New ecoBiz program helps businesses cut costs and protect the environment

The Palaszczuk Government is rolling out its new sustainability program to help small and medium businesses cut their costs through energy, water and waste-saving actions.

Speaking from Bulimba, Environment Minister Steven Miles said the Government had teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) to get the program to as many businesses as possible.

“This free program could see businesses cut their waste by almost half, water use by one-third and energy consumption by one-fifth,” Mr Miles said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has acted to stabilise energy prices in Queensland, but this program is going to provide additional relief to businesses by giving them simple ways to reduce the amount of energy they use.

“Not only will this partnership deliver financial savings to Queensland businesses, it will help in our efforts to tackle climate change.”

The revamped ecoBiz program received $916,000 in new funding from the Palaszczuk Government and will include sustainability ‘star-ratings’ for businesses.

“What’s great is that businesses will be able to tout their sustainability credentials by using the ‘ecoBizness’ logo,” Mr Miles said.

CEO of the CCIQ Stephen Tait said ecoBiz will help businesses save thousands of dollars across their power, water and waste bills.

“Businesses that sign up to become an ‘ecoBizness’ get access to free services including one-to-one coaching, workshops and webinars,” Mr Tait said.

“A new ecoBizness has the opportunity to measure three metrics – power, water and waste.

“An ecoBiz one-star partner measures one metric of their choice and aims to achieve a 10% savings on that metric over a 12-month period.

“A two-star partner measures two metrics of their choice and works to achieve 10% savings on both over 12 months.

“A three-star partner becomes an ecoBiz champion and is supported by us to find and make savings across all three metrics.”

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said the free program highlighted the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to supporting businesses across the state.

“The ecoBiz partnership is a great example of government and industry working together to reduce pressure on the finances of small businesses – and the environment,” Ms Enoch said.

“Helping cut their bills – and energy use - is a real win-win.”

Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer MP said that ecoBiz would be a huge support to small businesses in her area.

“It’s the chance for small businesses to reduce costs, which everyone wants of course,” Ms Farmer said.

“And I think most small businesses are very aware of being responsible with the environment.

“However most are time poor, and simply don’t have the time and resources to find out the best way to do either.

“EcoBiz will save them that time, and give them the expertise and the moral support, to cut their costs and do the right thing by the environment.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting the information out to them about the opportunities ecoBiz will present to them.”

Dr Judy Harbison of Bulimba Veterinary Surgery said: “We are always looking at ways to reduce waste and cut energy and water bills.

“Our business does use a lot of energy and water and the costs of both have risen well in excess of inflation for some time now.

“As part of a recent renovation of the practice we have installed a 15 kilowatt solar system (54 panels) to try to alleviate these increases.

“Programs such as ecoBiz are exciting because they offer the chance to get expert advice and support on what else we can do, and we hope this will lead to both cost reductions and more sustainable practices.”

ENDS

Media contact:: Katharine Wright - 0422 580342