Sustainability
What is sustainability?
Environmental sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. By becoming sustainable, we can reduce our environmental footprint and help preserve the world’s precious natural resources.
Business Sustainability
Business sustainability involves strategies and practices that aim to meet the needs of today's society without compromising the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future. Business and industry has a crucial role to play in helping Australia to become more sustainable and competitive. As a result, many Australian organisations and industries are responding by reducing their environmental impacts and risks through improved environmental management practices and efficient use of natural resources.
DERM's Sustainable Industries Branch has information, programs and support to assist your business to cut carbon, save money and remain competitive in a resource and carbon constrained environment.
Information
Learn about climate change and the impacts of carbon and how you can reduce emissions. The Sustainability Roadmap can provide a framework to steer your business towards sustainability. Read more.
Get Started
Find out what actions you can take now in your business with the Top Ten Workplace Tips, How to Guides, and Eco Efficiency for Cafes, Retailers and Offices. Read more.
Support
Find programs to support your business sustainability ranging from general business practices, selecting eco-efficient electrical appliances, and rebates to assist in the commercialisation of a sustainable innovation. Read more.
Networking
Connect with sustainable technology users and suppliers through regular forums conducted at locations around Queensland. Read more.
Recognition
Gain recognition and be part of the Queensland business leaders awards showcase for your business' commitment to eco-efficiency and improved environmental performance. Read more.
Household Sustainability
No matter what style of housing you live in, there are many ways to save energy and water and reduce waste in and around your home. You can make smarter choices for your home, even if you’re renting. If you’re building or renovating, there are even more sustainable options available to you.
When we drive the car, take a shower, make a cup of tea, cook a meal or listen to a CD we use energy and that releases CO2.
The average Australian household releases around 13 000 kg of CO2 each year. By contrast, the average Swedish household’s contribution is only 6800 kg.
By reducing our household carbon footprint we can all do something about climate change. It begins with simple actions, such as deciding what you want from the fridge before opening the door and hanging your washing on the clothes line rather than using the drier. And the great bit is that it is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Everyone can help address climate change, so get involved!
What can you do?
- Take the Low Carbon Diet
- Register for the ClimateSmart Home Service
- Measure your carbon footprint with our Carbon Calculator
- Ladies you can join the national 1 Million Women campaign
- When buying new appliances shop at a ClimateSmart Retail store
- Take advantage of grants, rebates and funding on offer to help you go green
- Queensland motorists can help balance their vehicles’ emissions through a new vehicle offset contribution scheme – go to www.reversetheeffect.com.au
Community Groups
Sign up for the Low Carbon Diet
Join community groups around Queensland signing up to take the Low Carbon Diet. The Low Carbon Diet is a fantastic group activity to involve your members and their families.
Full details can be found here.
Tell us your story
If your community group is doing something great to tackle climate change, send us an email and tell us your story.
Read about the actions of some of our Low Carbon Diet Community Funding recipients here.
Link to us
You can be ClimateSmart and help promote the Low Carbon Diet by placing a link to the information about the Low Carbon Diet on your website.
Last updated: 21 January 2010