“The Biggest CARBONLOSER Challenge” Overview

“The Biggest CARBONLOSER Challenge” was a competition held in early 2010 that engaged tourism operators within The Scenic Rim in a fun way to bring about long term household carbon footprint reduction, and be in the running to win some great prizes.

This was possible through a $10,000 Queensland Government Grant that funded a series of specialist workshops tailored specifically to the tourism industry.

Tourism Operator Workshops

Participating Tourism operators within The Scenic Rim took part in a series of free workshops to improve their business sustainability for better efficiency and real dollar savings. The workshops educated and challenged the participants to make real reductions in the carbon footprint of their business operations. Some outcomes of this innovative approach included improved ability to reap financial savings and stabilise resource costs, and preparation for climate change and declining resources. All these pro-active steps position local tourism business to be more competitive and viable now and into the future.

ALL QUALIFYING PARTICIPANTS IN 2010 RECEIVED

• 1 year listing for all participants on Scenic Rim Escapes Sustainability Webpage
• Automatic entry into the Sustainable Scenic Rim Business and Community Directory – this will be showcased on the new Sustainable Scenic Rim Community Website and introduce your business to our regional community
• Showcased on the Scenic Rim Regional Council - Visit Scenic Rim Website
• Brisbane Marketing acknowledge any tourism participant with a listing on their website
• Tourism Queensland will recognise businesses that have completed and implemented their Low Carbon Diet Action plan as having satisfied the first stage of the TQ Sustainable Regions Jump Up Program with a signed certificate from the Minister for Tourism. In addition, submitted case studies will be up-loaded on the TQ website and distributed through their international offices and media contacts.

Registrants committed to:

• Attend all 3 workshop sessions
• Lose at least 2,000kg of your annual carbon footprint
• Submit a 500 (max) word story by 1 June 2010, which highlights your Biggest CARBONLOSER actions and results, and outlines how you will keep the carbon off in future. Read these stories at http://www.sustainablescenicrim.com.au/news/barney-creek-vineyard-cottages-wins-biggest-carbon-loser-challenge