Businesses across Australia beware – you could find costs are on the rise when the carbon tax comes into force next month.
The tax will make its first appearance on July 1 and has been met with both praise and criticism.
Some hail the tax for its potential to help the environment, while others are concerned that it will only increase costs for individuals and businesses at a time when their finances are already strained.
Sustainable project manager NuGreen is part of the second school of thought – referring to the findings of an Allen Consulting study, it said that the carbon tax presents plenty of reasons to go green.
Allen Consulting found that the average cost of operating a 25,000 sq m building in Sydney will increase by around $61,961 after the introduction of the carbon tax.
Not only this, the group predicted that energy costs will rise by 10.8 per cent, but property owners will not be in line for compensation from the government, meaning they will have to foot the bill.
National director of NuGreen Paul Schlaphoff explained that there are plenty of financial incentives to becoming more energy efficient.
"In the past being green cost money, but by installing the latest lighting and power generation technology we are saving clients' money," he commented.
So what can business owners do to limit the impact of the carbon tax?
Generating power from alternative sources such as solar panels is one option, as is carrying out an audit of current energy use.
NuGreen estimates that taking on an audit's recommendations could save as much as 20 per cent on energy bills, while finding an alternative electricity supplier can shave 30 per cent off bills.
Businesses and homeowners alike don't have long to take action against the carbon tax, so think fast before your bills start to bite.
Posted by Mike Peacock