SYDNEY, December 5, 2019 – Over 10,000 construction job-years and over 5,000 ongoing jobs would be created if 80 of the biggest and best-known brands in Australia moved to 100% renewable energy, according to the latest report released today by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.In conjunction with the launch of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s REenergise campaign and website profiling leaders and laggards in the corporate renewable energy race, the report analyses the sector-by-sector potential job and renewable energy benefits if 80 of Australia’s top companies moved to 100% renewable energy.

“There is enormous potential for corporations to help power the economy with clean and affordable renewable energy. Between job creation and climate action, it’s a win-win situation,” said Lindsay Soutar, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

Key findings include:

  • If Woolworths, Coles and Telstra alone moved to 100% renewable energy, it would create over 4,000 construction job-years, 232 ongoing jobs, and cut carbon pollution by almost 5 million tonnes
  • If the largest 13 retail companies in Australia shifted to 100% renewable energy, it would create demand sufficient to build 2.4GW of new renewable energy – enough to power all the homes in WA and the NT, as well as create 4,300 construction job-years
  • If the 10 largest energy-using companies in the property and construction sector powered their operations with 100% renewable energy, it would create more than 1,000 construction job-years
  • If the 14 largest telecommunications, IT, and technology companies powered their operations with 100% renewable energy it would lead to 1GW of new wind and solar projects – enough to power over 600,000 homes, and create around 2,000 construction job-years

The report also profiles and analyses some of Australia’s biggest businesses who have already made the commitment to 100% renewable energy, revealing that key motivating factors are cost savings, diversification of risk, stakeholder expectations, reputational benefits, and the importance of meeting climate and emissions reduction targets. 

“There is now significant momentum with corporate commitments to 100% renewable energy, both in Australia and around the world. Over 210 companies globally have made 100% renewable commitments, with household names in Australia including Carlton & United Breweries, Mars, IKEA, Google, L’Oreal and the big four banks all doing the same. Companies are making the switch to renewable energy because it’s cheaper, cleaner and better for business.”

“Every year, business and industry use approximately 70% of Australia’s electricity which is still powered by polluting coal. As some of Australia’s biggest electricity users, companies can go from being a big part of the problem to a big part of the solution,” Soutar added.

For more information or interviews, please contact Communications Manager Nelli Stevenson on 0428 113 346 or email [email protected]