Labor MLA Dr Marisa Paterson will call on the ACT Government this week to develop a carbon footprint calculator for local businesses.

“There are many carbon calculators available for households and specific for the Australian and ACT contexts,” Dr Paterson, local member for Murrumbidgee, said. “There is also information available to help businesses calculate their carbon footprints.

“However, there is no single, authoritative source of truth that local, ACT businesses can rely on to help understand their energy costs and from which to implement improvement and upgrades.”

Dr Paterson wants the government to create the calculator through its involvement in the Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum, established in November 2021. The ACT was a founding member with South Australia and New South Wales.

• ACT founds Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum

“The ACT is committed to achieving zero net emissions, and we’ve already transitioned to 100% renewable electricity,” Dr Paterson noted. “The ACT Government is also committed to supporting local business.

“The development of an online carbon calculator is a win-win for both. It’s also a win for local businesses who want to reduce their carbon emissions and reduce their financial running costs.”

Ruth Roxburgh, owner of Wiffens Premium Greengrocers, thinks the carbon footprint calculator is a good idea; she wants to make her business carbon neutral.

“I believe this is both a moral and an economic imperative, as consumers increasingly prioritise the environment when making consumer decisions,” she said.

However, Ms Roxburgh said, federal or state governments did not provide any clear pathway or guidance for businesses to do this, “just a lot of different companies offering their services locally and overseas”.

“Especially for small and medium businesses, it’s a confusing space, and small and medium sized businesses lack the capacity and time to calculate their carbon in-house or by using consultancy services.”

Ms Roxburgh believes that, as a climate leader, the ACT Government could provide the calculator, and recommend upgrades and improvements to help businesses like hers become more energy efficient, and reduce their carbon footprint and business costs.

“I believe that many ACT businesses want to do more to offset their environmental impact; they just need some more assistance in doing this,” Ms Roxburgh said. “The proposed carbon calculator will help us do this, and help move the ACT towards a more carbon neutral future.”