The clean technologies industry on the Sunshine Coast employs nearly 1,494 people (AEC Group, 2018) and contributes an estimated A$228 million to the Sunshine Coast economy annually.

The industry includes renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, construction materials, energy efficiency, carbon trading and environmental services.

The region has the only dedicated and active cleantech industry association in Australia, with around 150 clean technology businesses now calling the Sunshine Coast home.

As part of its vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region, Sunshine Coast Council developed a 15-megawatt utility scale solar farm, offsetting 100% of council’s electricity costs and saving $2.5 million in 2018, cementing the region’s reputation as the solar industry capital of Australia.

The University of the Sunshine Coast hosts the Sustainability Research Centre – providing access to contemporary research that supports the growth of the clean technologies industry.