NSW businesses offered grants to plan for Net Zero
Businesses in New South Wales can now apply for funding to help plan their transition to net zero emissions, with Net Zero Planning Grants offering up to $30,000 to cover up to 75% of eligible costs for businesses looking to map out their emissions reduction strategies.
Applications for The Net Zero Planning Grant are now open and will close on 2 May 2025, or earlier if funding is fully allocated. The grant is part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program, which supports companies in taking practical steps towards lowering emissions.
Support for Planning Emissions Reduction
The funding is designed to help businesses develop net zero plans by identifying necessary actions and addressing gaps in their current approach. Eligible expenses include hiring consultants to develop greenhouse gas inventories, set emissions reduction targets, and create action plans. The grant is divided into two stages: an initial amount of up to $4,000 to identify key actions and a further amount of up to $26,000 to support detailed planning and implementation.
Recipients will also gain access to the Net Zero Business Guide, which consolidates national and international frameworks to help businesses set and achieve emissions reduction goals.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply, businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN), be registered for GST, and operate from a site in NSW. They must also spend at least $200,000 annually on energy at a single NSW site or a total of $500,000 across multiple sites. Certain entities, including government organisations and businesses classified as Safeguard facilities under the Australian Government’s Safeguard Mechanism, are not eligible.
The grant does not cover capital expenditure, internal labour costs, carbon offset purchases, or activities required for mandatory reporting under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme. Applications are assessed as they are received, so businesses are encouraged to apply early.
For more details, including the full eligibility criteria and funding guidelines, businesses can visit the program’s website or contact the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water via email at energyefficiency.program@environment.nsw.gov.au.
