Post on 15-Apr-2017
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Extend current environmental initiatives to compete with competitors
Solution:
Introduced new sustainable devices and marketing to differentiate from other cafes.
Achievements:
Electricity use reduction: 28% Water use reduced by more than 20% Small Business Award for Best café in North Shore,
NSW Market and promote a strong brand awareness Competitive awareness and innovation
Background
Bean Drinking is a small business owned by Keith Reay in Crows
Nest, New South Wales. The primary focus of the business is
coffee which led Keith to create tag line, ‘Bean Drinking- Coffee
for serious drinkers’. This coffee based business also serves
meals, and was opened in January 2005.
Keith has successfully expanded his business using the principles
of sustainability. The journey for this small business began when
Keith witnessed the waste associated with disposable cups from
take-away coffee. Around this time, one of Keith’s closest
competitor (a well known highstreet chain who predominantly
serve their coffee in paper cups, even for eat-ins) had introduced
larger sized coffees. Over a period of 6 months, Bean Drinking
received increasing customer requests for the larger size coffee.
To facilitate this request, rather than just implementing larger
take away cups, Bean Drinking introduced a range of reusable
Bean Drinking branded thermos travel mugs, as well as specially
sourced extra large ceramic cups for eat-in customers. The
concept behind the branded travel mugs is that if a customer
brings the cup back they can have 60c off the price of a refill,
thus ensuring less waste (as a paper take-away cup is not used)
and more repeat business (as the discount is a direct benefit to
the customer).
Solution
Bean Drinking has improved its environmental outcomes
across a range of indicators during its participation in Village
Green’s Sustainable Business Management programme.
Firstly, they have reduced the waste within their business and
the waste that leaves their business by introducing the
thermos mug and ensuring that all coffee that is consumed
within the premises uses ceramic mugs. In an attempt to
conserve water Keith placed a displacement device (a 1.25 litre
soft-drink bottle) in the cistern of the toilet in his store. This
enabled him to save at least a litre per flush regardless of
whether it is a half or full flush.
Keith also replaced the 32 energy intensive halogen down
lights with compact fluorescent down lights which saves a
significant amount of electricity and greenhouse gases, not to
mention the $650 saving in the bill in the first year. This makes
the payback period for the lighting changes approximately 8
months.
Keith sees Bean Drinking as having the responsibility of
passing on the environmental and social message that they
practise every day. There is signage in the bathrooms
indicating the water saving measures that are taking place,
and for the other changes Keith has involved his staff heavily
to ensure that they pass the message onto the customers.
Bean Drinking staff also gives out information on how the
process of Swiss-Water decaf works.
Bean Drinking will continue to practice the environmental
innovation and social sustainability they currently undertake.
Bean Drinking
“Coffee is the world’s second most widely
traded commodity and as such its production
has significant environmental and social
impacts in the countries where it is grown and
harvested”
Keith Reay, owner of Bean Drinking.
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Work to change business practices in an industry which has static practices
Solution:
Used an unexpected renovation to install sustainable designs
Realised other opportunities for improvement after initial changes were made
Achievements:
50% reduction in energy cost Made positive changes to business environment
without disrupting factory practices
Background
Since 1995, Classic Style has been selling and maintaining classic
and vintage motorbikes. They currently stock the largest range
of classic motorcycles in Australia, specialising in British models.
Jon Munn, owner of Classic Style, was keen to join the VIC 1000
Sustainability Programme as he believed it was a good concept
and a benefit to business to receive advice regarding
sustainable practices. Jon also involved all his staff in the
programme; the more involved they became, the more
enthusiastic they were about the sustainable changes they
made.
Solution
Since being involved in the programme, Classic Style has made
some innovative changes to their business and seen amazing
reductions in energy costs.
A storm early in 2008 damaged the factory roof of Classic Style,
several roof panels were damaged beyond repair. Jon was
planning on replacing the damaged lighting fixtures with new
lights, but instead decided to use natural light and clear plastic
panels were installed. He is amazed at the difference, not only
in the brightness and quality of the natural light in the factory,
but also the reduction in the energy bill. Jon has seen a 50%
reduction in his electricity account as a result! He says that the
factory floor is also a more pleasant place to work and has
changed the atmosphere of the area.
