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» Sustainable Business- North Shore
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Environment
Business Sustainably
Did you know you can reduce your overheads and increase customer support by being sustainable.
Information can be found here for local business owners about how they can contribute to sustainability and participate in the Greenstyle program. Find out information about 
funding opportunities available for businesses (114KB) to be more sustainable.
Free Sustainable Savings for Small Business Seminar
This seminar will provide information to businesses looking to save money in the long-term by making greener choices. Speakers will include Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, Tanya Ha and representatives from energy providers, Sydney Water, industry associations and case studies from other small businesses.
This seminar will be held on Tuesday 15th September 2009 at 5:30pm, Customs House, Circular Quay.
For more information, or to register, visit www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au
UWS Business Management Projects
In a partnership with UWS and Ku-ring-gai Council, business management students undertook interviews with managers of local restaurants and cafes. The purpose of this was to enable the students and Council to better understand the sustainability needs and barriers faced by businesses in the hospitality sector.
Some businesses in Ku-ring-gai already benefit from increased customer support, reduced overheads and improved productivity and staff morale due to sustainable business choices and dealings.
Click below to view examples.
These students did an excellent job, collectively capturing many of the voices of cafe and restaurant owners throughout Ku-ring-gai, and Council looks forward to working with business students in the future to better understand the needs of our business community. Businesses can find information here on some of the challenges identified through this partnership, with advice to improve their performance.
Environment
Business Sustainability
Sustainability Tips
The main tip for all business is to know your industry and your competitors, as your competitors may already have an advantage over you by contributing towards sustainability. Many industry associations have initiatives to promote sustainability. They are also likely to have the most current and relevant information on issues in your industry. If you are unaware of your relevant industry association, you can search the government and business association directory.
You can improve your sustainability performance by considering the following recommendations identified by UWS business students. Some businesses in Ku-ring-gai already benefit from these activities with increased customer support and improved productivity from staff morale.
Environmental
- Become energy efficient. The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) run business sustainability partnerships assisting businesses with subsidies for efficiency, such as the Sustainability Advantage Program
- Businesses with annual electricity costs of $20,000 or less may be eligible for a rebate of up to $5,000 through the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program through the DECCW
- Minimise electricity, gas and water consumption by turning off appliances, lights, air conditioning and taps when not in use
- Source 'green power' for your electricity consumption. Please note, energy efficiency should be your first priority
- Choose materials with minimal environmental impact, such as minimal packaging, thereby minimising your waste, and sustainable sources, such as fish farms
- Recycle cooking oil. Don't pour oil down the drain
- Use recycled material for furniture
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products and chemicals instead of harsh chemicals that can damage the environment
- Collect rubbish and litter from around your business
Social
- Support local artists and improve your business atmosphere by facilitating the sale of local artwork and employing local musicians for entertainment
- Support local, regional, national and international charities, e.g. by donating tips to charities
- Source socially responsible products, such as fair trade coffee and cocoa, and ensure your suppliers are also sustainable
- Host social meetings and gatherings, such as book clubs
- Cater for community and social groups in your area, such as cycle clubs or historical research groups
- Network with other businesses in your area. Difficulties you face may also be faced by neighbouring businesses and may be solved through group efforts
- Work in partnership with local educational institutions, such as TAFE, to improve the education programs and the skills of your staff
- Try to employ local staff
- Develop social objectives for your business, e.g. yearly goals to support one sports team and donate a certain amount to charities
- Conduct community 'fun days'
Economic
- Set short and long term financial goals for your business and show commitment to stakeholders
- Just-in-time supply chain management
- First-in-first-out stock rotation to minimise waste and food spoilage
- Develop business plans and strategies
- Use financial management tools, such as MYOB and accountants to monitor you financial situation
- Share the costs of deliveries and waste services with neighbouring businesses
- Use effective marketing strategies and promote your success
The book 'The Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line' by Bob Willard may be of use to people who want to know more about sustainability in business. Published by New Society Publishers, 2002, ISBN 0865714517, 9780865714519.
