Page 443 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 22 March 2022
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(c) ACT Government business support for climate change action includes the community clubs program, business sustainability awards, a business recycling program, business rebates for energy and water efficiency upgrades, “Solar for business” program, a lighting efficiency web tool for businesses to check the efficiency of their lighting setup and the “Straws Suck” campaign;
(d) there are many organisations and stakeholder groups in the ACT undertaking important work to help individuals, households and businesses transition to renewable energy sources, lower their transport emissions and take other climate change activities;
(e) there are many online carbon footprint calculator tools, however:
(i) the vast majority of these are customised for household use; and
(ii) there is no clear, authoritative carbon calculator for businesses in the ACT (nor in any Australian jurisdiction or at the Federal level);
(f) the effects of COVID have had a profound impact on our local businesses and the ACT Government has had in place a range of support measures;
(g) there is opportunity for continued assistance for local businesses by helping them reduce their running costs, through energy savings and other environmental initiatives; and
(h) a single, authoritative online portal and carbon calculator for ACT businesses, together with guidance to help businesses implement actions, would be a positive contribution and support for local businesses, while also contributing to positive environmental outcomes; and
(2) calls on the ACT Government to:
(a) as a founding member of the Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum, bring forward the development or adoption of a carbon footprint calculator for businesses as an item for the Forum to investigate, including consideration of:
(i) the potential for Forum members to collaborate in creating a calculator for businesses across member jurisdictions;
(ii) existing tools that could be adopted or adapted for use by businesses operating in the ACT;
(iii) providing a clear pathway and guidance to assist businesses to reduce and/or offset their carbon emissions; and
(iv) an accreditation scheme, rewards and incentives, promotional opportunities, and/or gamification for commitment to business carbon reduction goals; and
(b) report back during the November 2022 Legislative Assembly sittings.
I am really excited to table in the Assembly today a motion that will provide ongoing support to our local businesses across the ACT. A constituent recently reached out to me, stating:
I’m a local business owner who wants to move our business towards carbon neutrality. However, there is no clear pathway or guidance for businesses to do
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