Sustainability programs, resources and grants

Below is a directory of ways residents can access assistance to live more sustainably.

For more in-depth information including ways to contribute, explore our resources regarding going electric, saving water and reducing waste.

   
 

Interested in joining a community group focussed on environmental action? Get involved at Second Nature.

 


Council-led opportunities

Building Futures strata program: A free Council program to help larger strata buildings (25 units) save money on their common area energy and water bills, including access to matched funding.

Bushcare volunteer groups are critical to maintaining Waverley’s remnant native vegetation, and are a great way to meet members of the community.

Collaboration for Impact (C4I) is a program connecting local environmental groups to share knowledge, build capacity and take collective actions to be more effective. If you represent a local environmental group, express your interest by emailing environment@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Compost Revolution provides education and subsidised compost equipment to residents.

Discounted residential parking permits are available for electric vehicles.

Environmental small grants of up to $5000 are available to schools, childcare centres, incorporated community groups and local micro businesses with proposals that contribute to meeting targets in waste, water, energy and biodiversity.

Living Connections provides residents with support to turn their garden into an urban wildlife habitat, including access to free native plants.

Net Zero Alliance is a group of leading businesses and community that have pledged to support Council achieve Net Zero community emissions by 2035.

Second Nature is a newsletter and website collating free sustainability news and events that celebrates community-led environmental action.

Solar my Suburb provides free independent advice and support to help clubs and community organisations go solar.

Strata waste resources are available to encourage mid and high-rise residents to take advantage of the recycling services Council provides, as well as by-law templates for strata owners to enforce responsible waste disposal.

Sustainability Rebates for Apartments Trial provides rebates for residential apartment buildings who have implemented sustainability upgrades to their common areas, such as common area solar.

Tricky household waste can be dropped-off at various Council locations. This enables residents to recycle a greater number of items and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

State-led opportunities

Energy Savings Scheme for households, includes subsidised upgrades for lighting, hot water, air conditioning and pool pumps.

Energy Savings Scheme for businesses, includes subsidised upgrades for compressed air systems, furnaces, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), hot water and steam systems, lighting, motor pumps and fans, NABERS improvements, power systems, industrial equipment and refrigeration.

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme incentives households to install battery storage and connect to a Virtual Power Plant.

Sydney Water WaterFix program includes subsidised fixes of leaks, plus low-cost upgrades to water efficient tapware in residential properties. The program is also available to schools and businesses.

Federal-led opportunities

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides incentives to households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems like rooftop solar, solar water heaters and heat pumps.