Other changes Classic Style has made includes:
• Halving the number of yellow fluorescent lights and
putting in CFL white lights
• Plans to install a water tank at the back of the building,
collection flow-off from the factory roof
• Introducing a recycling system which included
separating their rubbish and reducing the timeframe of
rubbish collection from weekly to fortnightly
• Replacing the petrol Ute with a gas Ute, reducing green
house gas emissions.
Jon was able to incorporate his staff into the changes; they
discussed the alterations to the building and any other actions
they could take to be more sustainable.
Jon has also spoken about his sustainable actions to friends
with factories. As a result, others are looking to install more
natural lighting instead of electrical lights. Jon also encourages
owners of buildings to look at sustainable practices, as the
payoff is worthwhile, not only for the bottom line but also for
the environment.
Classic Style has shown how they’ve taken their newly gained
sustainable knowledge and used it to their advantage; in cost
reductions and for the benefit of the environment.
Classic Style
The major sponsor of
VIC 1000 is the
Victorian Government
Sustainability Fund; it
is supported by South
East Water and the
Frankston City Council
for this municipality.
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Live up to community expectations to do business in a
sustainable manner
Solution:
Use the sustainability report recommendations to make
improvements to the business
Multiple changes to the council operations, resulting in lower
costs and behavioural change.
Achievements:
Environmental & Social Award Finalist – Kangaroo Island
Sustainable Business Program.
Energy use and waste output both decreased by approximately
24%
Background
Local Government was formed on Kangaroo Island in the late 1880s and the two
district councils amalgamated to form the Kangaroo Island Council in 1996. Since
amalgamation, the Council has continued to provide a range of services including
infrastructure development and maintenance, waste management, building and
planning services, libraries and in more recent years, community development and
tourism.
Solution
The business participated in the Kangaroo Island-Towards Sustainability program
in 2008. The council staff found that the assessments, reports and the workshops
all proved useful tools for raising awareness of their energy use and the benefits of
‘being green’. The reports in particular were invaluable, helping the council to
identify areas which could be improved. Senior
Managers and the Community Facilities Coordinator
were involved and actively participated in the
program, the council plans to involve more staff who
were away at the time of the program.
The council has made some exciting changes to their operations as a result of the
program. These include:
• Review of and reduction of use in fleet vehicles.
• Increased use of modern fuel efficient machinery
• Timer on hot water heaters modified.
• Spot lights over customer service desk and library circulation desk now
turned off
• Air-conditioner and automatic doors are turned off on fine days,
especially Saturdays when the building is only open for three hours.
• All light bulbs are being replaced with energy efficient bulbs – ongoing
throughout Council’s facilities
• Reduction in waste being produced by office staff, increased amount of
recycling
• Water sprinkler timers in parks and reserves have been kept at
Level 3 water restrictions requirements, despite water restrictions
not at Level 3
• Three new water and energy efficient toilet blocks built for remote
reserves; composting toilets with environmentally friendly design.
Due to the changes made, the council plans on
using the achievements from program to
promote sustainable businesses at the
Kangaroo Island Field Day and other events.
Benefits from these changes have been
gradual and constant; the council would like to continue this trend.
The residents of Kangaroo Island are aware of the council’s actions, through
the local newspaper and promotions such as the Field Day and other
community events. They have had very positive feedback on using low
energy lighting. Due to the Kangaroo Island community generally being
environmentally aware, the residents expect their Council to have good
environmental practices; hence the Council has further plans to reduce
their carbon footprint. These include:
• Further reduction of paper waste from office,
• Promotion of mulching/composting,
• Reduction of vehicle fleet,
• More composting toilets and other ‘green’ community facilities
• Staff training in sustainable practices
Kangaroo Island Council
The major sponsors of the
Kangaroo Island – towards
sustainability program are
EPA SA, KI Development
Board, KI Council, KI
Natural Resources
Management Board and the SA Government.
….a more positive
attitude to recycling
among staff who
have participated in
the program.
When it comes to introducing sustainable
actions into a business, the staff at Kangaroo
Island Council recommends, “Do it - its easier
than you think and keeps you monitoring costs
and outcomes”.
