Climate change is becoming a more significant issue. The production of human waste is a massive part of this. Businesses in Australia are starting to progress in producing less waste.
Simple steps can go a long way to promote more steps towards waste reduction. Hence, we have also taken a step to educate businesses about their waste reduction. Here are 3 effective waste reduction strategies for businesses.
Before knowing about waste reduction, we also need to know about waste management. It will help us understand some principles and fundaments like recycling, reusing and reducing.
Let’s get into it then.
What is Waste Management?
Waste management is all about handling, collecting, treating, and disposing of waste in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Think about all the products we use every day, like packaging, food scraps, old electronics, and more. When we’re done with these things, they become waste.
Properly managing waste means finding ways to reduce the amount of waste we produce, recycling things that can be reused, and disposing of the rest safely.
Waste management helps protect the environment, conserves resources, and reduces pollution. We can make sure that our planet stays healthy for future generations if we manage our waste.
Benefits of Efficient Waste Management for Businesses
Helps the Environment:
Helps the Economy:
Using good ways to handle waste creates jobs, finds new uses for things we throw away, and helps make an economy where things are used again and again.
Moreover, it saves money by reducing the costs of getting rid of waste and cleaning up the environment.
Better for People and Health:
Correctly handling waste keeps people safe from dangerous stuff and stops diseases from spreading.
It also gets people involved in their communities, helps them learn about waste, and makes them better at dealing with it.
Less Greenhouse Gases:
Understanding Waste Reduction
Waste reduction means finding ways to make less waste in the beginning. It’s about using things wisely, reusing materials when we can, and making smart choices not to use too much.
Waste reduction tries to stop waste from happening in the first place, which helps the environment.
Difference between Waste Reduction and Waste Management
Waste reduction is about stopping waste from being made, while waste management is about dealing with waste that’s already made.
Waste management covers picking up, handling, treating, and getting rid of waste safely. It includes things like recycling and making sure waste is thrown away correctly.
So, waste reduction tries to make less waste, and waste management deals with the waste we already have.
Importance of Waste Reduction for Australian Businesses
Reducing waste is really important for businesses in Australia for a few key reasons:
Saving Money: When businesses use less and waste less, they spend less money on buying new things and getting rid of old stuff. It means more profit for them in the end.
Protecting the Environment: Waste can harm the environment by polluting land, water, and air. By reducing waste, businesses help keep Australia’s natural spaces clean and healthy for everyone.
Meeting Regulations: Australia has rules about how businesses should handle their waste. By reducing waste, companies can make sure they’re following these rules and avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Building a Good Reputation: People like to support businesses that care about the environment. By reducing waste, companies can show that they’re responsible and environmentally friendly, which can attract more customers and make existing ones happy.
Key Principles of Efficient Waste Management
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3 R’s):
Sorting and Separating Waste:
Composting and Dealing with Organic Waste:
Using Waste for Energy:
Handling Hazardous Waste:
3 Effective Waste Reduction Strategies for Businesses
Strategy 1 – Measure business waste
Even if the bins are different sizes, just note down their sizes, estimate how full they are, and how often they get emptied.
For instance, you might have a regular-sized bin that’s half full and gets emptied once a week, which equals 120 litres of waste per week.
Once you gather this info, you’ll know how much waste your business makes in a certain period.
Strategy 2 – Assess the 3Rs and Lifecycle of Products and Services
Figure out what you can do to:
- Reduce: Can you avoid making or making less waste by changing how your business gets products or operates?
- Reuse: Can another local business use the waste materials you make?
- Recycle: Which materials can be recycled? Find local places that collect recyclable stuff.
Understand Your Waste and Recycling Contracts
You should get the best waste collection deal for the materials you recycle. Start by talking to your current waste service provider, who might be a private company or the local council.
Also, consider how your contract affects your recycling. For example, if your recycling gets picked up every two weeks, make sure your recycling bin is big enough for two weeks’ worth or change your contract to weekly pickups.
Think about what your current contract offers and how it impacts your recycling. Remember, your waste or recycling contract is a legal document, so you may need legal advice.
Strategy 3 – Implement Material Collection Systems at Business Premises
Different businesses make different kinds of stuff that can be recycled. The bins that get emptied into the collection truck, like wheelie bins and big bins, might be different from the ones used to collect stuff at your business.
For example, if you have separate services for paper or cardboard collection, then you’ll need to separate them from other recyclable materials, preferably where they’re made. Make sure cleaners and sometimes clients know how to separate things.
If your business shares bins with other businesses in a shopping area, talk to them to make sure everyone is sorting waste properly. You can also use signs to help your business set up a sound recycling system.
National Waste Policy Action Plan
The National Waste Policy Action Plan of 2019 set goals and actions to put the 2018 National Waste Policy into action.
These goals and actions help guide Australia’s efforts until 2030 and beyond.
They include:
- Stopping the export of waste plastic, paper, glass, and tyres starting from the second half of 2020.
- Decreasing the total waste each person makes in Australia by 10% by 2030.
- Making sure 80% of all waste gets recycled by 2030.
- Using more recycled materials in government and industry.
- Getting rid of problematic and unnecessary plastics by 2025.
- Cutting in half the amount of organic waste sent to landfills by 2030.
- Providing detailed and up-to-date information for everyone to make better decisions about what they buy and how they invest.
This plan works with other waste management and circular economy plans made by states, territories, local governments, businesses, and industries.
In October 2022, ministers talked about the progress made in improving waste management and recycling under the National Waste Policy Action Plan.
They agreed that we need to be active about producing less waste. They decided to design products better and make production more efficient. The plan will be updated in the coming year to make Australia’s efforts stronger towards reaching our renewable energy target by 2030.
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Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.
Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.
However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.
But what are the main issues?
Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.
That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!
By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.
This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.
So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!
From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.
Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.
Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:
- In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs. - The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options. -
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.
Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path
It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.
So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:
Choosing the right system
For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:
- One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units
- One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and
- One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.
- Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.
However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.
Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater
As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.
This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.
Installation Process & Timing Period
- Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.
- The quote needs to be accepted and dated.
- Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance. - The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping. - The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.
- The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.
Choosing efficiency over just cooling
Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.
Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.
At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:
“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”
Out-of-pocket and rebate
Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.
In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.
The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.
So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.
How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.
Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.
So, to qualify under the VEU program:
- The property must be more than two years old.
- The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
- The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.
How the Rebate Works
In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.
After installation:
- The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
- They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
- The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.
The homeowner simply has to:
- Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
- Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.
The Result
The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.
Why is the VEU rebate significant?
Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:
On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.
Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.
Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.
Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!
Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.
Before Adding Air Conditioning System
- Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
- In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620. - In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300. - Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920
After Adding the Air Conditioning System
- Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
- During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.
Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.
- In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180. - So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.
Net Savings
Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.
At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.
However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.
This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.
Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program
Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.
- Don’t wait until your system dies.
Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.
- Choose a provider who handles the rebates.
Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.
- Understand the actual savings potential.
It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.
- Ensure proper sizing and zone control.
As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.
- Factor in non-energy benefits.
Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.
- Check the accreditation and compliance.
With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.
So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.
- Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.
This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.
- Monitor your bills after installation.
Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.
Be realistic about pay-back
Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).
However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.
Final Notes
This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.
This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.
The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.
This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:
- Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
- Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
- Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
- A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.
So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!
Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.
About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.
“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.
Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.
If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.
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