A NEW REPORT by the Climate Council shows 40,000 Australian businesses have made the switch to renewable energy – among them many food and beverage producers.
“Our report is a festive feast of renewables. Savvy consumers can now buy sourdough baguettes, marinated goats’ cheese, dates, avocados and chocolates knowing they have been produced with renewable energy. There are also plenty of breweries and wineries making the switch to wind and solar,” said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.
“This report is important because Australians, especially younger generations, are becoming increasingly interested in knowing where their food is coming from and whether it has been sustainably produced,” said food literacy advocate Alice Zaslavsky, creator of “Phenomenom”, the award-winning digital toolkit connecting kids with fresh food through classrooms across the country. Ms Zaslavsky is also a former Masterchef contestant.
In South Australia, Sundrop Farms is producing thousands of tonnes of truss tomatoes each year with solar thermal energy and sea water – it is the first commercial-scale facility of its kind in the world.
In Sydney, the commercial bakery, Bakers Maison, is now run entirely on solar power thanks to the local community where 20 investors contributed almost $400,000.
Australia’s biggest brewer, Carlton and United, is making the switch to 100% renewable energy, alongside more than 150 global corporations, as part of an international renewable energy program.
“I’m impressed by the range of producers, both large and small, featured in the report. It’s great so many businesses are taking ownership and making the switch,” said Ms Zaslavsky.
Report Key Findings:
- More than 40,000 Australian businesses have installed commercial social systems,, substantially reducing their power bills and helping address climate change.
- Australians can use their purchasing power to support renewable powered businesses and, in doing so, enjoy a climate-conscious festive season.
- It is vital that Australian businesses continue to lead on the transition to renewable energy, particularly in the absence of credible national climate and energy policy.
“The solutions are here now and it is wonderful to think that in the lead up to the holidays, Australian families can use their purchasing power to help tackle climate change,” said Ms McKenzie.
For more information please contact Communications Officer, Brianna Hudson on 0455 238 875 or Senior Communications Advisor, Lisa Upton on 0438 972 260.
The Climate Council is Australia’s leading climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community.
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