New ecoBiz partners recognised for going green

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson has awarded 13 businesses and local facilities ecoBiz partnership at a breakfast in Noosa today.
The group has saved enough energy to power 30 homes for a year, reduced their waste by more than 6,700 household wheelie bins, and saved enough water to fill 10 Olympic swimming pools.
Mayor Jamieson congratulated the businesses for their green achievements since signing up to the program two years ago.
“Through ecoBiz, the community and council are working together to build a more sustainable future for the region,” he said.
“Our region now has 35 ecoBiz partners who have made exceptional efforts in reducing waste, energy and water – and saved more than $1 million in the process.”
The ecoBiz program provides businesses with the tools, training and information to make environmental and financial savings. It is a state government partnership program delivered by council.
Businesses must show at least 10 per cent savings in waste disposal or energy or water consumption to become ecoBiz partners.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Tony Wellington said about 60 Coast businesses are currently involved in the program, either as partners or working toward partnership.
“Small changes can often make a substantial difference. The 13 new partners have been working through actions in the ecoBiz program, and the results are clearly outstanding,” he said.
“It is terrific to see members of our business community working towards a better future for our planet. It’s a win-win situation where both the participating business and the environment reap positive benefits.”
New Sunshine Coast ecoBiz partners include:

• Peregian Beach business Atmail (reduced energy use by 59 per cent)
• Raw Energy, Peregian (reduced waste disposal by 76 per cent – the equivalent of 345 wheelie bins)
• Sushi Wave (reduced green house gas emissions by 11 per cent and reduced waste equal to 118 wheelie bins)
• The Boathouse Floating Restaurant (reduced waste by 11 per cent)
• Le Bon Delice French Patisserie (reduced waste by 72 per cent – the equivalent of 294 wheelie bins – through recycling and composting)
• High Tide (reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12 per cent and made energy savings by replacing halogen lights with LEDs and replacing inefficient appliances)

Five of the new partners are part of the Peregian Beach Cluster, a group of 17 businesses aiming to be the Coast’s most sustainable business community.
Maroochydore Library, Noosa Aquatic Centre, Caloundra Depot, Sunshine Coast Airport, Quad Park, and Caloundra Indoor Stadium are also new ecoBiz partners.
A DVD is available for businesses keen to sign up to ecoBiz – visit council’s website for more information.