Gallery gets an energy makeover

The East Gippsland Art Gallery has had a significant energy makeover, thanks to East Gippsland Shire Council.

Mayor Cr John White said the improvements will enable the gallery to move towards an energy neutral art space for its daily operations.

“The gallery now has LED lighting, installation of a 4-star refrigerator, and heat pump hot water (to run during the day only) connected to a 5kW solar energy system and a new air conditioning system,” Cr White said.

“Council is rolling out energy saving projects on 10 community buildings, which will result in a saving of $45,000 per year and a total of 308 tonnes of CO2 avoided,” Cr White said.

“Council is committed to reducing its emissions and recognises that climate change is a very real challenge for all local governments.”

East Gippsland Art Gallery director Crystal Stubbs said funding from Council and Sustainability Victoria had enabled the gallery to save on energy expenses and to replace a very old air conditioner.

“The upgrade to our gallery facilities has been amazing; our new energy efficient facilities ensure that our environmental impact is minimal. I can’t thank East Gippsland Shire Council enough for their support,” Ms Stubbs said.

Council successfully received funding of $100,000 from Sustainability Victoria to provide energy efficiency and solar funding for 10 community accessed buildings. An additional $10,000 was made last month for the Local Government Energy Saver Program bringing the total available funding to $260,000, which includes a Council contribution of $150,000.

Gallery director Crystal Stubbs and Mayor Cr John White at the East Gippsland Art Gallery, which has had a significant energy makeover seeing it move towards an energy neutral art space for its daily operations.