Reducing emissions

Under the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008, Tasmania has a legislated target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 60 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Government has also committed to zero net emissions by 2050.

Learn more about Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the government doing?

Some of the Tasmanian Government projects to help us reduce our emissions are:

• Transport - Electric Vehicles, Smarter Fleets and ChargeSmart
• Business Resource Efficiency Program
• Power$mart Businesses - Business Energy Efficiency Program
• Tasmanian Government emissions
• Energy efficiency - Aged care facilities
• National opportunities - Emissions Reduction Fund

What can you do?

The transport sector is a key source of greenhouse gas emissions. Even though improved vehicle fuel efficiency has reduced total transport-related emissions in recent years, there is more we can do. Taking alternative transport options to driving, such as walking, cycling or public transport, especially for short trips, will reduce emissions further. It’s also important to consider the fuel efficiency and engine size when purchasing a new or used vehicle.

Another way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions is by improving energy efficiency around the home or workplace. This can have the additional benefit of reducing costs for householders and business owners through lower electricity bills. Simple things such as turning off lights when not in use, drying clothes on a clothes-line rather than using an electric dryer, installing water efficient shower heads, dropping the heating thermostat by a degree or two in winter, and using LED light-globes, will all save energy.

Installing energy efficient equipment such as heat pumps and solar and gas instantaneous hot water units, as well as ceiling insulation, draught sealing around doors, and double glazing for windows, will make further energy savings for households and businesses, as well as reducing the State’s greenhouse gas emissions.

More information about reducing energy can be found in the ’What you can do’ section of our website.

Business Resource Efficiency Program

Doing more with less

Applications for the second Business Resource Efficiency Program are now open.

The program aims to help Tasmanian businesses to review their resource use and find ways to improve it.

Learn more about the Business Resource Efficiency Program.

Concluding in 2020, the first Business Resource Efficiency Program worked with 11 small-to medium-sized Tasmanian businesses to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Each business received a comprehensive waste audit, and worked with other program participants to develop plans to reduce waste.

Power$mart Businesses

Energy costs make up a significant proportion of the operating costs of Tasmanian businesses. Improved energy efficiency can help lower power bills, protect against future energy price rises, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Tasmanian Government’s Power$mart Businesses program offered funding to conduct energy audits that reviewed business energy use and helped find ways to reduce it.

Learn more about Power$mart Businesses.

Energy Support Programs

Aurora Energy’s vulnerable customers can access financial assistance from the Your Energy Support (YES) program, which provides support for hardship customers to stay connected. The YES program provides energy saving tips and tools, budgeting advice and tailored, flexible and affordable payment plans for immediate and longer-term relief.

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Network of Tasmania, which is supported by the Tasmanian Government and Good Shepherd Microfinance, provides no interest loans for essential household items.