Environment Waikato invites South Waikato businesses to free workshop

Environment Waikato is inviting South Waikato businesses to a free workshop introducing its new Carbon $ave programme.

Carbon $ave is for medium sized enterprises that want to improve their environmental performance but don’t have the time, funds or knowledge to know where to start.

“This is chance for South Waikato businesses to save money by operating more efficiently and reducing their carbon footprints,” Environment Waikato sustainable business facilitator Barnaby Smith said.

“It’s also a great way to attract more customers. In a recent Business Council ShapeNZ online survey, 70 per cent of respondents said a company’s environmental performance had a significant impact on whether or not they would buy their products.”

A free 90-minute workshop to introduce South Waikato businesses to the Carbon $ave programme will be held at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tokoroa on Thursday, September 24. It is open to all medium-sized businesses of about 10-50 employees. Registration is essential.

“The workshop is a chance to learn more about the programme and hear success stories from other businesses that have improved their environmental performance,” Mr Smith said. “There are only a handful of spots left on the programme, and we are keen to get some South Waikato businesses involved.”

Businesses can then apply to take part in the Carbon $ave programme for the heavily reduced cost of only $250-$500 each, thanks to a $35,000 subsidy from the Ministry for the Environment. As places are limited, priority will be given to businesses with the biggest potential for changes and savings.

Selected businesses will have the chance to work one-on-one with a sustainability consultant, who will visit their site and prepare a resource efficiency and carbon reduction plan.

To register for the workshop or find out more about Carbon $ave, please email advice@sustainabiz.co.nz or call Barnaby Smith on 0800 800 401.