Manufacturing in a Low Carbon Economy
Are You Ready?
Climate change is the most significant challenge to human society in the 21st century. Australia, like other countries, is developing legislation to lower greenhouse emissions and move to more efficient use of energy.
A breakfast event, to be held on Thursday 13th May, will highlight some of the major challenges and opportunities that will arise for manufacturers as Australia transitions to a low carbon economy.
Despite the outcomes from the Copenhagen Climate Conference, Australia will have some form of Carbon Reduction Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) in place in the near future. The creation of a CPRS and the setting of a national target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions will represent one of the biggest changes to the Australian economy in the last 20 years. The passage of the CPRS will move environmental concerns from being peripheral to central business issues. Australia will make the transition to a low carbon economy. Will you and your business?
Small to medium-sized manufacturers will face unique challenges in this transition driven by:
· Increased green consumer demand;
· Supply chain pressure for greening;
· Increased environmental visibility and exposure of smaller firms to regulatory and stakeholder pressures;
· Lack of awareness of the environmental impacts of firms’ activities on the part of many business owners and managers.
Once Australia really starts the transition to a low carbon economy, the challenges will become the key drivers for major changes within manufacturing. The current uncertainty surrounding the CPRS has given small to medium-sized Australian manufacturers a window of opportunity to prepare for this shift.
At the breakfast, you will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the area of sustainable manufacturing. The highlight of the event will be presentations made by local manufacturers who are large users of energy and water and exemplify best practice in environmentally sustainable manufacturing.
The event will be presented in partnership with Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Australian Industry Group, and Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
When: Thursday 13 May 2010
7:30am – 10:30am
Where: Hemisphere Conference Centre, 488 South Road, Moorabbin
Cost: $25 (incl. GST) hot breakfast
To register your expression of interest to attend and seek further information, please contact Tony Barrett, Industry Sustainability Officer on (03) 9581-4379 or email tony.barrett@kingston.vic.gov.au
