New Zealand businesses are changing for good

An increasing number of companies in New Zealand are paving the way to long-term success by applying sustainable practices.

Sustainability is, in essence, about meeting the needs of today's market without adversely impacting on the needs of tomorrow.

Everyday more businesses are successfully changing the way they work. As well as carving a solid reputation and position in the marketplace, companies are saving money.

The Sustainable 60 Series, developed by Fairfax in association with PwC in 2009, is held annually as an award programme and seminar series.

For the purposes of the Series, corporate sustainability focuses on the balance between long term value innovation and social, economic and environmental impacts of business.

This year the 55 entries submitted underwent an initial quantitative review conducted by post graduate students from Massey University before a panel of 11 judges from various sectors of the business community make the final decision.

Senior lecturer from Massey University’s School of Management Dr Gabriel Eweje who oversaw the post graduate student judging says companies of all sizes are focusing more on responsibility and engaging more closely with their stakeholders, communities, and customers.

“There are many diverse forms of sustainability now, it’s not just about climate change or environmental concerns,” he says. “Companies are looking for ways of improving their social responsibility and having a presence in their local communities. Companies who give staff time off to do volunteer work for charities are a good example of this.”

While consumer demand for, and understanding of, responsible corporate behaviour is increasing, difficult economic times can put pressure on companies to dilute their sustainability strategies, Dr Eweje says. He stresses the importance of certification and documented evidence to show a continuing strategy is in place.

“My research shows that there are two types of companies – we have the leaders, and we have the followers. The leaders are companies that will continue to invest in sustainability during the recession because they see it as part of their strategy and something that will make them more competitive,” he says.

The stakeholders would like to congratulate the following finalists for their ability to showcase innovation that supports sustainable business practice in New Zealand:

Strategy & Governance: Aohangi, Inghams, Landcare Research, NZ Sugar Company, Outback NZ, Westpac.

Community: ASB, Mana Recovery, Outback NZ, Powersmart Solar, Vodafone, Westpac.

Marketplace: La Nuova Apparelmaster, Landcare Research, NZ Sugar Company, Powersmart Solar, Sachie's Kitchen, Vodafone.

Workplace: La Nuova Apparelmaster, Landcare Research, NZ Sugar Company, Progressive Hydraulics, Westpac, Outback NZ.

Environment: Auckland Council, Eco Insulation, Meridian Energy, Powersmart Solar, Scion, Westpac.

All entrants are invited to make submissions to be judged in the overall award for small, medium and large scale business provided they meet the criteria – small businesses need to make at least one category entry and medium to large, at least three. They are judged independently on their overall sustainable agenda to qualify as a finalist.

The following 2012 entries have been recognised for their overall corporate sustainability:

Overall Small:  Board Dynamics, Morphum, Powersmart Solar, Progressive Group of Companies, Resourceful Solutions, Sachie’s Kitchen, Stone Paper Company.

Overall Medium:  James & Wells, La Nuova Apparelmaster, Mana Recovery, Outback NZ.

Overall Large:  Landcare Research, NZ Sugar Company, Vodafone, Westpac.

Winners will be announced at the awards event on 28 November to celebrate and reward stories of leadership that exemplify sustainable business practice in New Zealand.

For information on the judging panel and company profiles of the finalists visit www.sustainable60.co.nz.