Are you aware that your business could do more about sustainability but aren’t sure where to start? You’re definitely not alone. Navigating sustainability expectations and regulations, like mandatory reporting, can be perplexing for many Australian companies.
The good news is that you’re probably already on the sustainability journey and you’re likely doing more towards your sustainability goals than you realise. Do you measure your energy use? Have you implemented policies around social issues such as equity and diversity? If so, you’re already on a positive path to sustainability.
Advitech has a long history of helping businesses solve complex challenges with engineering and scientific approaches. It now has a specialised capability in advising businesses on Sustainability, including Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Path to Net Zero.
Advitech’s Manager – Sustainability, Abby Yates, has a background in environmental science and a Masters degree in Environment and Business Management. Abby worked for Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe as a Senior Quality and Environment Manager, implementing strategies, policies, and practices across multinational business operations and supply chains as well as fulfilling compliance obligations under mandatory climate-related reporting. Originally hailing from Newcastle, Abby has now returned to the Hunter to apply her international experience locally.
Abby firmly believes that most businesses are already on the right track to sustainability and probably don’t even realise it.
“I’ve found that many businesses are doing great things towards being sustainable, it’s just that they are often piecemeal activities and not connected through an overall strategy,” said Abby.
Abby and her team have recently developed an online tool to help businesses assess where they are on the sustainability journey. Advitech’s ‘Sustainability Snapshot’ is free to use and provides businesses with a brief report based on their responses to 15 questions.
“It’s a very tangible way to ‘start the ball rolling’ on your way to greater sustainability. Small steps all count towards the final goal,” said Abby.
The tool encourages consideration of issues such as energy and water use, procurement practices and work conditions for employees. It evaluates whether businesses are merely being compliant with legislation or driven by intrinsic motivations to improve.
Advitech defines the five stages of sustainability maturity as Compliant, Strategic, Integrated, Innovative and Leading the way. No matter where your business is on that journey, there’s always room for improvement and the Advitech Sustainability Snapshot outlines some of the ways businesses can move in a positive direction.
The Advitech Sustainability Snapshot is available on the Advitech website.
It’s free, quick to complete, and can help your business to advance along its sustainability journey, ultimately leading to efficiencies, cost savings and contributing towards a better future for everyone.
