Gold status for smart companies

A group of Auckland companies have proven their environmental smarts by achieving Enviro-Mark® NZ Gold status in a programme encouraging sustainable business practices. 

Sixteen of the 33 businesses that participated in the three-year EnviroSmart programme have achieved the gold certification and all will be recognised for their efforts during a function in Auckland on August 20.

Established in 2006, EnviroSmart is a national council-initiated programme that helps businesses to reduce solid waste, improve water and energy efficiency and purchase environmentally-sound products and services.

In Auckland the programme is supported by Auckland Regional Council, Auckland, Waitakere, North Shore and Manukau city councils, and Franklin, Papakura and Rodney district councils.

“The EnviroSmart programme was an initiative that many councils across the country supported because it assisted businesses to be more environmentally sustainable as well as getting environmental certification,” says EnviroSmart chairman Kevin Crutchley.

Some of the results achieved by Auckland businesses so far include:

• Waste and water use reduced by 60 percent and energy use by 30 percent – which have also led to reduced costs.
• Greater awareness of environmental business practices;
• Positive company image and better staff morale;
• The programme also helped businesses meet compliance requirements under legislation such as the Resource Management Act and Health and Safety in Employment Act.
• The Enviro-Mark® NZ is a five level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond), third-party audited health, safety and environmental management system.
• Gold certification means businesses can use the Enviro-Mark label on their products and services to verify that the company has an environmental management system and are committed to continual environmental improvement.

“Having this mark gives businesses a competitive edge as more and more suppliers are looking for companies which demonstrate a commitment to environmental standards,” says Auckland EnviroSmart steering group representative, Jennifer Aschenbrenner, who is Waitakere City Council’s cleaner production officer.

What: EnviroSmart prizegiving

When: 7.00pm-9.00pm, August 20.

Where: Ponsonby Cruising Club, 2 Westhaven Drive

Who: Respected business commentator Rod Oram will be guest speaker.

Tickets: Tickets cost $50 and are available from Davina Walla, phone 09 363 7143 or email
vina@orangeproductions.co.nz.