Thursday 13/11/2008 Page: 19
TIMES are tight in the business world but more small firms are discovering going green can help cut costs. From abattoirs and hotels to office towers and care homes, Queensland companies have been making big cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions. Karin Dawson, of the Manly Hotel, in Brisbane's bayside, said it had cut its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17 tonnes with some simple and cheap changes."We've got recycling programs for pretty much every sort of waste we slued the office paper and give that to a local pet store," she said. "We upgraded the airconditioners to more efficient models, we turn lights off and we cut the temperature of the hot water'." As part of The Courier-Mail's One Degree Challenge, we are are looking for a small business to join four households in cutting greenhouse emissions.
Each group will be audited by energy company Origin Energy and will complete our One Degree Carbon Calculator. The Manly Hotel was among 17 smaller companies recognised in the State Government's ecoBiz program yesterday. Another was Queensland Complete Printing Services (QPrint) at Nambour, which is switching all its power to renewable energy from Origin Energy after saving 30 per cent on electricity.
QPrint planning manager Don Parry said: "Because we reinvested our savings to buy green electricity, we can cut our greenhouse emissions from energy to virtually zero without it increasing our cost of production." Among QPrint's measures were installing more efficient airconditioners and lighting, and turning off machinery not being used.
"All these things can be simple and easy," Mr Parry said. "When the benefits are both financial and environmental. the idea has got real legs to it." Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara said: "These companies are reducing water and energy consumption, waste and greenhouse gases, and their carbon footprint. "At the same time, they are spending less on their operating costs, gaining a competitive advantage, and placing Queensland businesses at the forefront of eco-efficient practices."
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