NSW Government hosts discussion on low-carbon economy

Posted by Josette Dunn on 15th February 2010

The NSW Government will today host a roundtable discussion on the opportunities and risks for businesses in moving to a low-carbon economy, Minister for State Development Ian Macdonald said.

World on a Plate

Mr Macdonald said up to 30 people are expecting to attend the round table in Sydney to hear from Dr David Vincent, the UK Carbon Trust’s Director of Projects.

“The Carbon Trust, a not-for-profit company set up by the UK government in 2001, is a leader in helping businesses prepare for a low-carbon economy.

“The Carbon Trust cuts carbon emissions by giving private business and the public sector expert advice, finance and accreditation to help them reduce their carbon footprint and to stimulate demand for low carbon products and services.”

“Major companies that will be represented at the round table, hosted by Industry & Investment NSW and UK Trade & Investment, include Bovis Lend Lease, Qantas, Westpac, the Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, Goodman Fielder and Westfield.

In 2008 alone, the Carbon Trust supported half a million UK businesses, saving companies up to £227 million from their annual energy bills and cutting up to 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from their annual emissions.

The Carbon Trust has:

  •  advised 75 per cent of the London Stock Exchange’s 100 largest companies
  •  helped UK businesses save more than 23 million tonnes of CO2 and £1.4 billion in energy costs
  •  catalysed about £1 billion of third party investment in the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies
  •  supported the development of more than 250 new low-carbon technology projects and companies in the UK.

The Carbon Trust is undertaking world-leading projects in the offshore wind, marine energy, biomass, CHP, algae and advanced solar power sectors.

Mr Macdonald said the round table provides an opportunity for business leaders to learn more about the impact on jobs and economic growth in a low carbon economy.

“Australia is moving towards a low-carbon economy and businesses must prepare for this.

“Dr Vincent has more than 30 years’ experience in the clean energy, climate change mitigation and energy efficiency industries.  By sharing his expertise and experience, Dr Vincent will help to increase awareness among NSW businesses of how they can operate effectively and profitably in a low-carbon economy.”

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