NSW government sustainability program helps businesses save $6.3m a year

A bank, a confectioner, a glass manufacturer, a waste management operation and a zoo are among 34 leading businesses and organisations saving $6.3 million annually through a NSW government sustainability program.

Earlier this week, NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker commended the organisations for their outstanding productivity and efficiency savings, including significant energy savings, made through the Sustainability Advantage Program.

“State-wide, 630 organisations are saving $97 million through the program; their savings include more than 157,000 MWh of electricity, almost 793,000 GJ of gas, 5400 ML of water and more than 120,000 tonnes of waste a year,” Parker said.

“These businesses are realising a common goal - to do better by our environment and the business bottom line. They are to be congratulated and deserve to be recognised as partners in the program for their improved environmental performance.”

Parker recognised the 34 leading NSW businesses, 32 of them based in Sydney, at a ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday evening.

Two of the organisations were recognised with the coveted Sustainability Advantage Gold Partner status - Penrith glass manufacturer O-I Sydney and TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute. As well, 11 silver and 21 bronze partners were recognised.

“O-I Sydney has reduced its energy use by 25%, saving $3 million annually, and manages to keep 80,000 tonnes of waste glass out of landfill each year,” said Parker.

“It also betters world’s best practice for water use in glass manufacture and recently invested $20 million in plant upgrades and new recycling infrastructure, creating 10 new jobs.”

TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute, on Sydney’s North Shore, incorporated Education for Sustainability with comprehensive reporting and accountabilities across all their faculties.

“The institute has saved more than $223,000 by cutting energy use and has used 30% less water over the last eight years,” Parker said.

“Achievements like these show that the NSW government is helping business to be more resilient and profitable, while benefiting our environment.”

O-I Australia General Manager Brian Slingsby said the Sustainability Advantage Program had helped the company decrease water and energy use, reduce emissions and increase its use of recycled glass.

TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute Director Kevin Harris said environmental sustainability was embedded in every aspect of the institute’s operations.

Across the state, more than 17,600 businesses are collectively making massive savings though NSW Government programs for business. Businesses which participate in Sustainability Advantage and associated NSW programs have claimed more than $7 million of the $8 million, or 86%, of funding made available from the recently announced AusIndustry Clean Technology Investment grants.

Of the 630 organisations participating in the Sustainability Advantage Program, 120 have achieved bronze, silver or gold partner status.