Carbon emission experts urge business to act

A line-up of experts will tell industry that emissions targets and reporting deadlines set by the federal government demand instant action during a series of seminars sponsored by Victoria's Environment Protection Authority during the Australian Carbon Trading Expo 2008.

Among the speakers will be representatives of the EPA; the Australian Climate Exchange; Carbon Reduction Institute; energy providers AGL, Pacific Hydro and Origin; as well as emission management specialists, Carbon Focus, Carbon Planet, Ecos Corporation and Mtech Australia.

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act will come into force from 1 July but Carbon Planet executive director Dave Sag said few businesses understood the implications.

"Corporations using or producing 500 terajoules of energy are caught under the NGER Act this year, but most people don't know what that means. It's not on the balance sheet and it's certainly not as simple as checking your electricity bill. Industry needs to take everything from their vehicles to their boilers into account," Sag said.

"Something like only 14% of affected businesses are even remotely prepared. The penalties allowed for under the legislation are stiff and I expect there will be a flurry of calls made to lawyers soon after the deadline passes."

EPA director of sustainable development, Terry A'Hearn said the new environmental regulations demanded a shift in thinking that would bring fresh opportunities.

“The most successful companies in the future will be those that work out how to deliver improved environmental and economic outcomes in tandem," A'Hearn said.

"Those companies that continue to focus on trade-offs between the environment and the economy as their main way of operating will get left behind."

Sponsored by Carbon Planet, MTECH Australia and Origin Energy, the Australian Carbon Trading Expo 2008 will run from 29 April – 1 May at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

For more information, visit www.actexpo.com.au.