Waikato businesses offered environmental certification

June 14, 2012

Waikato businesses offered programme to save money and earn environmental certification

Waikato businesses are being invited to take part in the first New Zealand programme developed to reduce their energy costs while earning an independently certified environmental warranty.

EMA Waikato’s Eco Smart Business programme is a simple low cost response to the global trend for businesses to show their customers they can be good for the environment, said EMA Waikato chairman Jack Ninnes.

“Thanks to funding provided by four Waikato local authorities* the programme won’t cost Waikato businesses the earth to help save the earth,” Mr Ninnes said.

“There is real pressure from many people globally, and from customers through the whole supply chain for businesses to limit their impact on the planet.

“Using less fuel and power and recycling are on the right track but we know business can do more to lessen their use of natural resources by maximizing their opportunities to re-use and recycle and become more efficient.

“At the Eco Smart Business programme businesses are expertly guided through the setting up of an Environmental Management System so they can measure and monitor their energy use and waste, and more.

“It all leads to an audit and when they pass that they get an Eco Warranty ‘green’ accreditation.

“Business won’t find a more cost effective way to get accredited and stand out from the crowd in their customers’ minds. Some of the other environmental schemes are horrendously expensive.”

*The programme is offered with a significant subsidy thanks to EMA’s partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) along with the Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District council, Waipa District Council and Hamilton City Council.

“The advantages go further than saving money and looking good - they give companies a jump on the competition in many cases, and improve staff morale,” Mr Ninnes said.

“Eco Warranty also makes it easy to take the next step to the big international ISO 14001 environmental standard.”

Some of last year’s participants in the inaugural Eco Smart Business in Auckland made big savings such as:
• The Pink Bin Company saved 40% on energy use.
• Floorcraft (NZ) Ltd reduced the cost of waste by 39% by donating waste carpet for weed matting.
• Eco Insulation Ltd saved $100,000 a year through focused route management and a fuel efficient fleet replacement programme. Their new fleet is generating three to four new sales leads a week.
• The Library Supply Company saved 32% on their electricity bill.
• Auckland Theatre Company decreased waste by 75%.
• Paint Aids Ltd reduced waste by 25%.

The Eco Smart Business programme comprises five, half-day workshops spread over five months (June 25 to November 9) in Hamilton. Participants are guided through an online system of measuring their environmental footprint including energy use.

The first 40 businesses in the Waikato (including Rotorua) to sign up for Eco Smart Business receive a registration subsidy of 50% of the cost.

Visit www.ema.co.nz/events/calendar/Pages/Sustainable-Business-Programmes.aspx

ENDS

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