Eurobodalla Shire Council - Sustainable Business

What is a Sustainable Business?

Business is generally most concerned about financial sustainability. However, it is becoming more apparent that in order to be financially sustainable a good business must also consider their environmental impact.

There are increasing public expectations of business to be more sustainable and to be held accountable for their environmental impacts. Businesses are also required to comply with increasing legislative and regulatory requirements.

In order for business to be financially sustainable they will need to keep pace with their environmental obligations and the risks and opportunities that climate change presents. Implementing sustainable practices like cleaner production and making more efficient use of resources makes good business sense. It improves not just the environmental performance of the business, but the financial bottom line as well.

How does Eurobodalla Shire Council support business to be more sustainable?

ESC has a range of activities designed to support business to be more sustainable.

Business Treading Lightly

Business Treading Lightly (BTL) is a partnership between the Southern Councils Group and the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) to assist businesses to reduce their ecological footprint by operating more sustainably. This $2 million government-funded program works with local business to introduce environmentally innovative practices and help them save thousands of dollars in water, waste and energy costs.

The main target business sectors at the moment are: Aged Care facilities and Hospitality.

The advantages of partnering with Business Treading Lightly are;

• Cost savings in water, waste and energy efficiencies.

• Access to free staff training.

• Expert advice on all areas of sustainable business practice.

• A "green" market advantage.

• Keep pace with large corporations who are resourced to position themselves for the risks and opportunities that climate change presents.

• Assistance with strategic planning and setting of environmental targets.

• Ensure that the complex and costly task of complying with emerging environmental legislation and regulation is met.

For more information about how Business Treading Lightly can help you and your business please contact your BTL sustainability officer Mark Shorter on 4474 1373 or mshorter@btl.net.au or visit www.btl.net.au

Eurowater Non-residential Water Saving Program

Eurowater, a division of Eurobodalla Shire Council, is currently working with some non residential water customers, including business, to implement water saving measures on existing facilities. The program has been designed to be flexible, such that funding of up to $10,000 can be provided for the most effective way for a particular organisation to save water.

Expressions of interest closed on Friday 9th of January 2009.

What other support is there to help business be more sustainable?

• Sustainability Advantage is a comprehensive NSW Government supported program for medium to large businesses. Or contact BTL for more info.

• Eco Clubs is a partnership program of Clubs NSW and DECC which specifically targets clubs.

• The Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program is available to businesses that use up to $20,000 in electricity a year, providing subsidised energy audits and rebates of up to $5,000 for energy saving measures.

• The NSW Climate Change Fund has regular rounds of grants that businesses may be eligible to apply for.

• The Australian Government has allocated $240 million over four years to establish Clean Business Australia a partnership with Australian business and industry for tackling climate change. There are a number of grants and rounds that small to medium business can apply for.

Sustainable Businesses in Eurobodalla Shire

There is a growing demand for sustainable products and services. There is also a growing number of local businesses that may be able to help on your sustainability project. For more information check out the organisations that have exhibited at the Eurobodalla Sustainable Living Expo. To participate in 2009 call 4474 1272 or 4474 1354.

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