Business sustainability
Sustainability—Managing risk and creating opportunities
Our mission is to help Queensland industry to invest, compete and profit sustainably. The costs of resources such as energy, water, and waste management are rising along with costs associated with carbon emissions. In addition to this, there is an increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and services. DERM can help you manage these risks and opportunities through the programs delivered by the Sustainable Industries Branch.
Information
reThink Business Waste Program
The reThink Business Waste Services Program has been developed to help Queensland business reduce the amount of waste they are sending to landfill. In addition to tools and information, a $750 subsidy is available to help businesses review existing waste management practices, identify actions and introduce a new resource recovery service.
Carbon guide
This simple, easy to understand carbon guide (PDF, 1.6M)* will help de-mystify the jargon and clarify the impact climate change, eco-efficiency, carbon reduction and resource efficiency can have on your business.
Sustainability roadmap
This strategy map provides the framework for businesses that want to take up all the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in order to improve their environmental impact and bottom line.
Energy facts - lighting and appliances
Energy costs for lighting and appliances are a major concern for business. These energy facts demonstrate operational and standby cost differences for lighting, appliances and general office equipment.
Getting started
Top 10 workplace tips
These 10 workplace tips (PDF, 73K)* provide low cost carbon cutting, cost saving tips will help everyone in the workplace to save energy, water and reduce waste.
Carbon calculator
Get your business started on the road to sustainability with the ecoBiz carbon calculator. You can calculate your business' greenhouse gas emissions by entering your annual usage of energy, waste, water, gas, and fuels.
Eco-efficiency for business
These comprehensive fact sheets are part of the ecoBiz Small Business Edition of the ecoBiz program which helps Queensland businesses to profit from carbon reduction programs.
Eco-efficiency for cafés
This fact sheet on eco-efficiency for cafés (PDF, 329K)* provides money saving eco-efficiency tips that you can implement in your cafe.
Eco-efficiency for retailers
This fact sheet on eco-efficiency for retailers (PDF, 230K)* will broaden your awareness as well as provide you with money saving eco-efficiency tips that you can implement in your shop.
Eco-efficiency for offices
This fact sheet on eco-efficiency for offices (PDF, 223K)* will broaden your awareness as well as provide you with money saving eco-efficiency tips that you can implement in your office.
Support
ecoBiz program
Get your business involved in the free ecoBiz program and find out how your business can profit from eco-efficiency.
QSEIF program
Providing funding and support for the development and commercialisation of new patentable water and energy saving technologies; the Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF).
ClimateSmart Business Associations program
Assisting industry and business associations to lead their membership towards improved environmental performance. Read more about ClimateSmart Business Associations.
ClimateSmart Retail program
Find out how your retail organisation can profit from participation in the ClimateSmart Retail program.
ClimateSmart Business Clusters program
The ClimateSmart Business Clusters program supports groups of small and medium enterprises in achieving efficiencies together to help Queensland lower greenhouse gas emissions, save on energy, water, materials and waste. Read more on the ClimateSmart site.
Networking
QWESTNet Forums
The Queensland Water and Energy Sustainable Technologies Network (QWESTNet) connects Queensland businesses with sustainable technology users and retailers in an informal environment where technologies, independent overviews and business case studies are presented and discussed. Audio presentations from previous forums are also available for viewing.
Recognition
The Department of Environment and Resource Management recognises business and industry for their commitment to eco-efficiency and improved environmental performance.
ecoBiz partnership
By completing the six steps to sustainability as part of DERM's ecoBiz program, your business can achieve partnership status and receive licensing discounts, representing your business' commitment to environmental sustainability. Read more about eboBiz partnerships.
The Premier's ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards
The Premier's ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards showcases Queensland business leaders, companies and technologies that have set new benchmarks in environmental performance.
Contact us
For further information please contact:
Sustainable Industries Branch
Department of Environment and Resource Management
GPO Box 2454
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Queensland Government Call Centre - 13 74 68 (13 QGOV)
Fax - 07 3330 5515
Email - sustainable.industries@derm.qld.gov.au
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 1 November 2011