There are some big wins to be made for your business from small changes.  For example, when using air-conditioning, a simple reduction of one degree in heating in winter can cut your bill by 8%; and every one-degree adjustment during summer can see savings of up to 10%.¹ Adjusting your computer monitor brightness from 100% to 70% can also save you 20% in energy consumption.² It pays to make adjustments.

¹ Ergon, Energy Sense Tips www.ergon.com.au/retail/residential/home-energy-tips/appliances/air-conditioners

² Harvard Sustainability, Reduce monitor brightness to reduce energy, https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/green-tip/reduce-monitor-brightness-reduce-energy

In addition to the cost savings, operating sustainably is increasingly becoming a priority for Queensland businesses. The Advancing Business Sustainability report by Business Chamber Queensland found on average, Queensland businesses are making sustainability related decisions beyond their industry’s minimum compliance requirements, due to external pressures such as consumer demand and a push towards sustainable supply chains.³ 

³ Business Chamber Queensland Advancing Business Sustainability,  https://businesschamberqld.com.au/business-voice/advancing-business-sustainability/

Not only are consumers looking for more sustainable partners to work with, but employees are looking for sustainable workplaces. Business will need to attract and retain talent while improving employee engagement regarding sustainability. There is mounting pressures for businesses to walk the talk and lead by example. An employee value proposition (EVP) is the unique set of benefits that an employee receives in return for the skills, capabilities, and experience they bring to a company. Assess what skills you already have in your workforce and then build sustainability considerations into your hiring process.

Sustainable Procurement is a process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole of life basis. Benefits are not only generated for the organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment.

Ensuring your business is operating efficiently and sustainably is not only important for the consumer but for future policy and procurement drivers. The Queensland government has set ambitious goals to procure from Queensland businesses for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Priority procurement activities will aim to contribute to the Queensland Government’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% from the 2005 baseline levels by 2030. To supply to Brisbane 2032, your business must act now to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and become more sustainable, and in so doing increase your profitability, capitalise on future opportunities, and become more resilient. ⁴

⁴ 2Q32 Procurement Strategy,  https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/404030/Q2032-procurement-strategy.pdf

Increased focus on sustainability means businesses look at their supply chains sustainability, including carbon emissions. Overall, emissions from a businesses’ supply chain often far exceed emissions from its own operations. Businesses that are looking for opportunities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will favour suppliers who are actively working to reduce their own energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Investments in sustainable businesses are growing. Governments, from local to state and federal, often have grants targeted at improving business sustainability. Sustainable businesses also attract venture capital and investments.