The NSW Government is investing $22 million to help businesses make simple low-cost improvements and take practical steps to shift towards net zero emissions.
The funding will supercharge the energy and carbon abatement services sector by upskilling and expanding the workforce to meet the demand for low emissions products and services.
This support is part of the NSW Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 to reduce emissions by 70% by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050.
The program will have 4 areas of focus which will be progressively rolled out over the coming years:
1. Strategic planning for net zero
Market demand and a global momentum to net zero is driving businesses to commit to ambitious new emissions targets.
We can help you take practical steps to reduce your emissions. We are already working with industry to establish a framework to help businesses prepare for their shift to net zero.
Over the last year, we have worked with over 30 organisations and 8 service providers to pilot different approaches to develop net zero pathway plans.
We partnered with Sustainable Business Group to conduct a independent evaluation of the pilot. The NSW Net Zero Pathways pilot - Lessons learned and next steps shares key findings and recommendations from the evaluation.
Read the NSW Net Zero Pathways pilot - lessons learned and next steps.
Blackmores is one business leading the way. Participating in the pilot helped to capture the benefits of the global transition to net zero. Sally Townsend, Head of Sustainability at Blackmores, said the partnership enabled them to map a credible pathway to a net zero emissions future.
‘We’re proud to have committed to net zero emissions by 2030 knowing that it will add value to our business and will contribute to the protection of our precious natural resources for future generations. By exploring the potential for emissions reductions across our operations, we were able to see that net zero by 2030 is ambitious but also achievable.’
LOOP Organics, a specialist organic waste and biosolids processing company, is another business getting ready for net zero. Participating in the pilot allowed LOOP Organics to better understand the emissions footprint of their operations. Lisa Rawlinson, LOOP Organics Director, said the Net Zero Pathways project has quantified the tasks and identified the steps involved and they've already started work.
'One of the first things we’ve done is address the issue of idling vehicles by setting up an alert system in our vehicles to help drive behavioural change. We are looking at electrification of our fleet and machinery, onsite renewable energy and new feed additives to reduce methane emissions from our cattle herd. From participating in this pilot we now understand the key issues and are excited about the path forward to net zero. Each change and investment will help drive our progress towards net zero emissions.'
2. Metering and monitoring
Energy metering and monitoring systems can help businesses save around 5% to 15% in energy costs. Most businesses do not have appropriate metering and monitoring systems that provide timely data on their operations.
Our financial incentives could support your business to improve your metering, monitoring and energy management capabilities. Robust data will help your business make long-term investment decisions.
Start planning your metering journey. Find out more about upcoming opportunities.
3. Targeted technical services
Simple, low-cost maintenance and operational improvements can deliver quick returns and productivity benefits for businesses. Often businesses face barriers to identifying and implementing these untapped opportunities.
We will help businesses access subsidised services for technologies and systems that are critical to achieving net zero. These include electrification of equipment and processes or switching to renewable fuels.
4. Industry upskilling
Energy service providers and tradespeople can be the first to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the global shift to net zero.
By working with industry, we will design and deliver professional development training and certifications that address key skills gaps and competencies. These will build a highly skilled net zero services industry in NSW, supporting the creation of future-fit jobs.
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