Joining the ecoBiz program in 2022, the vibrant Westside HQ entertainment venue was previously the Sherwood Services Club – the local RSL. It’s still a popular community hub, proudly supporting numerous local organisations and charities. Their restaurant, sports bar and gaming facilities are popular with locals and their family focus makes it a busy place, particularly on weekends. Club manager, Petroh Daczynski, says, “It’s a very important meeting place and was originally a dance hall but it has grown and evolved to what it is now.”
“Westside HQ is fast becoming the benchmark with their approach to sustainability.”
Beyond setting the standard as the go-to place in Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs, Westside HQ is fast becoming the benchmark with their approach to sustainability. Now an ecoBiz three-star partner, the venue has been achieving significant energy, water and waste savings. Petroh says, “Hospitality businesses use water, waste and power on a reasonably large scale. Power is our biggest bill. We’ve turned off three cold rooms and learnt to work around them which saves thousands of dollars every month.”
Notable impacts include:
- Reduced energy intensity by 29%.
- Water intensity by 20%.
- Waste consumption by 53%.
Petroh said the ecoBiz sustainability coach encouraged the team to think about new ways to reduce waste and energy which led to a range of sustainability initiatives being implemented, including:
- Commercial kitchen upgrade with new energy efficient equipment.
- LED lighting installed.
- Energy efficient air conditioning.
- Gaming machines which shut off overnight.
- Paper straws and napkins are composted.
- Cans and bottles are recycled by the local Scouts with Containers for Change.
“The best thing we could have done was to create a sense of sustainable ownership among the staff.
Even on a busy night behind the bar and in the kitchen, the team still sort waste into the correct streams. Bottle shop customers even take their shopping home in recycled cartons instead of bags. Petroh says, “We created a culture among staff and management. If a light doesn’t need to be on or a fridge, cold room or air conditioning doesn’t need to be running, don’t waste power just for convenience. The best thing we could have done was to create a sense of sustainable ownership among the staff.”
The ecoBiz program has supported Westside HQ to not just become more sustainable, but to embed a great culture. We’re experts at recognising the potential within your business and how a sustainable approach brings more benefits than you can imagine. We’d love to work with you so please get in touch.
