Plaques presented on the day
The achievements of 46 organisations leading environmental sustainability were celebrated by over 200 delegates at the Sustainability Advantage Recognition Breakfast, held in Sydney on June 4 – the eve of World Environment Day.
Over 420 NSW organisations are currently members of the Sustainability Advantage Program, which commenced in 2007. It is expected these organisations will save more than 132,000 tonnes of carbon pollution, with 31,000 tonnes of this already realised.
The Program links businesses with best practice information and technical expertise to reduce environmental impacts such as energy consumption and waste sent to landfill. The Program's Recognition Scheme provides Bronze status to organisations that can demonstrate commitment to business sustainability. To achieve Silver status, organisations must demonstrate significant environmental achievements.
The second year of the Recognition Breakfast marked a milestone in the Program's Recognition Scheme, with the first ever nine Sustainability Advantage Silver Partners announced. A total of 38 new Bronze Partners were recognised on the day who will join the 13 organisations who achieved Bronze Partner status at the 2009 Recognition Breakfast.
Congratulations to new Bronze and Silver Partners
DECCW Acting Director General, Simon Smith, presented the plaques. "The efforts of the businesses involved in the Program are resulting in outstanding environmental savings," Mr Smith said.
"Since the Program began in 2007, member organisations have saved more than 240 megalitres of water, 6,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and over 2,400 tonnes of raw materials.
"They are also realising the cost benefits from being involved in the Program, with a estimated $42.5 million in financial savings to be made by the 428 participating organisations.
"Program Members come from manufacturing, commercial property, building products, registered clubs, tourism, aged care and community services, wineries, and tertiary education sectors.
"These organisations are leading the way for business sustainability in NSW, proving environmental consciousness improves productivity and profitability," Mr Smith said.
Visit environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus/recognitionscheme.htm to see the full list of Sustainability Advantage Partners and a number of case studies on business achievements through the Program.
For more information on the NSW Government's Sustainability Advantage Program, visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus or savepower.nsw.gov.au/business