Making do with less

TWENTY-ONE Yarra Ranges businesses are on the road to a more sustainable future as graduates of Yarra Ranges Council’s Sustainable Business Program.
The businesses, which range from a family-run bed and breakfasts to large employers such as the RACV Country Club and Invicta Bus Services, were recognised with a Gala Graduation Dinner at Rochford Winery on 27 May.
It is four years since the program began with 90 business leaders having taken part.
Simon O’Callaghan, Executive Officer Economic Development with the council’s Economic Development Unit, said the program was about finding the right approach to reducing the ecological footprint.
“Essentially, that just makes good business sense – doing more with less,” he said.
“One of the features of the program is that it targets any business size and any business sector.
“We have a diverse range and that is something our participants tell us is one of the most enriching elements because they are being exposed to a whole range of thinking from your mum and dad businesses to someone like Henkell, a multi-national company employing hundreds of people,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
“Someone may want to reduce their use of hazardous chemicals and someone else has already done that, done the research and you can just take that information and run with it.”
He said the program was not just about saving water or electricity.
“Sometimes the term sustainability can get branded with the pure energy saving things and while they are important, it can also be about how to be a better sustainable employer, adopting better practices to make a work environment where people want to work and the company retains its staff,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
Participants said they found the sustainable recruitment session one of the most valuable.
Jon Dee, co-founder of Planet Ark and founder of the Australian advocacy organisation Do Something! gave the keynote address.
Mr Dee’s book Sustainable Growth has become the definitive sustainability guidebook for Australian business, with a print run of 90,000 copies, and is being used by tens of thousands of organisations.
His inspiring presentation, including case studies, sparked some interesting discussion throughout the night.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Terry Avery and CEO Glenn Patterson presented certificates and congratulated the shire’s new sustainable business leaders saying the program required a significant commitment.
The next Sustainable Business Program will start at the beginning of 2012 and any business interested in taking part can phone the Economic Development Unit on 1300 368 333.