The Low CO2 Project was a MASG initiative funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office. The Low CO2 Project supported local businesses to generate energy savings, and a reduction in their carbon footprint. An energy assessment was offered to participating businesses as a means of helping them reduce their energy costs increasing the profit margin and improving their bottom line.

Click here low-co2-final-report-summary-for-web-may-2008 to download an abridged copy of the final report of the project outlining the difficulties and opportunities for a local carbon trading scheme working with small business

Saving energy is good for the community, good for the environment and great for business. We offered expert advice and ongoing support to help businesses get the most from their energy budget. For more information please call MASG on Ph: 5470 6978

May 2008: Workspace Australia taking up the Low CO2 Challenge

MASG will be working in partnership with Workspace Australia at their Halford St. site to reduce their energy use. Workspace Australia is a small / start up business support provider, assisting over 75 associated businesses Victoria wide with premises assistance and mentorship. Rebecca Dempsey, Manager for Workspace Australia said “It’s a change that the Workspace board and the 40 businesses in the Castlemaine site have encouraged. We believe that a more eco friendly approach will provide the community: education, reduced environmental impact and no doubt cheaper bills”.

The joint project was launched on Tuesday May 6th. A report detailing the energy usage within the building has been compiled with recommendations as to how Workspace and the tenants could save energy and money while lower greenhouse gas emissions. For further details contact Dean at MASG on 03 54 70 6978

Low CO2 Business Awards

MASG Launched its Low CO2 Awards as a celebration of the achievements of local businesses and organisations, tackling the challenge of climate change and supporting the Mt. Alexander Shire Council target of a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010.

There were Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and a Mayoral Award for “Commitment and Innovation in Energy Management”. The Low CO2 Awards were open to all businesses and organisations in the Mt. Alexander Shire.

The Awards ceremony and celebration was held on World Environment Day Thursday June 5th 2008.

The winner of the inaugural Mayoral Award for Innovation and Excellence in Energy Management was The Down to Earth Store, on Barker Street in Castlemaine; with a special commendation going to the Maldon Football Club for all their hard work.

When you’re out and about make sure you support the Low CO2 businesses, and congratulate them for leading the way to a sustainable future.

Bronze Category winners:
Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative
Goldfields Provender
Goodfoods of Castlemaine
Gourmet Yabbies
Green goes the Grocer
Leckie Gallery
Mostyn Street Clinic
Theatre Royal

Silver Category winners:
Instramental
Maldon Football Club
Run Sushi Run
Zen Produce

Gold Category winner:
Down to Earth Store

Click here for more details about the business awards and to view photos and read about how the Mount Alexander Community won the UNAA awards for 2007.