Queensland Renewable Fuels Association to Partner with below50 to Scale Up Development and Use of Low-Carbon Fuels

Jul 25, 2017 2:00 PM ET

MONTREAL, July 25, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Today at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Technology, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) signed a partnership agreement to scale up the development and use of low-carbon fuels through WBCSD’s below50 initiative.

below50 is a unique collaboration that brings together the entire value-chain for the world’s most sustainable fuels. It brings forward-thinking businesses together to promote fuels that can achieve significant carbon reductions, emitting at least 50% fewer greenhouse gasses (GHGs) than traditional fossil fuels.

This partnership is a significant demonstration of Australia’s contribution to the transition to a low-carbon world. As the second largest sugar cane producer in the world, the country is particularly well-placed to be a leader on sustainable fuels.

Through the new partnership, WBCSD and the QRFA plan to raise the profile and contribution low-carbon fuels can make in decarbonizing transport across Australia – expanding below50 from Europe and North America, into the Pacific.

“below50 is about increasing understanding of the essential role low-carbon fuels can have in the transition to a sustainable world. Carbon emissions are a global issue and we need all regions in the world to help solve that problem” said Rasmus Valanko, Director, Climate and Energy at WBCSD, on the significance of Australia’s involvement.

The new collaboration opens the door for below50 partnerships to a wider set of stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region and will help profile Queensland’s leadership in the low-carbon fuels space.

“The domestic accountability and transition to a low-carbon fuel economy is a catalyst driver to the bigger global approach,” said Larissa Rose, Managing Director at Queensland’s Renewable Fuels Association, whose organization is working to enhance and grow the renewable fuels industry in Queensland. “We want to ensure that all over the world, we’re networked together, we’re building confidence in the sector and also keeping up the pressure to build a strong renewable fuels industry worldwide.”  

QRFA have been actively engaging with leading countries, state’s, governments, and technology specialists around the world to ensure their domestic industry is interconnected with global leaders.

The partnership comes on the heels of the We Mean Business Coalition’s announcement to feature below50 as a key initiative for companies committing to climate action through the We Mean Business platform.

With below50 efforts taking shape across Europe, North America, South America and – now – Australia, low-carbon fuels are quickly gaining prominence and influence on the global sustainability agenda.

“We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish with QRFA, and to taking this important work forward with a wide set of industry stakeholders in Australia, and beyond,” added Mr. Valanko.

For more information, please contact:
Felicity Glennie-Holmes
WBCSD Communications
glennie-holmes@wbcsd.org
+41 22 839 3110

About the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA)
The Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) (link) is a state-based industry association that supports the development of building a renewable fuels industry.  QRFA’s mission is to enhance and grow the renewable fuels sector in Queensland through engagement, collaboration and promotion of education, innovation, and investment.

The inclusive structure of the QRFA serves to bring together industry, government, and businesses in the agriculture, research, education, processing, and marketing sectors, whilst aligning and seeking businesses to attain low carbon objectives by transitioning to the uptake of renewable fuels. 

It is our firm belief that the objectives of government, motorists and industry are best met by a Queensland-based association whose principal focus is on building a domestic low carbon fuel economy, while embracing solidarity of global initiatives. https://www.qrfa.com.au/

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About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. WBCSD is uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues.

Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability: united by our vision of a world where more than 9 billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050. http://www.wbcsd.org

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