Individuals, firms and governments in New South Wales (NSW) spend about A$4 billion a year on environmental goods and services.
Nearly 35% of this expenditure is used for the treatment of waste water and the protection of water supplies.
Almost 30% covers the treatment of solid wastes, including household garbage. Wastes from commerce and industry comprise more than half of all money spent on solid wastes.
The rest of the environmental expenditure is used for:
- guarding and improving the quality of the air, soils and ground water
- protecting biodiversity and the landscape
- reducing noise
- undertaking research and development.
Much of the demand for environmental services is driven by standards for air and water quality set by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Companies and organisations involved in the environmental services industry include:
- firms with major solid and toxic waste management expertise and technology
- air pollution monitoring and control specialists
- green energy providers
- major consulting firms
- suppliers of innovative water and waste water management solutions
- experts in clearing up contaminated sites.
As a major participant in the environmental industry through State agencies and corporations such as Sydney Water, Hunter Water and the NSW Waste Service, the NSW Government draws heavily on the technology and expertise of the private sector.
Powerful research and development base
A solid research and development base supports the NSW environmental industry. Led by the world-ranked Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Waste Management and Pollution Control and the University of NSW's Centre for Water and Waste Technology, research organisations work with local and international firms to maximise the commercialisation and uptake of new technology.
Significant export potential
Environmental services in Australia is a mature industry, similar to that in most advanced nations. Growth is about 3-4% a year.
In developing nations in Asia, Africa, South America and Eastern Europe, the industry grows up to 10% a year, offering major export opportunities for local firms and organisations with the right skills and technology.