The Committee for Adelaide has launched SA ZERO, a cross-sector, public and not-for-profit initiative to accelerate South Australia’s journey to net zero emissions by 2050.
The initiative will be led by the Committee for Adelaide, with launch partners RAA, Flinders Port Holdings, BHP, the University of Adelaide, CSIRO, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and the South Australian Government.
“South Australia is already a leader in sustainability and decarbonisation, but we know that our State’s pathway to net zero will require close partnerships between government, academia and industry,” Committee for Adelaide CEO Sam Dighton said.
According to Dighton, the SA ZERO initiative brings together the leadership and expertise of some of the most significant companies in the State to form a truly powerful collective that can assist other businesses in learning and implementing substantial changes while reducing duplication of effort.
“This is an important initiative for the long-term sustainability of South Australia demonstrates the Committee’s commitment to driving the conversation about doing what’s best for the future of our city and State,” Dighton added.
Green Industries SA and the Department of Trade and Investment established and sponsored SA ZERO, now powered by industry and the Committee for Adelaide.
“South Australia is poised to move towards a zero carbon, zero waste future. SA ZERO puts the building blocks in place to unlock the potential of a circular economy to deliver big wins for the economy and the environment through sustainable, prosperous partnerships,” Green Industries SA Chief Executive Professor Ian Overton said.
Deputy Premier Susan Close highlighted the importance of maintaining first mover advantage to transition the State to a more circular economy.
“We know that to meet our targets for reducing our impact on climate change we must strive not only for net zero carbon but for zero waste as well,” Deputy Premier Close said.
She explained that the cluster concept will bring together businesses in South Australia to share practical skills and strategies for a more sustainable future.
RAA CEO Nick Reade said collaboration is essential for meeting the State’s environmental goals.
Commonwealth Bank Group Executive Institutional Banking & Markets Andrew Hinchliff commented, “As a Founding Advisory Member of SA ZERO we look forward to participating in private, public and academia knowledge exchange to drive net-zero emissions outcomes; and working together with key industry members on technology innovations, low carbon products and carbon offset opportunities. The transition to a low carbon economy will require coordinated effort across sectors and collaboration between industry, finance and government. And as Australia’s largest bank, we see participation in SA ZERO as one of the ways we can play a leading role in supporting our country’s transition to a brighter, more sustainable future.”
BHP COO Edgar Basto reiterated that collaborations across industry, government, and academia will be critical in reaching net zero goals.
“BHP sees this across its SA and global operations, where we are increasingly using renewable electricity to power our assets and working with global manufacturers to develop electric trucks, trains and light vehicles. With its world-class natural resources and talented people, South Australia is well placed to be a leader in the global energy transition and build an economy for the future through investment in technology, innovation, jobs and local businesses across multiple sectors. SA ZERO will help bring us together through shared ambition and practical collaboration, and we look forward to being a part of it,” he said.
CSIRO Towards Net Zero Mission Lead Dr Michael Battaglia stated, “The transition to net zero is urgent and requires new patterns of collaboration to enable Australia to prosper in a low carbon world. Together, SA ZERO can lead a coordinated effort with member organisations creating opportunities for South Australia that not only reduce emissions but deliver new economic, social and environmental benefits.”
“The University of Adelaide’s vision is to develop and accelerate solutions that deliver sustainability, equity and prosperity for the planet and its people, underpinned by breakthrough research. As a partner in SA ZERO our experts will share their world-class knowledge to support industry, government, and communities to transition to a more sustainable future,” University of Adelaide Pro Vice-Chancellor (Energy Futures) Professor Michael Goodsite said.
