Welcome to $ustainable Business

Welcome to the first issue of $ustainable Business, an e-bulletin produced by the Business Treading Lightly (BTL) team. BTL assists its business partners to implement sustainable business practices that not only save them money, but also benefit the environment. $ustainable Business will provide regular updates on the achievements of its partners as they progress through the program, highlighting initiatives that may also be of interest or benefit to other members. Our overall objective is to promote behavioural change in order to secure a sustainable future for our partners in the NSW Illawarra and South Coast , from the Bega Shire in the South to Wollongong City in the North and Wingecarrbee Shire to the West.

From the Acting Program Manager

I would like to welcome you to the first issue of $ustainable Business. This newsletter will keep you up-to-date with the great progress being made by our partners and also any changes within the BTL team and program.

Recently the BTL team has undergone some significant changes, including my appointment as the acting Program Manager. For the past two years I have worked for Wollongong City Council primarily working with businesses, Government departments and private consultants to promote economic and environmental sustainability. Prior to this I worked for the School of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Wollongong while completing a Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Education and undertaking my PHD studies. I also have experience working in the hospitality sector and for a local quarrying and civil engineering company as an apprentice Plant and Heavy Vehicle Mechanic.

Now that phase 1 of the program is well underway, with 71 aged care facilities progressing well, the BTL team will commence the roll out of phases 2 and 3 over the next few months. Phase 2 will engage with the hospitality sector, including medium to large accommodation venues, service clubs, wineries and hotels/public bars. Phase 3 aims to work with commercial businesses within industrial areas. 

I hope to make a positive contribution to the program and look forward to working with you all.

Carl Hopley                             

Thanks Leanne

By now you may be aware that Leanne Taylor has accepted a great opportunity with Port Kembla Port Corporation. Unfortunately for us, that means that Leanne has resigned as BTL’s Program Manager. We sincerely thank Leanne for her hard work in establishing the BTL program. Leanne’s expertise and dedication has established a very strong platform for the program that the BTL team can continue to build on. The BTL team and Southern Councils Group wish Leanne all the best with her new position.

Working with Member Councils

The BTL team recognises the importance of continuing to build a strong working relationship with member Councils. Over the next few months the BTL team will be in contact with each of the Councils to identify ways that the team can assist in the incorporation of sustainability into daily operations.

Port Kembla Golf Club 

Port Kembla Golf Club is a great example of what can be achieved over a relatively short period of time with the full commitment of the business and a little help. In August this year the Club was named overall winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2008 Sustainable Cities, Clubs NSW Sustainable Club award.

The Club has worked closely with Wollongong City Council, the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Packaging Stewardship Forum to improve its  economic, environmental and social performance. Over the past 12 months the Club has reduced its water consumption by 40% by installing water tanks and hand watering of its greens. Energy consumption has been managed by reducing the number of lights in its gaming room and investing in energy efficient lighting. The Club has  also  implemented   improved   waste   management  practices, such as the installation of recycling bins around the course. Currently, the Club is in the process of implementing an environmental management system. Over the next 12 months the club plans to establish a commercial worm farm to break down waste from its bistro and to produce natural fertilisers for the golf course.

Meet the Team

The BTL team is pleased to announce the appointment of four new sustainability officers, Katrina, Levi, Mark and Vickie. The new team members bring with them a diverse range of skills and experiences that will greatly complement the team.

Program Manager (acting):
- Carl Hopley
Sustainability Officers:
- Katrina Skellern is working with businesses in the Wingecarrbee Shire and assisting Carl Hopley with his existing business programs in Wollongong City LGA’s
- Levi Gibson is working with businesses in the Kiama Municipal and Shellharbour City LGA’s
- Mark Shorter is working with businesses in the Eurobodalla Shire
- Marianne Jones is working with businesses in the Shoalhaven City LGA
- Rebecca Hamilton is managing phase 1 of the program
- Vickie Williamson is working with businesses in the Bega Valley Shire.
Marketing and Events:
- Kirrily Martin
Administration Officer/PA:
- Hope Prosser

 
Left to Right: Levi Gibson, Hope Prosser, Marianne Jones, Katrina Skellern, Rebecca Hamilton, Vickie Williamson, Carl Hopley. Absent:  Kirrily Martin and Mark Shorter

Sustainability Tip - Monitor the Meter

Sydney Water estimates that leakage or base flow (e.g. from taps) can account for up to 25% of your total water use in a commercial building. Monitoring your water meter can save you a significant amount of money by identifying any leaks. If you are the last to leave for the night make a note of the meter reading and have the first person to arrive re-read the meter. Assuming the building is not  operational between meter readings there should not be a significant difference between readings overnight or over weekends. If you do observe a difference you may have a leak that needs identifying and fixing. Remember, in many commercial businesses you pay for your water twice, so it’s worth the effort.

Horizon Living: Links Seaside

BTL is pleased to announce that Horizon Living: Links  Seaside (resort style accommodation for the over 55’s) is joining the program as a partner. Although Links Seaside is relatively new, Horizon Living has recognised that implementation of sustainability initiatives makes economic, environmental and social sense. Over the next few months Links Seaside will be completing a management diagnostic, developing an action plan and commencing relevant modules.

We welcome feedback

BTL Partner Organisations