{"id":1289,"date":"2021-03-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-26T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cos.p10.sol1.net\/uncategorized\/how-to-become-a-more-environmentally-friendly-business\/"},"modified":"2023-07-07T01:27:38","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T01:27:38","slug":"how-to-make-business-environmentally-friendly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/how-to-make-business-environmentally-friendly","title":{"rendered":"How to become a more Environmentally Friendly Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1289\" class=\"elementor elementor-1289\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-46faf7ae elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"46faf7ae\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-efc5e66\" data-id=\"efc5e66\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5209168b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5209168b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><\/p>\n<p>Taking steps to become a more environmentally friendly business and using resources sustainably is not just great for the environment, it can also be a huge boost to your brand reputation, and your bottom line. Here&#8217;s a look at some steps you can take to become a more sustainable business, as suggested by the Australian Government.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Start with an Environmental Audit<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">An environmental audit looks at how your business affects the environment and sets a benchmark for improvement. It\u2019s useful for finding the areas of your business that impact on the environment the most. Checking how well you meet environmental regulations also helps you manage business risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Taking a proper look at your business\u00a0by getting an\u00a0environmental audit can help you to:<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>properly understand\u00a0what kind of\u00a0damage to the environment is caused, or potentially caused by your business activity<\/li>\n<li>discover tips to\u00a0switch these activities that will manage, improve, or reverse the damage done,\u00a0and\u00a0help\u00a0the environment in the long term<\/li>\n<li>understand\u00a0what\u00a0steps you need to take to reduce your environmental impact<\/li>\n<li>show your accountability to customers, shareholders and government<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>To be successful, environmental audits must be independent, objective, credible and transparent. Get regular ongoing audits that compare to your benchmark or initial assessment \u2013 and include details in your business\u2019s environmental plan.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Set up your Environmental Management System<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">An environmental management system (EMS) is a handy tool for managing your business\u2019s environmental impact by:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>improving your use of resources<\/li>\n<li>helping\u00a0you meet your environmental goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>What to include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the environmental impacts of your business (as discovered in your audit)<\/li>\n<li>any\u00a0environmental objectives<\/li>\n<li>your operational and emergency procedures related to environmental matters<\/li>\n<li>an outline of your\u00a0responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>areas for improvement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>You can\u00a0get your EMS accredited. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/iso-14001-environmental-management.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ISO 14001 <\/a>standard sets out the requirements for a certified EMS.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Manage Energy Use in your Home or Business<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>install double\u00a0glazed windows to stop heat escaping<\/li>\n<li>insulation in the walls will also help to stop heat escaping<\/li>\n<li>seal\u00a0doors and windows and installing automatic doors to\u00a0reduce drafts<\/li>\n<li>use\u00a0energy efficient light bulbs<\/li>\n<li>install timers and smart meters<\/li>\n<li>use energy efficient equipment and regularly maintain it<\/li>\n<li>look into\u00a0energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems<\/li>\n<li>look into\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/publications\/hvac-factsheet-co-and-tri-generation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cogeneration or tri-generation technology<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 if your business uses a lot of energy (such as an office, hotel or data centre). Cogeneration systems generate heat and power, tri-generation systems generate heat, power and cooling<\/li>\n<li>reduce energy use during peak periods\u00a0by switching off unnecessary equipment and installing automatic timers<\/li>\n<li>compare energy offers on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energymadeeasy.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Made Easy<\/a>\u00a0website<\/li>\n<li>see how you can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nabers.gov.au\/ratings\/estimate-your-rating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">improve your NABERS energy rating<\/a>\u00a0and save money on your energy bills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Switch to Alternate Energy<\/h2>\n<p>Try switching to a green energy provider or go a step further and install solar solutions that will allow you to generate your own electricity. Before making any big decisions it&#8217;s important to consider all your options.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>first ensure\u00a0alternatives suit your business needs<\/li>\n<li>explore potential costs so you don&#8217;t have any nasty surprises<\/li>\n<li>investigate any feed-in tariffs &#8211;\u00a0getting paid for sending electricity into the network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Reduce your Water Usage<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">There are lots of ways to reduce how much water you and your business uses, from choosing an alternative water provider to putting a water management plan in place. Your environmental audit should have helped you discover how much water you actually need to run your business, now you can look for ways to be more efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Here are some tips\u00a0for reducing your water use at work:<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>seek out any\u00a0water leaks and use a water meter or flow restrictor where possible<\/li>\n<li>always report leaking\u00a0faucets<\/li>\n<li>replace tap washers and seals<\/li>\n<li>install rainwater tanks and water-saving devices<\/li>\n<li>water garden areas only when absolutely necessary<\/li>\n<li>wherever possible, reuse and recycle water where possible<\/li>\n<li>involve staff\u00a0in checking\u00a0meters and monitoring their own water use<\/li>\n<li>find out more about using\u00a0non-potable water<\/li>\n<li>use products with a water efficiency label. Find out more from the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.waterrating.