Published article

Emissions trading the right way to go

November 2006

Environment Business Australia supports the setting up of an emissions trading taskforce announced by the Prime Minister last night.

Industry is at a cross roads in terms of the innovation it will bring to market. New technologies, processes and infrastructure require funding and an open and transparent market place. A carbon price signal demonstrates that pollution can no longer be a free subsidy; poor performers will no longer be allowed to undermine companies who are trying to build their next competitive edge from good environmental performance.

An emissions trading scheme which begins with the AP6 countries of China, India, South Korea, USA will send a clear message to the market which in turn will galvanise technology R&D and its demonstration. But most importantly, it will be the ongoing source of correct pricing which will aid the commercialisation and deployment of clean energy and processes.

"There are immense opportunities for Australian business in the new carbon constrained marketplace but we need to act quickly if we are to take advantage of them" said Fiona Wain, CEO of Environment Business Australia whose member companies provide smart and efficient solutions for energy and industrial processes, transportation, and the built environment.

The environment and sustainability industry has a turnover of approximately $20 billion per annum in Australia. Internationally it is approximately $750 billion and expected to double as demand increases for clean energy, energy efficiency and pollution and waste elimination.