ECOactive

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ECOactive Visit

Welcome to the AUSactive ECOactive Pilot Program, proudly funded by the City of Sydney Council!

In 2022, we embarked on a journey to make a positive impact on our environmental sustainability for the exercise and active health sector and support our AUSactive registered businesses. Our mission was inspired by a simple realisation: our environmental sustainability awards category was underrepresented. This prompted us to investigate global sustainability trends within our sector and discover a wealth of innovative initiatives.

As a result, this is how we conceptualised the ECOactive Pilot Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help businesses reduce energy consumption, minimise waste, conserve water, and optimise chemical use. We understand that rising utility costs were adding pressure to our members bottom line, and we were determined to address this issue head-on. We started researching for grants and funding to be able to develop and launch the program.

Our dedication paid off when we secured an innovation grant from the City of Sydney Council to bring the ECOactive Pilot Program to life. For this program, we will audit 15 diverse business sites, ranging from large facilities with pools to small Pilates and yoga studios, all within the City of Sydney LGA.

Our sustainability expert, Cameron Little, is meticulously auditing four critical areas: waste, water, chemical use, and energy consumption. We document these reviews and audits through videos and photos to start creating a benchmarking system for our business members to be able to self-audit and review, using the resources we are creating, laying the foundation for a nationwide program rollout once the pilot concludes. But that's not all; we're partnering with Spendwatt to develop a cutting-edge dashboard that will track the environmental efficiencies and savings achieved by our industry as a whole. The initiatives we've identified vary from large structural changes, like installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, to smaller, yet impactful, do-it-yourself measures, such as LED lighting upgrades, fans, and power timers.

Here's how it works:

The pilot program is simple and can be completed in 3 steps!

Join us in taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient future for your business and the environment. Together, we can make a significant impact through the AUSactive ECOactive Program.

Assessment

Recommendations

Assessment

Recommendations

The reasons for getting involved:

Getting involved in the AUSactive ECOactive Pilot Program is a smart decision for businesses for several compelling reasons:

Did you know that consumers across various demographics are increasingly prioritising sustainability when making purchasing decisions? According to a recent Nielsen study, 73% of global consumers say they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment. Furthermore, a report by Accenture found that 62% of consumers in Australia are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that are committed to environmental sustainability. These statistics clearly demonstrate the growing demand for eco-friendly practices in the market.

Cost Savings

By participating in the program, businesses can identify and implement cost-effective measures to reduce their energy, water, waste, and chemical expenses. These savings can significantly improve the bottom line and enhance financial sustainability.

Environmental Responsibility

Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability is increasingly important to consumers and stakeholders. Participation in ECOactive showcases your business as environmentally responsible and socially conscious, enhancing your brand image.

Eco-Conscious Consumers

By focusing on reducing energy consumption, minimising chemical and waste usage, and becoming more energy-efficient, businesses can not only meet the changing preferences of their customers but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Government Support

The ECOactive Pilot Program is funded by the City of Sydney Council, which means businesses can leverage this opportunity to access valuable resources and expertise at no cost.

Improved Operational Efficiency

The program provides tailored recommendations to optimise energy, water, waste, and chemical usage. This can lead to improved operational efficiency, reduced resource wastage, and streamlined processes.

Long-Term Sustainability

Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of your business. Reducing resource consumption and waste can future-proof your operations against rising costs and regulatory changes.

Employee Engagement

Engaging in sustainability initiatives can boost employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees often feel proud to work for socially responsible companies and are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

Measurable Results

The program offers a clear and measurable way to track environmental improvements and cost savings. This data can be used to showcase your achievements and set targets for continuous improvement.

Support and Resources

Businesses involved in the program receive expert guidance, resources, and access to best practices in sustainability. This support makes it easier to implement changes and see positive results.

In summary, joining the AUSactive ECOactive Pilot Program is a strategic move for businesses looking to reduce costs, enhance their environmental credentials, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly eco-conscious world. It's a win-win opportunity that benefits both the business and the planet.

FAQs:

What if I’m already operating sustainably?

We’re looking to benchmark the entire industry, so that means those who are already doing great things are still an integral part of this project

As we’re covering sustainability from all angles: water, waste, chemicals and energy, leave it to us to do the hard work and find new ways you can operate more sustainably, or have our expert affirm you’re a leader in our industry.

I lease my space, can I still be involved?

Absolutely! We recognise many sites are on lease agreements and in strata titles. As part of this program, we want to show you what is still possible in negotiation with your landlord to make sustainable changes and benefit from the savings

I can’t afford big changes, does that count me out? No! Even sites with small budgets can still make great (some of which are free) sustainable changes and reduce emissions which we’re excited to share with you!

Our experts:

Cameron Little – Auditing & Reporting (Sustainable Solutions)

Cameron Little is a sustainability consultant, educator and service provider. He provides policy, systems and program development, training and staff coaching for organisations seeking to achieve their sustainability objectives. He has three decades’ of experience within the fields of community engagement, environmental management, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Cameron works with government, industry bodies, the events sector, retail shopping centres, businesses, ecotourism operations, property developers, universities, TAFE colleges, schools, the early years education sector, community groups and households. Cameron will be advising AUSactive, leading our on-site audits and creating sustainable recommendations based on his findings.

10 thousand Feet Research Partners

10 THOUSAND FEET was founded with the vision to ‘generate positive change’ for local and global communities at large and to place giving at the heart of everything they do. As an independent research agency, 10 THOUSAND FEET has always had a desire to help others shine. 10 THOUSAND FEET genuinely care about our client’s outcomes and we hero our clients centred around this very idea, in every project. They will be creating and delivering our pre-and-post-audit member surveys and will also assist us in benchmarking performance in the industry.

Spendwatt

SpendWatt is an electrification sales platform that enables enterprises to reach their decarbonisation targets faster and smarter, Co-Founded by Jason. Jason's passion for creating exceptional value, rooted in customer-centricity, has driven nationally recognized award-winning projects, rapid company growth, hands-on experience with a diverse range of market technologies, and significant financial and consumption savings for customers. What keeps him excited every day is a mission where the success of SpendWatt is directly correlated to the betterment of the economy, energy consumers, and the environment, all at once.Spendwatt is developing an online interactive dashboard to help our members visualise their energy use, options for change and CO2 savings.