INTERNATIONAL GUEST TELLS QUEENSLAND BUSINESSES ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVANTAGE

PLEASE NOTE AMENDED TIMES

Queensland businesses are being encouraged to help preserve our precious natural resources, which will not only change their business practices, but could result in significant cost savings Minister for Environment Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Beattie Government through the Environmental Protection Agency and Commerce Queensland have invited 400 businesses to attend a free seminar with an international leader in corporate sustainability strategies in Brisbane tomorrow..

Dr Bob Willard, author of ‘The Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line’ and ‘The Next Sustainability Wave: Building Boardroom Buy-in’ is an expert on the business value of eco-efficiency.

Ms Nelson-Carr said many businesses are not yet aware of the competitive advantage sustainable business practices can offer them.

“Businesses can take steps to streamline their operations and reduce energy, water and waste, which can save them thousands of dollars a year, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“For instance, Barramundi Blue was able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by half, simply by changing to a system that used gravity to circulate water through its fish tanks,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The EPA recognises the extensive expertise Dr Willard is able to bring to Australian businesses, with a distinguished career with IBM behind him among other qualifications,” she said.

“If we want Queensland businesses to think long-term and consider the big-picture, we have to give them the tools to become eco-efficient; to use less energy, less water and less resources,” she said.

“The continuing drought in Australia is just one example which has provided the impetus needed to search for new ways to be sustainable,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Dr Willard worked for computer giant, IBM for 34 years and will offer insights into practical applications, relevant to small and large Queensland businesses.

Commerce Queensland (CQ), who partnered with the EPA to bring Dr Willard to Australia, said it was important businesses were forward thinking.

“Commerce Queensland wants to be seen as an organisation that promotes sustainability because of the enormous financial benefits it provides to industry,” CQ President, Beatrice Booth said.

The seminar with Dr Willard is taking place tomorrow, Friday 13 October from 2pm at the Bardon Conference Centre, Mt Coot-tha.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002