Author Archives: sustain

By Dr Matthew Bell, Sydney leader of Climate Change and Sustainability, Ernst & Young Recent events have crystallised the notion for businesses that without due consideration for their environmental, social, and governance responsibilities, significant economic consequences can prevail. How then, can stakeholders, including investors, understand the ‘true’ performance of an organisation unless this information is clearly articulated? For over a decade an increasing number of companies have been seeking ways to report on their sustainable development. Often referred to as the Corporate Responsibility (CR), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or Sustainability Report, they have provided a platform to engage with stakeholders …

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By Prof Alexandra McManus, Director, Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health, Dr Wendy Hunt, Post Doctoral Scientist and Deputy Director – Centre of Excellence for Science Seafood and Health, Curtin University The role of human activity on marine resources is a long standing subject of debate amongst scientific communities. Preferences for high value fish have resulted in fishing down the food web and have subsequently influenced biodiversity. It is estimated that 30% of fish stocks yield less than 10% of their previous potential. In fact, only 25% of commercial stocks are considered to be in a healthy or …

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By Dr Jane O’Sullivan, Branch President for SEQ, Sustainable Population Australia All areas of sustainable management from biodiversity, water resources and waste to food security, transport and the built environment, depend on attaining a sustainable population. A novel analytical approach to evaluating the economic impact of population growth reveals it to be strongly negative, and largely responsible for growing fiscal deficits in a boom economy.  The myth of population growth as an economic stimulus will be deconstructed, and the costs of growth explained. Population stabilization would change the demographic profile and consequently the economic and resource demand profile of the …

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By Mr Shane Gladigau, Associate; Research, Strategy and Communications, Equilibrium Business operates in the broader framework of society, which grants it the licence to operate and determines the relevant rules of the game by way of laws and regulation. These rules are the outcome of the trade-off between the positive impacts of business (supplying consumer demands, employment, wealth and income generation) and the possible negative consequences of business operations (environmental damage). There is increasing public scrutiny and developing expectations that businesses should behave responsibly and accountably in terms of improving their sustainability performances and minimise their environmental footprints.  This development …

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By Mr Craig Anderson, WA CEO, Greening Australia Increasingly large corporations are recognising their leadership role in fostering a more sustainable society. Further, there are clear benefits for companies who take on environmental and social responsibilities.  Enhancement of brand and reputation, leading to improved market penetration, achieving a ‘mandate to operate’ through the contribution of the company to local communities where they operate, Improved access and influence with key decision makers, improved regulatory compliance and Enhance staff productivity through improved workplace culture and values. Greening Australia provides access and engagement of the community with biodiverse restoration and aligns it with …

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By Shane Gladigau Trends that shape the business landscape matter. Those managers that react quickly to such forces, or even better, anticipate them, can use them to advantage by protecting or improving the bottom line by minimising risks, capturing emerging market opportunities and spurring innovation. One of the biggest trends confronting businesses this century is the push toward greater environmental protection in response to rising demand for natural resources, constrained supplies, environmental damage, rising costs of waste disposal and changing social attitudes. The conduct of some businesses is being called into account by vocal sectors of society who have increasingly …

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By Mr Jim McDonald, Chairman, Namoi Catchment Management Authority This paper to be presented at the Sustainability Business conference in May 2012 contends current attempts at ‘sustainable’ landscape management may be inappropriate. Evidence suggests that current levels of human activity are substantially modifying, in cases degrading, our natural resources, their operating systems, and the eco-system services they supply. For people in agriculture, who manage the greatest extent of our natural resources, being ‘sustainable’ is not only important for ongoing viability but for the broader community. Traditional natural resource management relies on the assumption that all natural systems respond to our …

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By Mr Graeme Williams, Sustainability Officer, Byron Shire Council The Byron Shire Sustainable Food Directory project demonstrates a practical and innovative approach through which local government can support sustainable business practices at the local level. The project aims to foster sustainable practices within the business community by creating a consumer-friendly directory of local food-related businesses and enterprises that uphold sustainability values, such as supplying organic, fair-trade and locally-grown produce and products. The Directory was compiled using a transparent expression of interest process and required businesses to engage in a self-evaluation of their practices against stated selection criteria. The project emphasised …

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By Mr Keith Bishop, Former General Manager, Marketing Strategy , One Steel Limited This paper, to be presented at the Sustainability Business conference in May 2012 will present a case study of the Australian Steel Industry working with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) from 2008 to 2011 to demonstrate how Industry Associations, NGOs and individual corporations (eg. OneSteel and BlueScope Steel) can work together to build greater sustainability awareness/ understanding and improved/ tangible sustainability outcomes in an industry (in this case within steel construction market and green building sector).  An overview of the process and outcomes will be …

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By Mr Mark Winter, Founder, Foundation for IT Sustainability During this Sustainability Business conference (May 2012)presentation Mark will discuss some of the key value propositions around implementing technology that will assist creating and implement green initiatives. In the past we have seen 1000’s of organisation claiming that they are “green”, however the reality of this is what to believe and who to believe. Also covered will be how to develop KPI’s around IT Sustainability for your internal teams to gain enterprise wide support for these initiatives and incentives and rewards for performance. Mark will also discuss how organisation can gain certification …

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