Australia will soon have its first carbon neutral business precinct, with the Grote Business Precinct working alongside the Energy Efficient Building Australia to become carbon neutral by 2020.
The Adelaide business precinct consists of approximately 400 businesses in the Grote Street area, and is undertaking the Carbon Neutral Communities program to measure its carbon footprint, become energy efficient and reduce emissions.
Businesses in the area, including CMI Toyota, Eynesbury College, Guide Dogs SA and Ethnic Broadcasters, have agreed to the charter, which was announced earlier this week by Adelaide Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.
Energy Efficient Building has been working with Energy Assessors and sustainable suppliers and services within the building industry around Australia to introduce the concept of Carbon Neutral Communities to councils, business and sustainability groups.
“Whilst the Government is in the process of introducing a carbon tax, the real opportunity for small business and the general public will come through self empowerment and knowing how to reduce their own energy usage,” Energy Efficient Building Australia Dennis Hensman said.
“This can only be achieved by a grass roots education process and that is why we have designed the Carbon Neutral Communities program. Once people realise they can make significant cost savings and benefit the environment at the same time, they will be motivated to take action.”
Creators of the Carbon Neutral Communities program, the International Energy Agency, has stated that ‘energy efficiency could deliver 65 per cent of all the global greenhouse gas abatement needed to reach a target of 450 parts per million of CO2.’
The Carbon Neutral Communities program involves four main steps:
- Measure – to an IS0 14064 standard
- Educate- workshops and seminars covering a range energy efficient subjects
- Sharing experiences – working together as a community
- Encouragement – reducing energy bills, saving money, achieving a goal
