identity (Bid), to accelerate the electrification of homes and businesses.
The project will enable households and Small to Medium Enterprises to upload an energy bill and receive a tailored proposal for electrifying their home or business.
The user will answer simple questions about their home or business and receive a tailored plan for electrification of their building, including solar, battery storage, hot water, heating and cooling, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The report will explain upfront the financial costs, financial savings and environmental benefits.
Fulton Hogan
Leading construction and roadworks company, Fulton Hogan, will use biochar sourced from agricultural and organic sites in Greater Geelong to test the viability of using biochar in cold mix asphalt products at their Lara plant.
The testing aims to reduce energy costs, create circular economy solutions to a waste product, and create a low-carbon pavement material.
Australian Engineering Solutions (Austeng) and Deakin University
North Geelong engineering firm, Austeng, and Deakin University will use crushed glass and industrial by-products to create a more sustainable alternative to cement-based concrete.
Mixing crushed glass with fly ash and slag, the project aims to develop a sustainable geopolymer concrete that meets performance standards for footpaths, pavements, and floor slabs.
Replacing cement with fly ash can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by between 30 and 50 percent and make use of waste fly ash and glass.
Concrete is one of the most consumed materials in the world, second to water, and its production is responsible for seven percent of the world’s CO2 emissions.
Previous demonstrations
In 2021 Capricorn Power, Deakin University, Focus Pty Ltd and Geelong Sustainability Group Inc. completed clean technology and circular economy projects that address stockpiled landfill, household energy use, community solar production and renewable energy. The completed projects were selected through an expression of interest process in 2019.
A grant was provided to Capricorn Power to improve the efficiency of renewable energy at municipal leisure centres or other sites using the patented Barton engine. The Barton engine is powered by biochar (created from organic matter such as wood, grasses, crop residues and manure). This technology can efficiently convert heat from a wide range of sources into reliable electricity such as heating for swimming pools.
A grant was provided to Focus Group Pty Ltd to produce a business case and operational framework to process stockpiled landfill waste, providing a circular economy model for the Drysdale landfill.
A grant was provided to Deakin University to install innovative energy efficiency devices in 20 households. The devices minimise total daily energy use, reduce energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to improve the efficiency of solar panels for households.
A grant was provided to Geelong Sustainability Group Inc. for the early stages of a feasibility study to establish a community owned solar farm in Geelong.
There are also several other projects which have received grant funding to bring new clean economy innovations to the market. Information about those projects can be accessed via the Related Information links on this page.
Support for demonstration projects
We now provide the Clean Economy Grants under our Community Investment and Support Fund. Our Community Grants support projects and activities that benefit our local community and help us achieve the 30-year vision for a Clever and Creative Future.
In the past the program was delivered through a funding partnership with the Victorian State Government and the Geelong Manufacturing Council.