Demands to be paid for going green

Courier Mail
Tuesday July 13, 2010 Page: 24

Business is seeking financial incentives to slash energy usage and cut greenhouse gases as the Gillard Government considers a "green" policy blueprint. And industry experts want Canberra to back cutting-edge research and development to help companies make the transition to a low-carbon economy. The calls come as a national survey of companies rejected "heavy-handed approaches" - including a carbon trading scheme - until a global framework was completed.

Federal Cabinet will today consider a climate change blueprint with a heavy emphasis on a national energy savings scheme. And business is thought to be an important focus of the plan, expected to be unveiled within days by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Energy Efficiency Council chief executive Rob Murray Leach called on the Government to tackle energy market reform, including a requirement for electricity distributors to invest in energy efficiency reforms.

And he wanted Canberra to set "minimum targets" for the top 200 firms in Australia to cut their power usage. Senior ministers will today consider a raft of measures, including a scheme to drive energy efficiency across industry and households. Mr Murray-Leach argues energy efficiency measures have huge upside for companies even though management may baulk at the up front costs. But the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sounded a warning note against any move by the Government to re-impose a carbon tax after last December's disappointment at Copenhagen.

"In the absence of a global consensus where other countries carry their fair share, the Government should look to policies which are measured, practical and more carrot than stick", ACCI chief executive Peter Anderson said. The ACCI head said business was keen on measures "where there is common ground on reducing environmental impact and business costs". He supported tax incentives but said, "taxing our economy with a carbon tax or unilateral emissions trading scheme has low business support in the current environment".

A national survey of 1000 businesses found energy costs were the biggest infrastructure concern. Some companies have already booked decent gains after investing in various energy efficiency measures including simple changes such as relocating heating and cooling functions at factories. Mr Murray-Leach mentioned one large firm that saved enough energy to power up to 100,000 households.