Ecosmart

Care of the environment is both a personal, and a business issue for Meredith Stibbard, dealer principal of EcoSmart Mackay. She grew up with solar hot water and knows it works.

Meredith says the provision of energy efficient solutions not only helps the environment but also enables people to save money. Water heating is the biggest energy consumer in a household but through the use of solar energy this consumption is cut dramatically. Installation of such systems can be done within 24 hours and the Government contributes funds toward this.

EcoSmart is the largest wholly Australian owned manufacturer of solar hot water systems. Meredith is understandably proud of the fact EcoSmart Mackay has been named the third place winner, as well as the Marketer of the Year at the EcoSmart Dealer of the Year Awards for 2008. She says that where solar hot water heating is concerned, Queensland is way ahead of the rest of Australia.

Care of the environment is close to her heart and she considers Queensland should aim for a 20 percent renewable energy target for 2020, which would bring it into line with other states, rather than the present target of 10 percent.

Meredith is adamant that she cares about the legacy we will leave not only for our children, but also for their offspring as well. Meredith believes that if everyone reduced their carbon emissions, whether it be through their house, business or car, it would help the world to remain in a better condition for the next generation.

She wonders about the future for her children knowing there is only 67 years of gas supply left in Australia.