Sustainable business
How can your business be more sustainable?
Making your business more sustainable can save you money while reducing your impact on the environment. To support businesses the NSW government currently offer incentives in energy efficiency and waste reduction.
- The NSW Energy Savings Scheme provides businesses with financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of their equipment and appliances. This includes upgrades to lighting, hot water, refrigeration, HVAC and more.
- NSW Bin Trim Rebates Program provides free waste assessments and rebates to businesses to help them with the costs of purchasing and installing small-scale recycling equipment and technologies.
Click on the topic headings below to access more tips, discounts, services and mentoring support.
Energy
How can I save money and reduce CO2 emissions?
Reducing energy use can reduce your costs, improve your business reputation and reduce your impact on the environment.
Actions you can take:
1. Check the NSW Government incentives
Find support for business upgrades including:
- lighting
- hot water systems
- solar panels and batteries
- air-conditioning system
- commercial refrigerator
2. Purchase GreenPower or install rooftop solar
- Choosing 100% GreenPower is a quick and easy way to get on board with renewable energy if you're renting your premises.
- Rooftop solar is a great idea for businesses that use most of their energy through the day. Check this Solar Guide for Business to help you get started.
3. Compare your energy plan
Visit the Energy Made Easy site to compare energy plans.
Learn more about saving energy
Sample pledges
- We’ve switched to 100% GreenPower
- We’ve replaced our old lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
- We’ve installed solar panels on the rooftop
- We’ve developed a clean energy strategy
- We’ve upgraded to more energy efficient air-conditioning
Waste
How can I reduce waste?
Managing waste has become an important topic with many businesses looking for opportunities to maximise recycling and minimise waste going to landfill. Did you know roughly 70% of the things in a business general waste bin can be reused or recycled? Good waste management can save your business money while caring for the environment.
The NSW Bin Trim Rebates program can help your business make changes with rebates of up to $50,000 covering up to 50% of the capital cost of small-scale, on-site recycling equipment or technology.
Other actions you can take:
- Add recycling services to your waste contract
- Find an organic waste collection service in your area
- Review your supply chain to source more recyclable products
- Conduct a waste audit at your business
- Dispose of your e-waste through drop-off or collection services.
Learn more about improving your waste management:
Woollahra Council - Trade Waste
Woollahra Council - Disposal and re-use guide
Woollahra Council - E-waste
NSW Government - E-waste
Planet Ark Business Recycling
For Cafes and Pubs
NSW Single-use plastic bans need to be followed by all businesses
Responsible Cafes aims to reduce single-use waste by nurturing a culture of reuse and change behaviour.
Plastic Free July have practical tips to help your businesses reduce single use plastic items.
For Salons
Sustainable Salons is a social enterprise that redirects salon waste from landfill.
Sample pledges
- We send 80% of our waste for recycling
- We’ve reduced our waste by…
- Our organic waste goes to…
- We have a worm farm for waste from our staff
Sourcing sustainably
How can I reduce single use plastics and select more sustainable products?
Actions you can take:
Sample pledges
- We’re committed to reducing single-use plastics by switching to paper straws
- Our paper/bamboo/timber products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- The packaging we select can be recycled within Australia
- We assess the environmental and social impact of products including…
- We buy products that use recycled materials including…
Water
How can we be more water efficient?
By reducing water usage, your business can:
- Reduce costs and find efficiencies
- Reduce the environmental impact of your business
- Improve the reputation of your business.
Water quality in our harbour is also an important local issue. Removing solids, oils and grease from your wastewater at the source helps reduce the number of blockages and overflows on your property, in our system and in the environment.
Actions you can take:
Sample pledges
- We’ve upgraded to water efficient dishwashers
- We’ve installed a smart watering system to minimise use of water on our garden
- We’ve planted natives in the garden
- We’ve installed water tanks
What are local businesses doing to be more sustainable?
Our Businesss Sustainability Action Map showcases local businesses who are leading the way with sustainability action. You'll find businesses that are saving with rooftop solar systems, certified carbon neutral, recycling hair, reducing fashion waste, implementing coffee cup return schemes and reducing plastics.
Get Involved
Step 1. Review the material at the top of the page or download our Business Sustainability Action Pack(PDF, 1MB).
Step 2. Make a sustainability action pledge and share your story with us so we can add you to the sustainability action map and consider a case study interview to showcase your actions. Your pledge might include actions such as:
- We’ve replaced our old lighting with energy-efficient LEDs.
- We’ve switched to paper straws and bamboo cutlery.
- Our staff are walking and cycling to work.
- All our paper products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- We’ve upgraded to water efficient appliances.
Step 3. Make your actions more visible by sharing them through your own social media, shop displays and business profile.
Contact us
Talk to our Sustainability Team on 02 9391 7000 or send us an email