The Victorian State Government has announced the creation of a new $5 million Backing Green Business Plan in the state’s budget.

 

Victorian Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith announced the plan, saying the program is designed to give Victorian consumers the "confidence to purchase goods and services that are produced in a way that is sustainable.”

 

"The Coalition Government will provide funding and support to establish a voluntary green tick accreditation program for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Victoria," Mr Smith said.

 

An independent sustainability performance standard, developed by industry and environmental groups, will provide SMEs with an incentive to shift to greener practice and increase consumer confidence.

 

The accreditation is designed along sustainability standards such as energy and water use; emissions generation; use of cleaning products and chemicals; paper, cardboards and packaging consumption; and waste management and disposal methods.

 

"Under our program, independently accredited Victorian businesses will be recognised as operating with best practices in environmental and sustainable practices, and will see cost savings through improved use of resources and energy, water and waste efficiency," Mr Smith said.

 

The scheme will not be industry specific and will be intended to be applicable across a broad a range of industries as possible. The Victorian Government has also announced that any business that applies for the Green Business Plan will be regularly audited to ensure the meeting of agreed accreditation standards set by the government.