Long-time Signatory, the Victorian Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure, has achieved a number of operational gains including a 33 per cent reduction in energy use. With the help of the CitySwitch RMIT student program, resource audits have provided useful insights into staff 'switch-off' behaviour, waste avoidance tactics and office equipment procurement to achieve ongoing environmental and economic savings.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia was crowned 2012 & 2013 CitySwitch National Signatory of the Year. A clever Resource Energy Efficiency Plan and subsequent marginal cost curve helped prioritise smart investment in technology and active engagement of their employees.
Adelaide architectural firm and CitySwitch award finalist, Thomson Rossi, share the steps they have taken to reduce office energy bills. Measures include harnessing natural light and air-flow and reducing the need for printing and photocopying by issuing all staff with iPads.
Simple energy-saving measures have created a sustainable workplace for GlasgowHart, a Sydney firm who deliver intelligent new workspaces for a range of clients. Their efforts helped them achieve a 5 star NABERS Energy rating and influence their clients in the process.
Melbourne's Gadens Lawyers in has tackled both carbon emissions and operating costs through simple no-cost initiatives. Monthly energy consumption has reduced by 20 per cent by engaging staff in switch off campaigns for lights and computers and changing work practices.
The Perth tenancy of architecture and interior design practice Cameron Chisholm Nicol is testimony to the organisation's energy efficiency and carbon neutral commitment. They have achieved energy cost savings of 30 per cent and a 4.5 star NABERS Energy rating.
A 'Staff Greening Program' helped SA's Department for Families & Communities meet ambitious sustainability targets and reduce operating costs by around $552,000. Other measures included lighting upgrades, zero waste to landfill and the purchase of electric hybrid vehicles.
135 on King, a Knight Frank Management office in Sydney, has improved its NABERS Energy Rating from 3 to 5 stars. Energy savings were achieved through low cost technical upgrades, staff behaviour change programs and by aligning energy-consuming operations with staff hours.
A move to a new Sydney office provided Stockland with a renewed focus on achieving 'best practice' operations. Their efforts paid off with a 5 star NABERS Energy rating achieved and the satisfaction of generating 49 per cent less CO₂ emissions than an average tenancy.
The Sydney tenancy of international legal practice Norton Rose, was able to save around $42,000 per annum through technical upgrades and staff engagement. An internal sustainability guide, personal footprint reporting and move away from paper based filing, was key to their success.
Sustainable procurement is the process of reviewing the items and services that your office purchases and selecting ones with lower environmental impact.
Hear from one City of Sydney green champion about how she approached the challenge of going paper-free in the office including useful apps and other resources.
Lamp recycling can help reduce the amount of mercury being sent to landfill. FluoroCycle is a voluntary product stewardship scheme that seeks to increase the national recycling rate of waste mercury-containing lamps.
A collection of ten real Sustainable Procurement Policies from USA state administrations, complied by California's Buy Recycled program.
Detailed information about the sustainability issues to consider when procuring services, such as financial, best practice performance criteria that can be used in approaches to market and possible contract requirements. Produced by the Australian Government.
Guide for Australian Government purchasers to include sustainability considerations in all stages of the procurement process, from identifying the business need to disposing of goods. Commissioned by the Australian Government and developed by ECO-buy.
The Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations 2011 is the regulation to support national, industry-led recycling scheme for televisions and computers, by the Australian Government. This page hosts guides and information.
Victoria's environmental procurement policy declaration, strategies, and help guides.
Disposing of old and un-used equipment is an opportunity to continue sustainable management practices.
In Sydney, accommodation and event venues are responsible for 21 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, 14 per cent of potable water...Read more
ACORPP involved staff in selecting a new office and save over a thousand dollars a year in electricity by choosing a space...Read more
Long-time Signatory, the Victorian Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure, has achieved a number of operational gains...Read more
The Perth tenancy of architecture and interior design practice Cameron Chisholm Nicol is testimony to the organisation's energy efficiency and...Read more
Synergy, Western Australia's largest energy retailer, used an office refit to address energy efficiency and embrace sustainable principles. They...Read more
Sign up to the bi-monthly CitySwitch e-news below to receive program and industry news, latest resources and event updates.Also join in the discussion and share ideas via our LinkedIn group.