Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Townsville businesses commended for commitment to saving water and energy
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today praised Townsville businesses for their dedication to the environment, with more than 70 local companies expected to attend an information session today that could potentially save them thousands of dollars while conserving precious water and energy supplies.
“I’m pleased to see Townsville residents taking steps to ensure that their business is environmentally sound and profitable,” Ms Nelson-Carr said
“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with Townsville City Council and the Department of State Development, will be hosting an information session this afternoon about the ecoBiz program, which provides rebates of up to $150,000 to help companies save energy and water.
“Nearly 300 businesses across Queensland have joined the ecoBiz program since the program began two years ago.
“During that time, the EPA has issued $1.68 million in rebates and the participating companies have spent $9.94 million to implement eco-efficient practices.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said while industry can make significant cost savings, the program also has a major environmental benefit.
“Collectively businesses involved in our program have the potential to save 577 megalitres of water, equivalent to 12,000 backyard swimming pools; 68,500 gigajoules of power which is enough to power 1,800 homes for a year and reduce solid waste by 15,000 tonnes,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“They also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18,300 tonnes, equal to taking 4,500 cars off the road for 12 months.”
“These savings are significant and important, particularly given the environmental issues facing us today, including global warming,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“For most companies, $1000 in savings equates to $20,000 in sales.”
Townsville City Council joins Noosa, Redlands, Gladstone, Mackay, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Logan councils who are all supporting the ecoBiz program.
The ecoBiz information session for Townsville businesses is being held at the Central City Hotel, Townsville, from 5.30pm today (Tuesday 7 August 2007)
Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004
“I’m pleased to see Townsville residents taking steps to ensure that their business is environmentally sound and profitable,” Ms Nelson-Carr said
“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with Townsville City Council and the Department of State Development, will be hosting an information session this afternoon about the ecoBiz program, which provides rebates of up to $150,000 to help companies save energy and water.
“Nearly 300 businesses across Queensland have joined the ecoBiz program since the program began two years ago.
“During that time, the EPA has issued $1.68 million in rebates and the participating companies have spent $9.94 million to implement eco-efficient practices.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said while industry can make significant cost savings, the program also has a major environmental benefit.
“Collectively businesses involved in our program have the potential to save 577 megalitres of water, equivalent to 12,000 backyard swimming pools; 68,500 gigajoules of power which is enough to power 1,800 homes for a year and reduce solid waste by 15,000 tonnes,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“They also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18,300 tonnes, equal to taking 4,500 cars off the road for 12 months.”
“These savings are significant and important, particularly given the environmental issues facing us today, including global warming,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“For most companies, $1000 in savings equates to $20,000 in sales.”
Townsville City Council joins Noosa, Redlands, Gladstone, Mackay, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Logan councils who are all supporting the ecoBiz program.
The ecoBiz information session for Townsville businesses is being held at the Central City Hotel, Townsville, from 5.30pm today (Tuesday 7 August 2007)
Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004