Environment
Sustainable Business
North Shore Project
North Shore Councils, North Sydney, Willoughby, Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai, have received funding of $1.65 million from the NSW Environmental Trust - Urban Sustainability Fund for a combined Sustainable Business - North Shore program. The three year business engagement and improvement program will take a triple bottom line approach to address environmental, economic and social issues, and aims to increase the sustainable performance of local small to medium businesses.
To address environmental sustainability, the program will assist local businesses to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, potable water usage and reduce their waste to landfill. Business owners will also be educated about the impact of pollution that their business has on local bushland and waterways. Targeting economic sustainability, the program will assist businesses to prepare for rising energy, water and waste disposal costs by assisting businesses to improve their efficiencies and profitability, ensuring their viability and that of the local economy. Participating businesses will also be encouraged to give back to their community through the program by addressing social issues on the North Shore and helping to strengthen the local business community.
A major component of the program will be the development of a star rating system for participating businesses. Businesses will display a bronze, silver or gold star depending on their level of sustainability so the community can choose to support businesses who have a smaller impact on the environment.
The initial pilot program will commence in 2009 with the full program rolled out in 2010. Willoughby Council will lead council for this project.
Environment
Greenstyle
Register your business for the Greenstyle program. A sustainable living initiative for Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby and Willoughby residents. A Greenstyle representative from each Council will visit homes and give advice on how to live more sustainably.
By registering your business with Greenstyle, you will benefit by:
- Receiving promotion by the three Councils
- A potential pool of clients
- Opportunities to network with other businesses and local government.
For your business to be eligible to be a preferred Greenstyle contractor, you must prove that:
- Your goods and services are relevant to our program
- You are willing to offer discounts or other financial benefits to our customers
- You have Occupational Health and Safety policies in place
- You have a minimum $5,000,000.00 public liability insurance policy
- If applicable, you belong to a relevant industry association.
If any Greenstyle participant makes a complaint against a Greenstyle contractor that is upheld by the Department of Fair Trading, that contractor will be removed from the Participant Contractor list.
Contact: Greenstyle Advisor
Phone: (02) 9424 0000
Email: aweingott@kmc.nsw.gov.au
Post: Locked Bag 1056
Pymble NSW 2073
Business Sustainability
Definitions
Definitions and concepts of sustainability differ depending on the values and aspirations of the individual, community, organisation, or nation. The following definitions are those recognised by Ku-ring-gai Council and its community, however these terms may have different meanings to your organisation, and should be reflected in your visions and objectives.
Sustainability
Ku-ring-gai, and its community defines sustainability as:
'the ability to maintain a good quality of life for future generations, which relies upon a fair, just, and dynamic community, healthy and diverse environment, and an active and stable economy'
This definition incorporates the triple bottom line concept of sustainability, recognising that the environment, economy, and society are interconnected and equally important to our community.
Business Sustainability
Can be defined as the ability for business to grow and increase profits while benefiting from contributions to social systems, values and culture; reducing the overall environmental impact of the business, improving and supporting the local environment.
Economic Sustainability
Refers to the maintenance of capital and profit margins in the short and long term to ensure the viability of the business in the future. Businesses should ensure that the 'true costs' of business are incorporated in their pricing which includes the externalities of consumption and equity of resources. This recognises that in some instances, businesses will be benefited at the expense of others, however businesses should ensure that equity is considered in all dealings.
Environmental Sustainability
This term defines the principles and practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact while meeting the needs of the present without compromising that of future generations (Brundtland, 1987). Environmental sustainability seeks to improve human welfare by protecting, conserving, restoring and assisting natural ecosystems and environmental processes necessary for supporting life.
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability is concerned with creating balance in human systems. It focuses on the cohesion of community for mutual benefit and working towards social equity, tolerance and care irrespective of age, ability, income or culture. Social sustainability is linked with quality of life and the protection of the environment in the common interest of humanity (Earth Charter Initiative, 1997; Goodland, 2002).
Environment
Further Information
Contact: Sustainability Program Leader
Phone: (02) 9424 0000
Email: jscott@kmc.nsw.gov.au
Post: Locked Bag 1056
Pymble NSW 2073