BUSINESS GIVEN BOTTOM LINE ABOUT SAVING WATER AND ENERGY

A State Government program that could save thousands of dollars – and save precious water and energy supplies – was the topic over breakfast today for 160 Ipswich businesses.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today told the gathering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ipswich City Council had formed an alliance to promote the EPA’s ecoBiz program to business and industry.

More than 200 businesses across Queensland are part of ecoBiz.

Thirteen of those have received ecoBiz rebates and, collectively in just 12 months, could save 530 megalitres of water which is equivalent to 11,000 backyard swimming pools, 50 million megajoules of energy which is equivalent to powering 2000 homes in one year, and reduce solid waste by 15,000 tonnes.

“This means those companies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 16,500 tonnes,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“That is the equivalent to taking 4000 cars off the road for a year.”

Following the breakfast, Ms Nelson-Carr and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale toured Ipswich company Sunfresh Linen which is expecting significant savings under the program.

The company recently installed improved washing and drying equipment which has doubled its production and will reduce its chemical, energy, gas and water costs by $120,000 a year.

“Sunfresh Linen has estimated it will reduce its water use by 73 per cent, which is significant given that Queensland is experiencing the worst drought in 100 years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Its technology could be a model for other laundry services across the state.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said she hoped many more businesses could become part of the ecoBiz program to improve their bottom line.

“It is particularly relevant given the environmental issues facing us today, including global warming,” she said.

Another six councils have pledged support for the ecoBiz program including Noosa, Redlands,Townsville, Mackay, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Logan.

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