Conservation and Environment

Sustainability in business

Case study | Opportunity lost | Rewarding Sustainability | Sustainability at Work

Companies throughout Australia – and across the world – are working to become more ecologically sustainable, because they realise that what’s good for the environment can also be good for business. Recycling materials, using less energy and reducing emissions are some ways companies are becoming more sustainable. Lower overheads, better productivity and preferential entry into international markets are some of the dividends they’re receiving. Becoming more environmentally sustainable is open to all businesses – regardless of size – and costs can be quickly paid back through lower resource costs.

	Case study Company: Nestles Became More Sustainble By: Introducing an energy management control system for refrigeration at its ice cream plant in Mulgrave, Victoria. Results: Energy savings of around 10 per cent, reducing electricity costs by around $100,000 per year. Also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2000 tonnes. Case study Company: Australian Vinyls Became More Sustainble By: introducing a range of low- and no-cost measures to reduce energy consumption at their Altona and Laverton plants. Results: reduced energy costs of $350,000 per year, reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 10,000 tonnes per year and savings in water consumption. Case study Company: Muller Industries Became More Sustainble By: developing a hybrid cooling device that uses 80 per cent less water and considerably less electricity than conventional units. Results: Muller’s cooling system will reduce the overheads of buildings where it is installed, as well as reducing the risk of legionalla and the need for harmful chemicals that ultimately flow into our waterways.
Opportunity lost In 2000–01, Victoria produced over 8 million tonnes of solid waste. Over half was sent to landfill. Two-thirds of this waste was generated by industry, costing businesses millions of dollars and lost opportunities to conserve worthwhile resources.

Rewarding Sustainability The Premier’s Business Sustainability Award recognises Victorian-based companies that are working to reduce their impact on the environment. The award acknowledges innovation, rewards leadership and demonstrates that the principles of sustainability can drive productivity. Find out more about the Premier’s Business Sustainability Award visit Sustainability Victoria.