Environment and Resource Management

FAQs

I am a small business - can I still join?

Yes. We also have a series of industry sector guides that can be useful for small businesses.

How much does it cost to join the program?

The ecoBiz program is completely free. The only cost incurred is if you decide to engage an ecoBiz facilitator for additional support. See the next question for further details.

Is there any assistance available to help me through the ecoBiz program?

I have had environmental compliance issues - can I still join?

Yes, provided your business is currently in compliance with environmental legislation.

We've already reduced our water/electricity as much as we can so how can ecoBiz help us?

Great, by recording the reductions the business has made you may be able to get recognition for those great savings by becoming a ecoBiz Partner right away.   

Also, by following the ecoBiz process, you may be surprised at what other opportunities you identify to reduce your resource usage or minimise your waste output.

How long does ecoBiz take?

A normal timeframe from joining the program to becoming a Partner is between 6 and 18 months, depending on whether your business has already implemented any eco-efficiency initiatives.

Who else is involved in ecoBiz?

We have over 500 participants in the ecoBiz program ranging from small cafes and offices to large manufacturing and processing facilities. You can find a full list of our current partners here.

How do I get the Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) licensing fee discount?

To receive the 10% discount off your ERA, you will need to become an ecoBiz Partner.

See the Become eligible for environmental licensing discounts section at the bottom of The benefits to your business page for more details.

How do I become an ecoBiz 'partner'?

To become an ecoBiz Partner you must demonstrate improved eco-efficiency in your business operations and achieve at least a 10% reduction in one metric of greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water or waste and increased no more than 5% in remaining metrics.

How will my business be promoted once I'm a partner?

Your achievements in implementing eco-efficiency will be promoted in a range of ways including:

Who can get an ecoBiz Rebate?

To be considered eligible for an ecoBiz rebate, both the business and the project must meet the eligibility criteria laid out in the ecoBiz rebate guidelines (PDF, 157K)*.

Government owned or funded organisations are NOT eligible for a rebate under the ecoBiz program.

How much is the ecoBiz rebate?

ecoBiz rebates of 30 percent of project costs up to $150,000 are available to support projects that will:

I have already started or completed an eco-efficiency project so is it too late to apply for a rebate?

Yes.  Businesses must be able to report before and after results for their project. Therefore, rebates are only available for projects where a business has completed a Baseline Assessment of the resource usage and the project has been identified in an approved eco-efficiency improvement plan.

Can I receive a rebate for solar panels and/or rainwater tanks?

No, solar panels and rainwater tanks are becoming more common as standard practice not only in the community but businesses as well.

When can I apply for a ecoBiz rebate?

Businesses at anytime can complete an ecoBiz Rebate Expression of Interest Form (PDF, 102K)*, which will be considered by Departmental officers. If the project is considered eligible, a formal application will be requested.

How long does it take for a rebate application to be assessed?

The rebate assessment process is dependent on a number of factors including the completeness and integrity of the information supplied by the applicant, and establishing the regulatory compliance status of the business.

I'm not sure what some of the terms on your website mean?

View our glossary (PDF, 234K)* for a listing of eco-efficiency terms used on the ecoBiz website.

 

If you have any other questions or would like further help please don't hesitate to contact ecoBiz@derm.qld.gov.au

* Requires Adobe Reader

Last updated 16 February 2012

ecoBiz

Topics in this site