New level introduced into Queenstown’s Sustainable Business program

Queenstown businesses working towards a more sustainable future are set to benefit from the new Strategic Sustainable Business program launched by Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice.

It is designed for businesses already involved in sustainable practice who want to take their business to the next level. It is a natural progression from the centre’s existing entry-level program which introduces businesses to the concepts behind implementing sustainable practices in the workplace. Both courses, which are heavily government subsidised, start on 16 February.

The program will be run by Queenstown’s Sustainable Tourism Advisor Sharon Schindler and sustainable practice expert Steve Henry, who heads the Centre for Sustainable Practice.

Henry says the new program provides a clear, strategic, future-focused approach to sustainable practice.

“Our goal is to lift Queenstown businesses to a recognised level of economic, environmental and socially sustainable practice. In turn, this will reflect positively on the resort as a destination for an increasingly environmentally aware and sustainability focused visitor market.”

Many participating businesses have found great value in the introductory program and are encouraging other businesses to get involved as soon as possible.

Jon Ward, the manager of Pinewood, is happy to recommend the introductory program to all businesses.

“The course has led to significant bottom line savings at Pinewood. The consultative and inclusive nature meant we were able to pick up tips from others and share our own ideas.

“For example, the hostel’s showers used to go through about 20 L of water per minute, now we use just 5 L per minute. We’re currently looking at more economic and environmentally friendly ways to heat our water, which should also be a major improvement.”

Local media company Magic Memories has signed up for the February intake of the new strategic program and General Manager Amy Read is looking forward to reaping the benefits in her business.

“What I like about the program outline is that we will look at our business as a whole, and what we are currently doing, not just at what we’re not doing.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work through positive changes we can make in our business and look forward to this benefitting us and our customers,” she says.

There are places available for the February intake of each course and businesses are encouraged to sign up now. The next intakes for the introductory program are scheduled for June and October while the strategic program begins in February and finishes in November.

For more information, visit www.op.ac.nz and click on the ‘Schools & Departments\Centre for Sustainable Practice’ tab.