There’s no shortage of evidence for the need for an Energy Literacy program as a way of improving environmental sustainability. Below is an ABC story that stresses confusion in the business community. Everyone wins with a little knowledge: governments, regulators, businesses, the public – and, yes, the environment.
Carbon tax costs worry small business
By business reporter Michael Janda
Updated March 26, 2012 14:11:38
A national survey of business managers has found there remains much confusion and uncertainty about the Federal Government’s carbon tax.
Just over half of the 900 managers surveyed by the Australian Institute of Management realised the tax, which passed the Senate in November last year, would commence this year.
A majority of respondents also said the effects of the clean energy bills would be felt by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which do not have to pay the tax, as big business passed costs and compliance issues down the supply chain.
Australian Institute of Management chief executive for Victoria and Tasmania, Susan Heron, says large businesses are asking their suppliers to reduce their emissions.
“We’re seeing many of the larger companies already developing codes of practice – supplier codes of practice – which are asking their suppliers, the SMEs, to be able to measure and minimise their carbon footprint,” Ms Heron said.
But Ms Heron said there was very little scepticism about climate change among survey respondents.
“People do believe that there is a need to address climate change,” she said.
“What they do want, though, is a very clear direction as to how they should best engage to achieve it.”
