Business Sustainability

If nothing were sustainable then everything would end!

As a region we must work towards a more sustainable future and ensure the resources we are the guardians of are utilised responsibly.

Sustainability can no longer be an idea or a project, it must become a way of life with the bonus being it often saves you money.

As a region we are poised to become a leader in sustainable practices but we must take the journey to sustainability together.

Sustainable Business Programme

The Sustainable Business Programme was established by the Palmerston North City Council to help encourage sustainable practices amongst the business sector.

The recipients will use the Scholarship to attend approved courses in sustainability practices.

The Manawatu Sustainable Business Programme provides the perfect opportunity to work with a collection of small / medium businesses in the Palmerston North region and understand how sustainable practice can really add value.

The 12 participating businesses represent a really diverse range from very small to slightly more complex businesses; from residential domestic service providers to fast growing engineering businesses. Without exception, the first module of the programme has identified a range of practical initiatives that will add real value to each business.

The programme is delivered by Otago Polytechnic in partnership with the Palmerston North City Council, Vision Manawatu, the Universal College of Learning and the Natural Step New Zealand. It's a 9 month programme consisting of 4 workshops, with tailored follow up, mentoring and support for each business.

It is hoped the scholarship programme will be available every year to help develop the Council's vision of being a vibrant, caring, creative and sustainable city.

Check out what the 2011 Sustainability Business Graduates thought of this years programme. What a huge success!

What next?

• Read, and be inspired with what local Palmerston North Businesses think about the Sustainable Business Programme on the Sustainable Vision Blog!
• For further information and to register your interest please contact Christine Jones 06 350 1830 or send us an email!

Powerco - "Take control of your Power" pilot

 

 

We are currently seeking businesses that would like to be part of the "Powerco take control of your power pilot" where businesses will learn about energy management and how to save money in the process.

Businesses will have the usage of a Power Meter for 3 months at no charge. Which will help you monitor your power consumption and determine when and what is consuming the most power.

The information that you gather from your power meter will be fundamental in assisting you with planning your next business move.

Why?

To increase awareness of businesses as to how much energy and money that you might be wasting

It can help change the way businesses use electrical appliances and highlight everyday way to become more energy efficient

Enabling businesses to take control of their energy use and show them how this can make a real impact on their bottom line

How?

Through the provision of power meters to businesses to utilize

As the meter has the ability to show real time cost of the appliances, businesses will be able to test how much energy the appliances are using when it is on, in standby or off.

This will demonstrate to the businesses how much electricity or money can be saved by switching these appliances completely off when not needed

Who?

The local businesses community

We would like to pilot this with 20 local businesses.

What next?

Powerco 20 power meters to be lent out to local businesses over the period of 3 months whereby feedback will be obtained from the businesses with regards to the impact the presence of the power meters have made in the areas of:

increased awareness of how to be more energy efficient.

changes in behavior-i.e no longer having their appliances on stand by

cost savings that have occurred as a result

if they would be interested in learning more about sustainability and sustainable business practices.

If you are interested in being part of the pilot, please contact the team at Vision Manawatu.