Resources for Sustainable Businesses

Businesses can improve the sustainability of their premises, purchasing, travel and operations to conserve the environment, improve their reputation, build staff morale and save money.

To do this, businesses can minimise their use of water, energy, paper, packaging and other resources, improve their waste management and develop corporate social and environmental responsibility.

This page provides links to websites that offer information on how to work towards sustainability, grants for which businesses may be eligible to apply, and sustainability training and support opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.

Information

What you can do – NSW Government
Our environment – it’s a living thing is the overarching environmental education program of the NSW Government. This site provides lists of actions you can take towards sustainability.

Sustainable Business – NSW Government Department of Environment and Climate Change
This site offers various guides with information on best practice environmental management, environmental responsibilities, and updates on the recent changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.

Business and Industry Sustainability – Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
This site provides information on corporate sustainability reporting, energy efficiency and renewable energy, with links to water efficiency and sustainable transport.

How to save water – Sydney Water
This website shows how to save water with tips and information by business sector.

7 point plan for water conservation– Sydney Water
7 steps to save water in your organisation.

Eco Clubs – ClubsNSW
Eco Clubs is a collaboration by ClubsNSW and the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The site has a link to 10 ways to green your club.

Grants, training and support programs

Green Capital – the Total Environment Centre
Green Capital engages Australian businesses, all levels of government and civil society groups to discuss corporate sustainability and responsibility. The Green Capital website includes information on training courses that can be tailored to business requirements, principles of corporate social responsibility and a checklist for environmental claims in advertising & marketing communications.

NSW Government Department of Environment and Climate Change programs

Sustainability Advantage Program
Involving partnerships between the Department of Environment and Climate Change and businesses, the Sustainability Advantage Program assists businesses to identify benefits from sustainable practices and provides a clear path for action. Sustainability Advantage brings groups of businesses together in clusters that share regional, industry or supply chain interests. Meetings held 3-4 times a year offer a chance to harness the ideas and experiences of similar businesses.

Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program
Available to businesses that use up to $20,000 in electricity a year, the program offers:

  • financial support for a personalised energy assessment and action plan
  • a rebate of up to $5,000 for businesses that use $5,000-$20,000 a year in electricity and $2,000 for businesses that use less than $5,000 a year in electricity.

Sydney Water programs

Every Drop Counts (EDC) Business Program
Sydney Water’s business customers who use more than 80,000 litres of water a day can participate in the Every Drop Counts (EDC) Business Program, a structured water conservation program offering free one on one partnerships to businesses and participation in the Water Conservation Financing Program.

Smart Rinse Program
Sydney Water is offering to replace pre rinse spray valves with a water efficient Smart Rinse valve for free.