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Policies and Regulations

Policies & Regulations

There is plenty of legislation and regulation out there about environmental and sustainability matters - enough that the term "Green Tape" has evolved to describe the deluge and its impacts on business.

 

However there are also opportunities out there for the regulatory savvy, such as grants for carbon reduction. At the top of this page are some general resources and fact sheets on regulatory matters.

 

 

 

Federal Policy, Strategy and Regulations

 

 

Emissions Reduction Fund -

How the Commonwealth's Emissions Reduction Fund operates with regards to transport, and opportunities for transport-based businesses.

 

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act -

The primary Commonwealth Environmental legislation

 

Environmental Assesments -

Environmental Impact Assesments and their impact on your business.

 

 

National Land Freight Strategy

The Strategy represents an integrated national approach to planning for the freight demand which is expected to double by 2030. It addresses the issues impacting on freight efficiencies, including freight infrastructure, planning, investment and regulation.

 

 

National Ports Strategy

The Australian National Ports Strategy provides a coordinated planning approach to assist Australian governments in planning for port infrastructure and the associated road and rail linkages that connect these important gateways to all Australian cities and towns.

 

 

National Aviation Policy and Regulation

The primary role of the Aviation and Airports Division is to advise the Government on the policy and regulatory framework for the Australian aviation and airports industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Policy, Strategy and Regulations

 

 

South Australia’s Low Emission Vehicle Strategy

South Australia is committed to reducing our total greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent (to 40 per cent of 1990 levels) by 2050. To help achieve this, the state government has developed a Low Emission Vehicle Strategy to increase the proportion of these vehicles on the state's roads.

 

 

Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan

The State Government in consultation with planning and transport industries and interest groups developed the draft Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan. Following its release almost 1500 submissions were received and more than 2500 people attended community engagement events.

 

 

 

SA Strategic Plan

This Plan guides individuals, community organisations, governments and businesses to secure the wellbeing of all South Australians. South Australia's Strategic Plan contains our community’s visions and goals; its 100 measurable targets reflect our priorities. The Plan identifies priorities for South Australia.

 

 

BSA Energy Efficiency Program

The BSA Energy Efficiency Program aims to encourage business to become more aware about how they use and manage energy within their organisation. This $300,000 grant program (over three years) will provide small to medium enterprises committed to controlling their energy costs with grants to help them undertake an energy audit and identify real opportunities to become more energy efficient.

 

 

Resource Efficiency Assistance Program

The Resource Efficiency Assistance Program (REAP) supports South Australian companies to measure their energy, water and waste usage. It is set up to tailor specific programs for each company to help them develop long term resource efficiency mechanisms. Available tools include business diagnostics, benchmarking,  strategic planning and staff training. REAP is part of Zero Waste SA which subsidises waste audits and development of resource management plans to a maximum of $25,000.

 

 

 

Solar Cities Business Efficiency Program

This program is part of the Adelaide Solar City project and is designed to assist small-medium and large companies, as well as business tenants and organisations, to cut power consumption, increase profitability and reduce the production of greenhouse gases. It includes an energy audit and assistance to develop and implement an action plan.

 

 

 

 

Business Support Programs

 

South Australia

 

BSA Energy Efficiency Program

The Business Sustainability Alliance (BSA) Energy Efficiency program is funded by the South Australian Government to provide energy audits for small to medium businesses. Participating companies obtain an energy audit report with advice on capturing and analysing data as well as cost benefit analysis and a strategic action plan

 

 

Resource Efficiency Assistance Program (REAP)

The Resource Efficiency Assistance Program (REAP) supports South Australian companies to measure their energy, water and waste usage. It is set up to tailor specific programs for each company to help them develop long term resource efficiency mechanisms

 

 

 

Solar Cities Business Energy Efficiency Program

This program is part of the Adelaide Solar City project and is designed to assist small-medium and large companies, as well as business tenants and organisations, to cut power consumption, increase profitability and reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

 

 

 

Federal

 

Clean Energy Finance Corporation

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) welcomes proposals from organisations seeking finance for investment-ready renewable energy technology, low emissions technology and energy efficiency projects.

 

 

Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD)

Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) is a national program designed to improve the energy efficiency of Australia’s large office buildings.

 

 

Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program

The program is managed by the Department of Industry, with Australian state/territory governments and the New Zealand Government, and is mandatory for retailers and importers of regulated equipment and appliances.

 

 

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER)

NGER is the national mechanism for businesses to report greenhouse gas emissions, energy production, energy consumption and other information specified under NGER legislation.

 

 

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)

The $3.2 billion Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is an independent Commonwealth authority, supporting innovations that improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia.

 

 

For more Business Support Programs throughout Australia see http://eex.gov.au/business-support/

 

Other Links

 

 

 

EPA State of the Environment SA Reports

 

 

 

Development Acts

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UNFCC and Other Relevant International Environmental Requirements

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Green Freight -

The South Australian Freight Council's Environmental Statement report

 

 

 

Additional Reports

 

 

Road Transport: Unlocking Fuel-Saving Technologies in Trucking and Fleets

Report developed by the Carbon War Room detailing the current policy landscape and other topics that will look to reduce the road transports emissions production in the coming years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants, Opportunities and Programs

 

The Federal Government's Energy Efficiency Exchange website (eex.gov.au) hosts a range of links to national programs. These programs cover a wide range of industry and government programs that are available to support businesses to understand their energy use and implement energy-efficient practices, systems and technologies.

 

 

To see the list click here.

 

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