Palaszczuk Government extends ecoBiz program to help Queensland businesses

Help for small and medium sized businesses to cut costs and protect the environment will continue after almost $4 million was allocated to the highly successful ecoBiz program in the State Budget.

The funding extends the program to 2021-22 to help more Queensland businesses achieve energy and water efficiencies and reduce waste.

“This is a wonderful partnership with industry that provides practical support to small and medium businesses to reduce their utility costs and achieve tangible environmental gains,” Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said.

“ecoBiz is delivered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland and gives businesses the tools they need to reduce their energy and water consumption and waste production,” she said.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was extending ecoBiz because with this support Queensland businesses were saving money while also protecting the environment.

“The 2018-19 Budget allocation of an additional $3.945 million ensures businesses can continue to access coaching, training, and tools to improve their environmental sustainability and lower their operating costs.

“This program helps Queensland businesses save across their power, water and waste bills.

“More than 1,000 Queensland businesses have received one-on-one support from the ecoBiz program.

“Analysis shows on average businesses who participated in the program achieved 17% energy savings and 14% water savings.

“The program has also helped improve waste avoidance in Queensland, with an average 13% waste saving.

“ecoBiz partners have taken practical steps to reduce waste in their business like ditching disposable coffee cups, reducing food loss and going paperless.

“These quick wins have helped to save 24,785 tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill and support Queensland’s waste and recycling strategy.

“This is a great example of government and industry working together to take some of the pressure off businesses while supporting the environment.

“It is an important partnership to give Queensland businesses a competitive advantage and aligns with the government’s objectives to address waste, climate change and energy costs,” she said.

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