The Queensland Government is introducing a new digital programme aimed at helping the state’s 450,000 small businesses reduce energy costs, emissions, and waste. This free ecoBiz digital platform, along with a new carbon module, is being offered in collaboration with Business Chamber Queensland. The initiative targets businesses with fewer than 200 full-time employees, helping them become more environmentally responsive, supply-chain-ready, and economically sustainable.
The programme is backed by AU$10.3 million in funding over three years from the AU$1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund. It extends a decade-long partnership between the State Government and Business Chamber Queensland, providing practical solutions for businesses to cut down on energy, water, and waste, which in turn helps reduce operational costs.
Initial data indicates significant improvements among participating businesses. On average, these businesses have decreased their energy consumption by 20%, reduced water use by 33%, and cut waste by nearly 50%, resulting in substantial financial savings.
Independent modelling suggests that Queensland’s target of a 75% reduction in emissions presents a substantial economic opportunity, potentially generating AU$430 billion, including AU$270 billion in new investments and 145,000 jobs by 2050.
Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs reflecting on the initiative, emphasised his personal understanding of the challenges small businesses face, having grown up in a small business household. He expressed pride in the Queensland Government’s support for small businesses, highlighting ecoBiz as a means to help businesses reduce costs. According to de Brenni, aiding businesses in decarbonisation not only saves them money but also contributes to more affordable products for consumers, benefiting the wider community.
The CEO of Business Chamber Queensland noted the organisation’s longstanding leadership in promoting sustainable business practices across Queensland. She highlighted the significant impact of the ecoBiz programme in helping businesses reduce their consumption of energy, water, and waste. Last financial year alone, ecoBiz participants achieved savings equivalent to the energy use of 4,000 households, the waste production of 2,400 households, and the water consumption of 41 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This translated to a reduction in emissions comparable to removing 8,400 passenger vehicles from Queensland roads for a year.
She further explained that the carbon module enhances the ecoBiz programme by offering businesses a contemporary and effective tool to reduce their carbon emissions and become more sustainable, all at no cost. The module responds to evolving consumer, market, supply chain, and investor expectations, providing businesses with the support they need to future-proof their operations.
The ecoBiz programme, developed by business for business, benefits from the expertise of a team of business sustainability experts who work closely with businesses to understand their needs. This new platform and carbon module represent a direct response to those needs, continuing to lead Queensland businesses on their sustainability journey.
The initiative demonstrates a concerted effort by both the government and Business Chamber Queensland to support small businesses in becoming more sustainable, competitive, and prepared for the future economic landscape.
This digital initiative underscores the Queensland Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive sustainability and economic efficiency. By providing small businesses with a user-friendly platform, the ecoBiz programme enables these enterprises to adopt cutting-edge solutions for reducing energy, water, and waste. The integration of the carbon module further enhances the platform’s capabilities, offering real-time insights and practical guidance to help businesses meet modern environmental standards. This approach not only supports the state’s ambitious emissions reduction targets but also equips small businesses with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