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Scheme<\/a>\u00a0(WELS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Watch your Waste<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">To manage your waste better your best bet is always to follow the 3 Rs \u2013 <\/span><strong style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">reduce<\/strong><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">, <\/span><strong style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">reuse<\/strong><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\"> and <\/span><strong style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">recycle<\/strong><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">. Here are some ways to help your business reduce its waste:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>know your waste<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0it&#8217;s important to understand\u00a0the types of waste and how much\u00a0of it your business produces. Try\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.nsw.gov.au\/your-environment\/recycling-and-reuse\/business-government-recycling\/bin-trim\/bin-trim-reducing-business-waste\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bin Trim<\/a>, it&#8217;s\u00a0a great audit tool that measures\u00a0your waste and helps you identify the materials you could recycle or reuse<\/li>\n<li><strong>separate<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0once\u00a0you know\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.nsw.gov.au\/your-environment\/recycling-and-reuse\/business-government-recycling\/what-can-business-recycle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what rubbish your business can recycle<\/a>\u00a0or reuse\u00a0make sure you have separate bins for landfill and for recycling<\/li>\n<li><strong>introduce a waste reduction program<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0encourage\u00a0cooperation and\u00a0engagement\u00a0with\u00a0staff. Appoint a waste management coordinator to set up and run a program, and\u00a0identify local recyclers<\/li>\n<li><strong>review your products\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 could your business use\u00a0less?\u00a0Take a look at the materials you use in packaging then reduce, reuse or recycle them!<\/li>\n<li><strong>go green\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 talk to suppliers about\u00a0what they&#8217;re doing to use more\u00a0environmentally friendly products or materials in their own businesses and support the ones who are doing a good job<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>You can search\u00a0for a list of recyclers as well as recycling options for around 90 different materials on the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/businessrecycling.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Recycling<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hazardous Waste<\/h2>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.environment.gov.au\/protection\/hazardous-waste\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hazardous waste<\/a><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">\u00a0is\u00a0anything that could potentially harm people, or the environment, such as solvent-based paints, garden chemicals, batteries, fuels and computer equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>asbestos\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Find out how to\u00a0best manage\u00a0 the removal of asbestos in the workplace\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au\/doc\/model-code-practice-how-manage-and-control-asbestos-workplace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>radioactive waste\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 you can find more information about radioactive waste on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources\u00a0website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.industry.gov.au\/policies-and-initiatives\/australian-radioactive-waste-agency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>medical waste\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0this includes\u00a0blood, body fluids or other infectious materials. This sort of waste is usually incinerated, or you can\u00a0place the waste in a prescribed container for collection and disposal by a licensed waste transporter<\/li>\n<li><strong>electronic waste\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>find a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/environment.gov.au\/protection\/national-waste-policy\/television-and-computer-recycling-scheme\/drop-off-points\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recycling drop-off point<\/a>\u00a0near you for your electronic waste<\/li>\n<li><strong>tyre recycling\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 find accredited tyre recyclers or join the voluntary\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tyrestewardship.org.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tyre Stewardship national scheme<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Find Local Resources<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: var( --e-global-color-6758e1c ); color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-size: 1rem;\">Find resources in your area that can help you manage your environmental impact.<\/span>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.environment.gov.au\/epbc\/protected-matters-search-tool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Protected Matters Search tool<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0find out if there are threatened species, important wetlands, heritage sites or pollutant emissions in your area.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/environment.gov.au\/protection\/national-waste-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Waste Policy<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 sets out Australia&#8217;s waste management and resource recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3ee0bd9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3ee0bd9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9da4096\" data-id=\"9da4096\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0de1e35 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-widget elementor-widget-cos-carousel\" data-id=\"0de1e35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"cos-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>No products were found with the applied settings<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style3 like-1289 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='1289' data-nonce='3c6d52cef8' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Did you find this useful?' \/><span class='lc-1289 lc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style3 unlike-1289 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='1289' data-nonce='3c6d52cef8' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='' \/><span class='unlc-1289 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <div class='status-1289 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taking steps to become a more environmentally friendly business and using resources sustainably is not just great for the environment, it can also be a huge boost to your brand reputation, and your bottom line. Here&#8217;s a look at some steps you can take to become a more sustainable business, as suggested by the Australian &#8230; <a title=\"How to become a more Environmentally Friendly Business\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/how-to-make-business-environmentally-friendly\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to become a more Environmentally Friendly Business\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1290,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,62],"tags":[1028,1029,1030,94,165,166],"class_list":["post-1289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-social-responsibility","tag-earth-hour","tag-eco-friendly-business","tag-environmentally-friendly-business","tag-go-green","tag-sustainability","tag-sustainable-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1289"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32301,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1289\/revisions\/32301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}