Industry News
The Australian government’s Department of Climate Change website carries a great deal of relevant information on the measures businesses need to implement over the coming years in order to comply with the new Environment-related legislation.
See: www.climatechange.gov.au/default.aspx
Specifically, we would draw your attention to these issues:
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (NGER)
The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Guidelines have been developed to help corporations understand their obligations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. By the 2010-11 reporting period, the legislation is expected to cover around 700 medium and large corporations. By 31st October 2012, all corporations emitting 25kt of CO2 or consuming 100TJ of energy will be required to provide a data report to the government. There are substantial penalties for not reporting.
See: www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/national-greenhouse-energy-reporting/~/media/publications/greenhouse-report/nger-reporting-guidelines.ashx for more information.
NSW Green Business Program
Did you know that the NSW Green Business Program provides $30million over five years for projects that will save water and energy in business operations in NSW?
Click on http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfgbp.htm for more details.
Public Facilities Program
Are you a public agency looking to save energy and lower harmful emissions, but don’t have the budget? The NSW government offers another $30million to facilities which are open to, and frequently accessed by, the public including schools, community buildings, sporting facilities, museums and art galleries.
Click on http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfpfp.htm for more details.
NSW Treasury Loan Fund
Further help for very budget dependent NSW government agencies is available under the NSW Treasury Loan Fund. For upgrades costing between $10,000 and $500,000 (or $1 million for Department of Health Projects), $40million is available under the Government Energy and Water Efficiency Investment Program (GEEIP).
The Garnaut Report
The Garnaut Climate Change Review has been commissioned by Australia's Commonwealth, state and territory governments to examine the impacts, challenges and opportunities of climate change for Australia. The final report was released on 30th September 2008.
See: http://www.garnautreview.org.au