Sustainability in business

• Australian Government industry-specific support: access information for your sector including equipment and technology guides, your rights as an energy customer, energy efficiency training and grant funding.
• Business Queensland energy support: find out about energy relief, funding for large customers and agricultural businesses to implement energy efficiency upgrades, advice for farmers and irrigators and installing solar.
• Ergon Energy business resources: learn how to get the best rates for your business, how to motivate staff, access a free energy analysis and select the right services when engaging energy efficiency consultants.  Find out about solar, batteries, electric vehicles and other low carbon technologies, including the installation process, connection to the Ergon Network and how to get the best value from your investment.
• Energy Cut: a comprehensive energy management handbook for time-poor small businesses.
• Queensland Government - renewable energy: advice for installing solar on small and medium businesses, with tools to calculate remaining energy costs and guidance for developing renewable energy projects in Queensland.
• Guide to purchasing solar and batteries: a step by step guide from The Clean Energy Council.
• Purchasing clean energy from the grid: businesses can purchase between 2.5% and 100% of electricity through the national Green Power program - available with your existing Ergon account. Marketing materials for businesses purchasing over 10% are available. Large customers or buyers groups can also access GreenPower Connect, linking Power Purchasing Agreements to specific new renewable energy generators, such as those in Far North Queensland.

• Compare the efficiency of vehicles ahead of your next purchase with the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide.
• Check if vehicles are compatible with E-10 fuel for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and additional savings.
• Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and may cost less to run over their life, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to internal combustion engines, and even less if charged by renewable energy. Charge Together is a free program for transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet, with case studies, vehicle information and operating cost calculators to support your business case.
• Encourage car pooling where suitable for your business, or consider the suitability of bikes and e-bike for short trips.

• Identify waste and recycling streams: Do a visual assessment of existing bins before bin day to identify the volume and type of materials that can be recycled. The Bin Trim tool can assist, with creating a tailored action plan to reduce waste specific to your industry. If you're a new business, check out the industry-specific fact sheets.
• Engage or refine services: Council offers a mixed recycling collection service for businesses. For a complete range of services available in the region and for on-site equipment, head to the Planet Ark Business Recycling website. The QLD Guide to Reviewing Waste and Recycling Contracts can help you with getting the right services for your needs.
• Set up your bins: Make it convenient to use the correct bin both waste and recycling bins in a pair - proven to encourage recycling and reduce contamination.
• Engage staff and customers: Clear messaging is essential. Free signage can be downloaded.
• Verify the system: Ensure ‘front of house’ bins in your business are emptied into the correct ‘back of house’ bin by staff and if you have a cleaning service, clarify this practice or update it in the contract.
• Check that recycling isn't bagged and do quick visual assessments to identify any reoccurring issues.This can ensure that you are not paying for extra bins or collections unnecessarily.
• Maintain bins: Support new habits with consistent bin placement and cleanliness.
• Communicate results: Flaunt your success customers and staff with stories or statistics. Use social media, your staff notice board or apps such as the Recyculator, which calculates the positive environmental impact of recycling.

For more information, head to the Planet Ark Business Recycling website.

A fully subsidized program featuring online management tools, webinars and coaching to save on energy, water and waste in your business. EcoBiz is delivered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland and is funded by the Queensland Government.

A no-cost service which supports commercial office tenants to improve energy and waste efficiency and reduce operational costs. City Switch has various resources ranging from staff engagement tool kits to sustainable procurement, guides to purchasing renewable energy and off-setting carbon.

Plastic Free Cairns works directly with food retailers - members receive free tailored advice and unique promotional benefits.

Council is a Founding Partner of Plastic Free Cairns and encourages the community to support member and champion businesses.

Delivered by the Boomerang Alliance, with funding from the Queensland Government, Cairns is the fifth community in the national Plastic Free Places program.