Practical, tailored advice that helped JPR Welding achieve meaningful sustainability goals.
JPR Welding, a fabrication business in Mackay with over 33 years of experience, exemplifies adaptability and innovation. Initially specialising in marine aluminium work, the company strategically transitioned to servicing the mining industry as regional demand shifted.
Already committed to recycling and waste reduction, JPR Welding wanted to take the next step, making sustainability a structured part of their operations. That’s why owners Karen and John Robertson joined ecoBiz, a free program designed to help Queensland businesses reduce energy, water and waste.
Making sustainability simple
As environmental, social and governance (ESG) pressures grew in recent years, many regional businesses found sustainability overwhelming. For Karen, however, ecoBiz made it simple. The program provided a practical pathway to cost savings and measurable environmental improvements.
“We learnt that starting with something small can help make sustainability part of our daily routine,” Karen says.
What began as simple cost-saving measures, like recycling and repurposing, quickly revealed a bigger impact. Beyond reducing expenses, these initiatives aligned with JPR Welding’s values and commitment to doing the right thing, especially in an industry like mining, which often faces environmental scrutiny.
ecoBiz helped the team take those efforts further by providing structure, recognition and tools to monitor progress.
“We were already recycling, but we needed a way to capture it, measure it and make sense of it,” Karen says.
“ecoBiz made that easy. It is simple, practical and really effective.”
How ecoBiz coaching helped JPR Welding reduce energy use
For regional businesses, having access to ecoBiz coaches can be a game changer. Each visit or phone call brings fresh ideas, sometimes small and sometimes unexpected, that help businesses keep improving.
“It could just be little things we had not thought of. We can take it on board or not. It’s up to us how far we go,” Karen says.
One example was energy reduction. Being based in Mackay meant JPR Welding had no choice of electricity providers, so instead of negotiating prices, the team focused on cutting usage and leveraging solar panels.
With guidance from ecoBiz coaches, JPR Welding reduced its energy intensity by 54% through practical changes such as switching to LED lighting, turning off equipment after hours and reducing unnecessary air conditioning.
Building on these improvements, the team also began planning for long-term upgrades, including replacing machinery with more energy-efficient models when due.
“We cannot bargain on the price of power, but we can reduce the power we use,” Karen says.
“ecoBiz made us more aware of things like energy ratings and helped us put a system in place to track and improve.”
Unexpected water savings and cost reductions
The benefits did not stop at energy. Their ecoBiz coach also suggested registering for Mackay Regional Council’s H2O program, which alerts businesses to potential water leaks.
Soon after, JPR Welding received a notification and discovered a leaking toilet.
“We didn’t realise how much water was leaking, and it’s so expensive these days,” Karen says.
“Catching that early saved us a lot of money and waste.”
Achieving ecoBiz three-star partner status
ecoBiz isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating practical, achievable change. By working with dedicated sustainability coaches, businesses like JPR Welding receive tailored advice and simple steps to reduce energy, water and waste. These changes save money, strengthen operations and position businesses for a sustainable future.
For JPR Welding, the biggest win so far has been recognition for their hard work through becoming a three-star partner. Under the ecoBiz program, businesses earn one star for each 10% reduction in energy, water or waste intensity compared to their baseline. Achieving all three stars highlights just how far the team has come.
“Becoming a three-star partner is a big achievement for us because it acknowledges the effort we’ve put in,” Karen says.
Beyond their 54% reduction in energy intensity, JPR Welding also achieved a 13% reduction in water intensity and a 27% reduction in waste intensity.
ecoBiz has given JPR Welding confidence and clarity. Before joining, they were already trying to do the right thing, but like many regional businesses, they didn’t know where to start.
“We’re not in Brisbane. Working in the regions is very different,” Karen says.
“ecoBiz taught us how to monitor power, water and waste, and why that matters. It’s a constant reminder to keep improving, and now we have the tools and confidence to make it happen.”
Building momentum for the future
For regional businesses looking to improve sustainability, JPR Welding’s experience shows that meaningful results do not require complex solutions or major upfront investments.
By taking practical steps, measuring progress and drawing on expert guidance, the business has reduced costs, improved efficiency and embedded sustainability into everyday operations.
“With ecoBiz, you’re not left to figure it out on your own,” Karen says. “The support is there, the process is straightforward and the benefits quickly become clear.”
From cutting energy use to identifying hidden water waste, JPR Welding’s journey demonstrates how small, consistent actions can lead to significant environmental and business outcomes.
The ecoBiz program is proudly supported through the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund.
