GREENHOUSE ACTION IN QUEENSLAND COURTHOUSES

Queensland’s court houses are playing their part reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the Department of Justice and Attorney-General had recently signed a contract to buy renewable electricity for the next three years for several of its largest courts in south-east Queensland.

“Global warming and climate change are enormous challenges for our environment,” Mr Shine said.

“I am pleased the Department is now using renewable energy generation for its electricity supplies for the Supreme and District Courts in Brisbane and the Beenleigh, Brisbane, Maroochydore and Southport Magistrates courts.”

“By choosing renewable energy, these courts are using cleaner renewable energy sources.”

“It means Queensland courthouses are helping to reduce the production of greenhouse gases."

“The Department is committed to the promotion, development and use of renewable, environmentally sustainable forms of energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

"The Department projects by using renewable energy we will save 15,052 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions being produced. Australian households on average emit 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year, so the savings are the equivalent of more than 1000 homes.”

“Major steps have been taken by the Department in recent years towards becoming a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly organisation.”

“For example, the new Brisbane Magistrates Court uses the latest technologies to limit the amount of energy required to keep the building operating and to reduce the production of greenhouse gases,” he said.

Media contact:
Paul Holmes 3239 6400 or 0407 378 796
paul.holmes@ministerial.qld.gov.au