Preparing Queensland business for a low-carbon economy

Climate change is much more than an environmental issue - it's a major business issue. It will affect all Queensland business industries and regions. For the first time from July 2011, many parts of the Australian economy will be subject to a carbon price under the Australian Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) with many firms already required to report under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) system.

The introduction of a domestic carbon price under the CPRS will have consequences for the way in which all Queenslanders do business. As one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the country in both absolute and per capita terms, Queensland has much to gain from early action on climate change and forging new opportunities for all sectors of our economy.

It is clear from surveys of business and other analyses that the business community is under-prepared for climate change. Equally, there is much that can be done to business operations that can easily reduce emissions cost-effectively and with plenty of benefits such as improved business operations.

The Queensland Government has a range of programs and initiatives that help business understand the potential financial costs of carbon trading and develop and implement practical and innovative solutions to low carbon growth.

Queensland climate change and business programs

Carbon Outlook
Carbon Outlook is an Australian first, cutting edge industry analysis of the impacts and opportunities of emissions trading on Queensland's small to medium enterprises (SMEs) under the Australian Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

Queensland Business Guide to a Low-Carbon Economy
This document is designed to help businesses prioritise strategies as they determine the best mix of abatement, efficiency and offsetting measures.

ClimateSmart Business Service
Starting 1 July 2010 the ClimateSmart Business Service will help Queensland SMEs reduce emissions, prepare for the introduction of carbon costs and become lean and green.

EcoBiz
EcoBiz assists businesses to identify efficiencies in waste, water and energy for financial and environmental benefits.

Journey towards sustainable manufacturing excellence
A simple four-step process to help Queensland manufacturing firms tackle the challenges and exploit the opportunities that sustainable manufacturing presents.

EcoEfficiency for Queensland manufacturers
An online tool including industry specific fact sheets to assist Queensland manufacturers to implement ecoefficient practices.

QMI Solutions
QMI Solutions is a nationally recognised provider of best practice technology diffusion services. The organisation helps companies on the journey to manufacturing excellence through its knowledge and expertise, applied research and advanced training.

ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland
ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland presents the next phase in Queensland's response to the challenge of climate change. The revised strategy presents investments and policies to ensure Queensland remains at the forefront of the national climate change response.

Funding programs
There are many funding programs available at a state and national level to drive innovation and uptake of climate friendly activities.

Tools for business
There are a range of tools and resources available, including:

• Assessing the impacts
• Measuring and reducing emissions
• Energy efficiency
• Carbon offsets
• Marketing and promotion
• Renewable energy
• Reporting and compliance
• Industry specific tools
• Useful programs and links
• Fact sheets