SmallBusiness.wa.gov.au
The Small Business Specialists
Phone: 131 BIZ
Website: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
With more than186,000 small businesses operating throughout Western Australia, small business can make a big difference to the impact of business activity on the environment.
Imagine the impact if every small business operator in Western Australia made a conscious decision to reduce consumption, reuse consumables and recycle waste.
Imagine the impact if they also offset their greenhouse emissions by participating in a carbon credit scheme.
Imagine the impact if choosing natural power sources became the norm for Western Australia’s small business sector.
Being green in business makes great financial sense too. Many of the steps taken towards a green bottom line involve small changes in operations that reduce costs and improve profitability.
The future for West Australian small businesses is a low-carbon, environment-sensitive economy where consumers demand a commitment to environmentally responsible activity. Preparing your business now will give you a competitive advantage and make a big difference to the earth.
Make it your policy to use energy efficient office equipment
The energy star system makes it easy to identify the computers, photocopiers and printers that use less energy and cost less to run. Find out more by learning about Australian ENERGY STAR energy efficient products.
Heating and cooling
Heating and cooling your premises can account for 60-70% of your energy consumption. Adjusting your thermostat down one degree in winter and up one degree in summer could save around 900 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission in a year – and it will save your business money. More tips on efficient heating and cooling can be found at the Office of Energy
Avoid lots of packaging
Offer your customers an alternative to plastic bags, and consider using unbleached paper in your office. Set your printer to print on both sides of the paper and reuse paper to print draft documents. Encourage recycling activities in your business by installing separate bins for paper, plastic, aluminium, and glass. Find out about your nearest recycling options at the Towards Zero Waste website.
Increase your impact
Support other businesses that are environmentally sensitive. Directories of practising green businesses are available on the internet. For an example, check out an energy smart supplier at the Office of Energy website.
Participate in a carbon credit scheme to offset your greenhouse emissions. There are a number of accredited schemes operating in Western Australia with online tools to calculate the trees required to offset your carbon footprint. They are easy to join and a practical way to do your bit for the earth’s atmosphere. For further information visit the Carbon Offset Watch website.
Traditionally, non-renewable resources such as oil, coal, and gas have been used to generate energy at an unsustainable cost to the environment. Today small businesses can access energy generated from renewable resources such as the sun, wind, water, and waste. This energy is generated by accredited suppliers and sold into mainstream retail power grids for domestic and commercial customers. Throughout Australia more than 350,000 households and more than 20,000 businesses already purchase energy generated from renewable sources. To find out more about renewable energy and to find an accredited supplier to suit your business, visit Green Power
Consumers are increasingly aware of climate change and its causes. A growing percentage of your customers will be seeking accredited suppliers who have responded to this global problem by implementing environment sensitive practices. There are a number of accreditation schemes that will identify your business to consumers who make buying decisions based on green credentials. It is worth seeking out a directory or scheme that suits your business and gets you in front of this consumer group. For example, check out the Australian Government's Greenhouse Friendly scheme.