GB Environmental Pty Ltd (GB Environmental) has had restrictions placed on its Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) accreditation for three months, for breaching the program rules in places including Pakenham.
The Essential Services Commission alleges GB Environmental and contractors working on its behalf:
– failed to obtain consumer consent before completing two car park lighting upgrades
– provided false information to the commission about the consumer
– failed to use appropriate lighting designers for 14 car park and other lighting upgrades.
“Undertaking upgrades without the knowledge or consent of the energy consumers is a serious breach of the VEU rules. It removes consumer choice, risks property damage, and undermines
program integrity and trust,“ ESC Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“Restricting GB Environmental’s VEU accreditation sends a strong message to all VEU accredited businesses that the commission takes action against anyone that breaks the rules.
“Importantly, as a result of this action GB Environmental has committed to improving its practices to avoid future breaches.”
The commission has restricted GB Environmental’s VEU accreditation, preventing the business from undertaking VEU non-building-based lighting upgrades for three months.
GB Environmental voluntarily withdrew 1,178 certificates, which are allegedly non-compliant, valued at over $100,000 (as of 22 July 2025).
Since the investigation, a qualified lighting designer has assessed the 14 car park and other lighting upgrade designs as compliant with the VEU program rules.
Addressing conduct that compromises market integrity is a compliance and enforcement priority of the commission.
This includes a focus on businesses that provide false information to the commission about VEU upgrades.
The commission said accredited businesses must ensure that certificates they create for VEU upgrades and anyone doing work on their behalf comply with the rules.
