Bligh goverment funds eco-efficient Queensland businesses

The Bligh government is providing funding of up to $150,000 for Queensland businesses with innovative plans to reduce water and energy consumption, carbon output, and waste generation.

The ecoBiz program is an EPA partnership program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, designed to help Queensland businesses adopt eco-efficient practices.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara today announced Round 4 of ecoBiz rebates open for applications.

“Projects supported by ecoBiz demonstrate their ability to reduce their water and energy consumption, and carbon and waste output," he said.

“There have been some positive environmental outcomes through the ecoBiz partnerships to date.

“For example, Reef Casino in Cairns introduced a carbon monoxide monitoring system to control ventilation in an underground carpark. They achieved a 96 per cent reduction in electricity use, the equivalent of taking 325 cars off Queensland roads.

“Another Brisbane company, Colorscreen Pty Ltd, installed an in-line screen cleaning machine, reducing water and solvent consumption by a massive 75 percent.

“The ecoBiz program helps place businesses at the forefront of eco-efficient practices and will ultimately help reduce greenhouse emissions and mitigate global warming.”

Rebate applications must be received by 31 October with eco-efficient initiatives expected to commence by mid 2009.

Further information is available at epa.qld.gov.au/ecobiz, or contact the ecoBiz call centre on 1300 369 388.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002