Leanne Shaw, co-owner of Queensbury Studio massage and day spa business has invested in solar hot water to cut down on her overheads

On a busy day at work, Leanne can have up to four loads of towels and robes to wash, which is why she decided that making a change would be good for business.

 "We had a gas system for our hot water" explains Leanne, "but we thought we could do better for the planet and save some money at the same time."

She hasn't been disappointed either. Her Apricus evacuated tubes system, provides all the hot water she needs on sunny days, and pre-heats the water when it's cloudy. Combined with her 1Kw solar system, this is reducing her energy use, whilst still providing all the comfort her clients need.

 Tanya Black, the co-coordinator of the Refit n' Save project in Hepburn Shire, believes it is possible for many local businesses to make significant savings on their overheads with renewable technologies. She says:

 "We've put together some great packages for B&Bs and other householders, to help them become energy smart and reduce their bills. Heating water can account for up to 25% of your energy bills and this can be more if you do a lot of washing like Leanne does. There are rebates and tax incentives available too, so it's a good time to invest in updating your business."

Along with being energy smart Leanne is also water wise, with a diverter on her washing machine keeping her beautiful garden lush all through the drought, along with her new water tanks down the side of the house.It doesn't take much to live more sustanainably and there's no denying that it's good for businesses too.