EcoBiz, a savvy new subsidised business partnership programme is being launched this year by Auckland’s councils to provide assistance to Auckland businesses.
EcoBiz aims to improve the environmental performance of Auckland businesses by integrating sustainable practices into how they do business. After the completion of the successful EnviroSmart Programme, the seven Auckland Councils and four environmental programmes have partnered together to offer businesses assistance to help face ever increasing environmental issues and regulations.
“People are more aware of the pressures they are placing on the environment than ever before in New Zealand and businesses simply want to know what they can do simply and cheaply, so we have come up with EcoBiz which we hope will help”, says Waitakere City Councils representative Jennifer Aschenbrenner.
We know that businesses with a strong social and environmental responsibility not only do better than those that don’t but they have also been largely unaffected by the current financial downturn. “It’s no longer a zero-sum game, things that are good for the environment are also good for business. Not because it is trendy or moral,
but because it will accelerate growth” Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO, General Electric.
An EcoBiz Introductory Workshop will be held in Auckland City on 11 March 2010. This workshop will provide businesses with the opportunity to join:
- Eco Warranty, an Environmental accreditation product, for $1 850, with a $700 subsidy
- Sustainable Edge, an Environmental auditing product, for $950 with a $500 subsidy
Sustainable Business Network's - Get Sust Online tool and ACE Carbon Calculator for $297 for free - Envirostep, a free online tool
In addition, throughout 2010 a series of EcoBiz workshops will be available to businesses in Auckland to attend which will inform then on practical things they can do. EcoBiz aims to not only improve the environmental performance of Auckland businesses but to help to create more innovative, resilient and successful businesses ready for whatever comes their way.
For more information about EcoBiz or to register your interest in the EcoBiz Introductory Workshop on 11 March 2010, please contact Sandi Murray on 09 366 2000 ext 8642 or read more on your local council’s website.
WE - 9th February 2010