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Improve on the already impressive initiatives the
company had in place
Solution:
Use the audit to gain greater knowledge on where
improvements could be made
Achievements:
Water tanks installed: 66,000 litre storage
Lighting retrofit
Used recycled building materials during
renovations
Diverting 3 cubic metres from landfill per week
Background
Quiksilver was founded in Australia in 1969. Quiksilver designs,
produces and distributes clothing, accessories and related products for
young-minded people and develops brands that represent a boardriding
heritage. Quiksilver's products are sold throughout the world, primarily
in surf shops, skate shops and other specialty stores.
Solution
Quiksilver’s Australian headquarters in Torquay participated in the VIC
1000 Regional South West program. They decided to be involved as it
was a good opportunity to be assessed environmentally, especially as the
team were keen to be even more sustainable around the office. After the
initial audit, the Quiksilver team found that the report was a great
platform to work from and measure current and future improvements.
They created an environmental team to help engage staff and decide on
the sustainable actions to be acted upon.
One of the main actions was their recycling program, which includes
paper, confidential material, organic, plastics and co-mingle materials.
This program was instigated not just in the office but the joinery as well.
Other actions have included changing lights from halogens to CFL’s,
installing water tanks, including hybrid cars in the sales force car fleet,
and organising community clean up days and revegetation days. The staff
also take part in walk to work and ride to work days.
The Quiksilver headquarters has also had a major renovation, which
included many sustainable improvements. Many of the original building
fabrics and furnishings were recycled, which minimised the waste from
the renovations. Instead of using a broad loom carpet, the company
decided on using carpet tiles, which are fully recyclable at the end of
their use-by date.
The use of natural light was encouraged where possible, such as the
lighting around the perimeter of the building. Also, open-able
windows were installed for fresh air as opposed to relying solely on
air conditioning. A computer operated light and heat screening
system was installed on the roof. This is controlled by temperature
and light sensors – minimising heat gain and loss, whilst maximising
light.
The new fully integrated Building Management system also
included the following:
• Clipsal C-Bus which ensures all lights are isolated when the
building or parts of building are unoccupied and lights are
managed efficiently saving energy.
• The light fittings used throughout are the latest energy
efficient type having T5 tubes which use less power,
produce less heat and are more environmentally friendly.
• All lights used require the lowest energy consumption per
square meter of floor space (surpassing current building
codes of Australia).
Quiksilver has made outstanding changes to their company
headquarters and behaviours, making them a leader in sustainable
practices. They have also encouraged their suppliers to become
more sustainable, including recycled clothing in their range.
Quiksilver are not just talking the sustainable message, they are
living it!
Quiksilver
The major sponsor of
VIC 1000 is the
Victorian Government
Sustainability Fund; it
is supported by
Barwon Water, G21
Partnership Project
and local councils.
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Harness the company passion to reduce expenditure and GHG emissions and put this into action.
Solution:
Attended workshops and used new ideas to engage and educate other staff
Achievements:
Approximately $3000 in savings on utility bills Implemented many initiatives and involved staff
in the process Gained recognition from wider company for their
green actions
Background
The Salvation Army Employment Plus (TSAEP) has been in Launceston 6
years and recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary nation wide.
Employment Plus assists job seekers with finding work and helps
businesses find the right person for the right job.
The Employment Plus office in Launceston is very passionate about
reducing expenditure and the link to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
fitted well with their passion. The business decided to join the
EcoSmartBiz programme as it was a chance to work on their
environmental actions and network with others in the business area.
Solution
The staff involved in the programme were impressed with the assistance
they received. They felt the workshops were excellent and lots of ideas
came out of these, which were then taken back to the entire staff. The
final report was “a real eye opener”, Mandy De Ruyter, Site Manager,
stated. From this report, Mandy and the team instigated numerous
actions which included:
• Air Con operational during business hours starting 2 hours prior to
open and set at optimum 21 degrees
• Cleaners are in the building during business hours to eliminate
additional lighting expenses outside of hours
• De-lamping of the office space, 70 fluro tube removed. Commitment
to replace T8 with T5 where possible when they expire
• Recycling of plastics and cardboard by introducing co-mingle bins for
use of staff and jobseekers and cardboard boxes taken to local child
care centre for painting and creative activities, instead of straight to
recycling
• Replaced Styrofoam/plastic cups with recyclable cups
• Full flush toilet systems adjusted to half flush.
