Call for industry to help fund research

Australian
Friday 11/5/2007 Page: 9

THE Carpenter Government will establish an office of climate change and ask industry to match its contributions to research into new technology for large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. A $36.5 million Low Emission Energy Development Fund, part of yesterday's West Australian budget, will support research towards technology breakthroughs and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Labor Government's seventh budget included an announcement that it would seek matching contributions to the fund from industry and the commonwealth Government. A panel of government appointees will call for expressions of interest from proponents of initiatives including hot rocks, geosequestration and clean coal. Premier Alan Carpenter hopes the fund will help reduce Western Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in keeping with federal Labor's plan to cut emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by 2050.

Mr Carpenter has already announced plans to compel new home builders to install solar or five-star gas hot water systems, water-efficient shower heads and tap fittings in all sinks and basins, water efficient dual-flush toilets and pool blankets for new pools to reduce evaporation rates.

From next year, new home owners must install plumbing for a future alternative water supply and drainage for grey water. The Department of Environment's new climate change office was part of a $100 million commitment over five years to sustainability. Householders will be rewarded with rebates for using water-wise products in a $9 million scheme.

The Government will also spend $19.5 million over the next five years to secure 20 per cent of its departmental and ministerial electricity requirements from accredited renewable energy sources.

CarbonShift chief executive Michael Molitor, a consultant on the reduction of carbon emissions, said the Five Star Plus building initiative being adopted by the Carpenter Government for new housing was excellent. But Dr Molitor said the amount of the Government's research fund seemed small. However, he said industry contributions could make a difference and companies were now more motivated to address the issue.

"Climate change is a business risk like any other business risk," Dr Molitor said. "Companies are getting hit by their customers on this issue, and investors are saying: 'We see risk around your greenhouse gas emissions'. "