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.
Since 2021, we have worked with 56 organisations and multiple service providers to develop decarbonisation plans as part of Net Zero Pathways pilot. The pilot supported organisations to:
- establish net zero targets
- prioritise the implementation of greenhouse gas reduction projects
- build an understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change to develop appropriate responses.
Anthony Ogilivie, Sustainability Manager at McPhersons shares his experience participating in the Net Zero Pathways Pilot and the Sustainability Advantage Net Zero Emissions Leadership Accelerator:
Richard Morton, Group Financial Controller at Konica Minolta, has provided his key takeaways from participating in the Net Zero Pathways pilot:
“Through the net zero pathways process we have developed a plan that helps us to prioritise our efforts and to progress the investments required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a way that is aligned with our business objectives."
In 2022, we delivered the second Net Zero Pathways pilot. A report with the findings will be published in late 2023.
Read the report of the first NSW Net Zero Pathways Pilot - lessons learned and next steps.
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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