Victorian small businesses to tackle climate change
18 November 2008
Victoria's small to medium enterprises are being encouraged to join a new program that aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings joined the Victorian Chamber and Commerce and Industry and Sustainability Victoria at the official launch of the Carbon Down initiative today.
"The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victorian business and the wider community to play their part in cutting greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Jennings said.
"We are committed to supporting industry in adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.
"The business sectors involved in the Carbon Down initiative will include manufacturing, transport and logistics, property management, tourism, and energy.
"These project partners know their members and their supply chains and can help deliver targeted advice and innovative solutions to Victoria's small to medium enterprises, helping them to cut costs, save energy and prepare for a carbon-constrained economy.
VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Kayler-Thomson said Carbon Down is designed to support small to medium enterprises reduce their carbon footprint through project partnership.
"Carbon Down is a unique Government and business initiative in that it will supply funding, knowledge and support for projects that help small to medium enterprises find new ways of thinking and operating in the carbon-constrained economy, and make it easier for them to understand and take action on climate change," Mr Kayler-Thomson said.
"Carbon Down will invest in existing programs and products - as well as new ideas - that engage with the small and medium-sized suppliers and customers of Victorian corporate businesses, helping generate environmental sustainability across a range of industry sectors."
The program will provide valuable information on the environmental impact of Victoria's small to medium enterprise market, setting a benchmark from which to measure carbon reductions.
"Addressing the challenges of climate change needs to happen across all areas of the economy, both large and small. Carbon Down is the next step in helping Victoria's small to medium enterprises to assess, measure and reduce their environmental footprint," Mr Jennings said.
For more information on the Carbon Down program visit www.carbondown.com.au
