Businesses team up to save money and environment

Businesses keen to learn more about saving money on energy and water while also reducing their impact on the environment have until Tuesday (24 November) to sign up for round two of a State Government program aimed at getting companies ready for a low carbon future.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said one-off funding of $10,000 was available for businesses to team up with others in their community to find ways of improving their energy, waste and water efficiency.

“ClimateSmart Business Clusters is all about Queensland businesses teaming up and working together to identify opportunities and increase their knowledge on how to improve energy, water and waste efficiency,” Mr Pitt said.

“We’ve got $300,000 available to fund up to 30 business clusters across the state.

“We’re determined to help Queenslanders and Queensland companies get ready for a low carbon economy and the ClimateSmart Business Cluster program is just one of a number of initiatives we’ve introduced.

“For companies operating at a five per cent profit margin, every $5,000 in savings has the same impact as an additional $100,000 in sales.

“That $5,000 is money made without additional staff or material costs. It’s direct profit.

“For small and medium businesses, becoming climate smart not only makes good business sense, it also makes enterprises more resilient to the current economic climate.”

Mr Pitt said more than 450 businesses were already participating in 28 clusters across Queensland.

”The Cairns Central Cluster has projected an annual energy saving of more than 239,000 kilowatts. That’s equivalent to a reduction of 250 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions and more than $40,000 in energy cost savings,” he said.

“And in South East Queensland, an Independent Schools Cluster is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 3,900 tonnes of greenhouse gases, 67 megalitres of water and 8,000 cubic metres of waste to landfill every year.”

Businesses, associations and consultants interested in forming a ClimateSmart Business Cluster can register their expressions of interest before 24 November by emailing the Clusters team at business.clusters@derm.qld.gov.au or telephoning 1300 130372.