Sustainability
Smart and sustainable
As the most biologically diverse capital in Australia and home to the country’s first dedicated ecosciences precinct, Brisbane is a green city with a clear commitment to its environment1. Guided by sustainably-focused governments and world-renowned universities and research institutions, Brisbane is evolving as a hotbed for innovation and sustainability. The rapid growth in the region’s population has resulted in the emergence of several greenfield developments, which provide opportunities for clean tech incubation and integration, demonstration projects and large-scale renewable energy projects. In Brisbane, we recognise that knowledge is the platform for economic growth and sustainability and in keeping with this the economic base is evolving from an emphasis on resources and manufacturing in favour of globally-competitive knowledge-intensive sectors.
Ecosciences precinct
The ecosciences precinct is Australia’s first centre dedicated to solving some of the country’s biggest environmental issues. Research at the ecosciences precinct positions Brisbane as a global leader in finding the balance between enhancing our quality of life, lessening the impact on our native environment and developing strong industries. Climate change, mineral and petroleum resources, water issues and environmental balance are priority research areas2.
Looking ahead to a carbon-free future
Forward-thinking initiatives driven by Brisbane City Council’s (BCC) Green Heart environmental sustainability program aim to make the city carbon neutral by 2026. Also, the BCC in 2010 moved to a long-term arrangement that sees 100 per cent of Council’s direct electricity consumption purchased from GreenPower sources3. The significant volume of Council’s electricity consumption provides an incentive for additional renewable power generation to be established in Queensland.
1Brisbane City Council 2010, Protecting Biodiversity, http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/
natural-environment/bushland-parklands-wetlands/protecting-biodiversity/index.htm
2 Queensland Government 2012, Ecosciences Precinct, Science in Queensland, http://www.science.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v4/apps/web/content.cfm?id=16773
3 Brisbane City Council 2012, Council's green commitment, http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/green-living/councils-green-commitment/index.htm