Appliance cashbacks for businesses to invest in energy efficient equipment is a positive step to support business on their energy efficiency and sustainability journey, the state’s peak business body says.
Announced this week, the Queensland Business Energy Saving Transformation program comes as Business Chamber Queensland called for targeted funding for businesses to invest in sustainable technology and practices ahead of the FY 24 State Budget.
CEO Heidi Cooper said businesses could capitalise on the cashback offer to realise immediate and long-term business benefits.
“We know business operating costs are at record highs and energy and power prices are contributing to the high cost of doing business,” Ms Cooper said.
“We’re seeing an increasingly stretched business community in Queensland so any ability to relieve some of those significant overheads is welcome.
“Investing in energy efficient equipment is an important step for business to help take some of the sting out of their power bills.
“We’ve been working with the State Government to bring energy efficiency and sustainable business measures to the forefront, to ensure the state’s business community is supported to manage day-to-day and empowered to continue the important role they have in the future of the state’s economy.
“But there is still work to do and we’ll continue working with business and government to ensure there is further support for businesses to scale, grow and diversify their sustainable business practices.”
Ms Cooper said adopting energy efficiency was critical for businesses starting or developing their business sustainability.
“Sustainable businesses are seeing immediate cost saving and long-term competitive benefits,” Ms Cooper said.
“Sustainable business is no longer a brand value-add but a critical consideration to secure future-ready businesses, meet supply chain needs, respond to evolving consumer demand and realise market-driven opportunities.
“It also means businesses can be competitive for procurement, export and trade internationally and maximise a sustainable Olympics legacy.”
For more tips to increase business energy efficiency, see Business Chamber Queensland’s free ecoBiz program and the Energy Efficient Action Toolkit.
