What you can do in your business

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

Information

  1. 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.
  2. Greenpower – offers your business an easy way to reduce it’s greenhouse gas emissions. Taking conscious steps to reduce your business’ energy usage can help you offset the cost of supporting GreenPower. Your business can also apply to use the GreenPower logo on your marketing material
  3. Install solar power – it's never been a better time for NSW businesses to purchase solar power systems. The new NSW Solar Bonus Scheme provides the opportunity for owners of systems up to 10kW to gain an income for the elecricity they generate. Additionally, the Federal Government offers finaincail assistance through the Solar Credits Scheme. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Sustainability at Work : Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment- The ‘Sustainability at Work’ office sustainability kit includes simple steps to sustainability that benefit the environment and make good business sense – resulting in saving money and improving the business environment. The kit is designed for small to medium sized business or government organisations with a focus on office based activities.
  7. 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.

Training and support programs

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.