TWENTY businesses are being sought to take part in a scheme to improve their efficiencies. 

The Office of Climate Change, the Department of Environment Resource Management and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation have appointed Green at Heart and the Missing Link and ARUP as ClimateSmart Business Cluster Program co-ordinators.

While the Climate Smart Home Service has been available in the Far North for homes, the business program has not been available
until now.

Sophie Barrett of Green at Heart said the business clusters program was a six-month efficiency improvement process guided by a cluster leader to help businesses find ways to improve energy, water, waste and business efficiency.

The Far North ClimateSmart Business Cluster will mentor 20 businesses over six months, helping them to incorporate sustainability into their businesses and save money on the rising cost of utilities.

"The timing of this announcement comes perfectly to help address the concerns of Far North businesses about possible rising costs from the soon to be implemented carbon tax," Ms Barrett said.

"Savings of up to $2000 on annual utility costs could be expected by putting into place simple cost-effective initiatives, as have other businesses who have joined the program in southern Queensland."

Ms Barrett said businesses were concerned with rising costs and they wanted to do their part but were unsure of where to start.

She said the program, valued at $3300, was available for only $330.

The Missing Link environmental consultant Kim Forde said they expected businesses to easily save this investment in the first year.

"The program is open to small businesses with up to 40 employees throughout the region and will be presented through workshops, an onsite audit and action plan and online forum," she said.

"Support and mentoring will be provided throughout by expert sustainability consultants."

More than 1500 businesses have joined the clusters program in Queensland with the first 600 businesses completing the program achieving annual savings of $2700 per business.

The Far North cluster is supported by Advance Cairns, Austropex, Cairns Regional Council, TAFE, Building Designers Association of NQ and the Tropical Green Building network.

The program starts in February and businesses have to register by tomorrow by contacting climatesmart@greenatheart.com.au or by phoning 4038 3558.

Share this article