A website tool is helping Queensland manufacturers save money and lower their carbon footprint in the lead up to a climate positive Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Advancing Renewables in Manufacturing project, which is funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Queensland Government and supported by Australian Industry Group (AiG), helps businesses in the state's manufacturing sector find energy cost savings, if they switch to renewables.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said a recent sample of 20 Queensland manufacturers showed there are large savings to be had, for businesses looking to go greener.
"Over the 20 businesses, an average of 22 per cent potential energy savings were identified and nearly every business found some energy savings that could be made, by making the switch.
"That includes one engineering and fabrication business in central Queensland, which found they could save 55 per cent on energy, by making the switch to renewables.
"This is going to be crucial in the future and especially in the lead-up to 2032, so it's important to see where changes can be made now," he said.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to establishing Queensland as a renewable energy powerhouse and this project delivers a valuable tool in that mission.
"This is good, practical help for the manufacturing sector as the push to grow our local manufacturing base through cheaper, cleaner energy.
"We know that Queensland manufacturers are world leaders, and many have expressed an interest in learning how to reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to grow their business.
"This is especially true ahead of Brisbane 2032, which will be a climate positive Games. A climate positive Brisbane 2032 will accelerate Queensland's progress towards a sustainable, low carbon economy and offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our offerings globally.
"To be climate positive, Brisbane 2032 will minimise emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, offset more than 100 per cent of any remaining emissions and influence the market to create change.
"Early estimates indicate a significant portion of Brisbane 2032 emissions will be supply chain related.
"Queensland businesses are keen to compete for procurement opportunities and to do so they must be ready to demonstrate their ability to meet climate credentials and minimise environmental impact," he said.
The website, www.energysustainability.com.au will help each business owner determine if the switch would save them money by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
"The Advancing Renewables in Manufacturing Project is another way the Palaszczuk Government is helping to provide practical help to the many Queensland manufacturers who want to adopt renewable energy as their primary source but don't know where to start," Minister Butcher said.
In addition to providing cost information, the web-based platform was designed to educate manufacturers and help them self-assess their own business' opportunities to transition to renewables in a cost-effective way.
"The website helps manufacturers assess their business through an energy management plan, understand their energy bills, and provides case studies as examples of proposed energy savings," Ai Group Policy & Project Lead, Mel Ireland said.
"Right from the outset, this project's primary objective has been to improve energy productivity and efficiencies. The findings from this project underpin the content for the 'Introduction to Industry 4.0 – Using Emerging Technologies to Decarbonise your business' events the Department is rolling out around the state over the coming months."
Visit the website to learn more: https://www.energysustainability.com.au/