• Business wear proudly donated by local businesses and TSAEP
staff.
• Turn lights and power points off in rooms when not in use, and
signage to remind staff
• Installed aerators on taps in bathrooms and kitchen for less
water flow and installed timers on electrical goods to turn off
when not in use
• Include education of recycling at training inductions for
jobseekers and educational hints for being kind to the
environment on the back of toilet doors
• All printers set to double sided printing where possible
• Installed organic waste bin to reduce food scraps
• Purchased environmentally-friendly Australian brand
dishwashing liquid.
Due to the amazing effort put in by TSAEP Launceston, the
business has been invited to participate in the Green Policy
development for the entire group nation wide. The CEO,
operations manager and marketing department of TSAEP, have all
been in contact with the Launceston office, due to their impressive
changes. They have also seen a huge reduction in their bills,
approx $3000.
The business has also gained interest from other local businesses
who wanted to join the program, after hearing publicity on the
good work TSAEP Launceston achieved.
TSAEP Launceston are keen to continue influencing the
organisation as a whole by including hints and tips on the
company’s intranet and hopes this will see actions take place on a
national level.
The Salvation Army Employment Plus
The major sponsors of EcoSmartBiz is NRM North, Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Launceston City Council and Cityprom
Left to right. Mandy De Ruyter (Site Manager) and Kristianna Ball (Admin Officer) from The Salvation Army Employment Plus with jobseekers Adam and Jeremy ready for a job interview. Recycled business wear assists jobseekers when they need to go to an immediate interview with an employer.
For more details, please contact
Village Green Environmental Solutions
info@villagegreen.com.au
+61 3 9017 5017
Challenge:
Reduce energy and water usage in a location
where both resources are restricted
Solution:
Use the sustainability program to make
improvements to the business
Monitor water and energy usage
Install energy efficient globes and composting
Achievements:
Economic Award finalist – S1k Sustainable
Business Program
Energy usage decreased by approximately 37%
Water usage decreased by approximately 24%
Background
Graham and Dianne Morris have managed the Wintersun Holiday
Homes and Units at Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island since 2000.
Wintersun includes Baxters House, Hamilton House and two
smaller units for rental. The
accommodation is situation near Kingscote
on the north-east of the island.
Solution
The business participated in the Kangaroo
Island – towards sustainability program in 2008. They could see
the benefits of the program in learning to conserve consumption
on an island in which the residents must be very conscious of
energy and water usage. There was also the benefit of passing on
any environmental measures to their guests and save costs in the
process.
The changes that have been made at
Wintersun have made a significant
difference. Firstly, the hot water services
for the accommodation has been more
closely monitored and adjusted so that the
energy requirements have been reduced.
Waste disposal has been improved to include more sorting of
rubbish and recycling whenever possible. A new area has been
established in the gardens for composting and the guests are
encouraged to use this as much as possible. Lastly, the lighting
within the business has been replaced with energy efficient
globes, which has further reduced the energy consumption and
costs.
Graham and Dianne have put up signage detailing the
sustainable changes they have made and encourage the
guests to follow in their footsteps
The business has certainly seen positive results due to the
changes. Energy usage has decreased by approximately
37% and water by
24% during the
program.
The guests at the
holiday homes have
been very positive
about the new
sustainable practices implemented and have taken note of
signage. As a result the guests have also assisted in reducing
the energy costs during their stays.
Graham and Dianne believe they are almost at the limit of
the sustainable changes they are able to
implement, but they are keen to further
investigate lowering their energy costs even
further. They also want to extend the use
and size of the compost heap. They were impressed by the
simple yet practical methods to reduce consumption and
encourage other business to investigate what other small
businesses are doing to become more sustainable.
Wintersun Holiday Homes & Units has shown that sensible
and easy changes to a business can make a huge difference
to their energy costs and the environment and that these
changes can be passed on to customers.
Wintersun Holiday Homes & Units
The major sponsors of the
Kangaroo Island – towards
sustainability program are
EPA SA, KI Development
Board, KI Council, KI
Natural Resources
Management Board and the
SA Government.
They have found that since the
program, the energy bill has
decreased and as they use
rainwater, it has improved their
water storage and made them
more aware of water
consumption.
Due to Graham
and Dianne’s
enthusiasm,
they were very
successful in
their
achievements.