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For modern and complex workplaces, sustainability works best if it is becomes part of the workplace's fundamental values, “the way we do things around here”. Written policy is an embodiment of value and sustainability criteria can be included for many disciplines such as purchasing, HR, working from home, publicity and more. To effect change in your workplace it is important to understand when policies are up for review, become engaged as stakeholder and provide practical input into the document’s scope and formation. While not all suggestions will make it, inclusions can have far reaching implications as policies are in place for three to five year cycles. A simple line in a workplace policy can bring about far-reaching change. Measures will cascade into corporate reporting and compliance frameworks and eventually into practical daily proceses and procedures.

Key elements

Distributed energy in the property - today's opportunities

This guide, Distributed energy in the property sector – today’s opportunities, was developed by the Property Council and Clean Energy Finance Corporation to give building owners and managers insights into benefits and payback periods of clean energy technologies.

Case study: Frasers Property and healthy buildings

This case study looks at how Frasers Property Australia are creating places that support healthier lives.

Case study: KPMG Australia and sustainability

This case study discusses how KPMG is embedding corporate sustainability in its organisation.

Government sustainability policies (NSW Government)

The NSW Government has policies covering energy efficiency and resource efficiency for government agencies.

Environmental Sustainability Policy (Australian Government)

The Australian Government has a range of environmental policies to minimise the impact of government operations on the environment.

Slide deck: Leading by doing Sydney event

Slides from the CitySwitch event held for signatories in Sydney: Leading by doing - How business can take action in an uncertain policy environment.

Best practice waste & recycling contracts for business

Get a best practice waste and recycling contract underway with the help of this Sustainability Victoria guide. This resource has been created to help small to medium sized businesses navigate the waste contract procurement process and to get the most efficient and cost effective service.

APCC Sustainable procurement guides

The Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) provide guides to sustainable procurement of office paper, cleaning services, business machines, ICT products, print services, and office furniture, plus a guide to assessing the sustainability credentials of a contracted supplier, for example when writing tender documents.

Sustainable Procurement of Services Guide (AUS)

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.

Sustainable Procurement Guide (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.

Case Study: Viridis

Viridis, a small design agency closely involved their team in choosing a new office to match their sustainability principles, and closely monitored electricity loads. By giving staff more control over equipment and using daylight and fresh air they cut thousands off energy bills and enhanced staff well-being.

Case Study: Steensen Varming

Steensen Varming used their office move to select a green building with strong credentials and enter into a green lease with their new landlord. Selecting a suitable building, plus an approach that maximized daylight, used zoned air-conditioning and recycled office furniture resulted in savings from day one. Staff were engaged in all stages of the move.

Case study: AMP Capital

AMP Capital's behaviour change competition saw staff across seven floors of their Sydney office battle it out to reduce energy and increase recycling. The 'Floor Wars' campaign resulted in energy savings of 15 per cent and supported the roll-out of lighting upgrades.

Case Study: Goodman Group

Goodman Group have increased staff collaboration, job satisfaction and achieved energy savings of 46 per cent as a result of transitioning to an activity-based workplace. The CitySwitch award-winner cites an innovative staff change management program and technology upgrades as the key to the fitout's success.

Case Study: Cameron Chisholm Nicol

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.

Case Study: SA Dept for Families & Communities

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.

Case Study: Norton Rose

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.

Case Study: Craft Victoria

Craft Victoria's advocacy of sustainability extends from their public programmes to the Melbourne tenancy's day-to-day operations. Simple lighting, heating and cooling modifications were driven by a staff green team who were able to slash energy consumption by 27 per cent.

Case Study: City of Port Phillip

As part of their 'Toward Zero' strategy, City of Port Phillip conducted energy audits across their 250 building property portfolio. By implementing an impressive retrofit program across their portfolio and purchasing 25 per cent GreenPower, they reduced total emissions by 36 per cent.

Policy change