Business Sustainability

We all depend on the environment and making your business environmentally friendly not only helps the planet but can save you money, and help attract new customers.

Making small changes to your business is easy. Learn how you can embed sustainability into your business using the tools and resources outlined below. 

NSW Single-use Plastic Ban

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The NSW Government is banning certain single-use plastic items. This will prevent nearly 2.7 billion plastic items from entering the coastal, marine, and bushland environments of NSW over the next 20 years.

  • From 1 June 2022, the supply of lightweight shopping bags will be banned in NSW.
  • From 1 November 2022, the supply of single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, bowls, plates and expanded polystyrene food service items will be banned in NSW.

Businesses in Camden can find detailed information on how to prepare for the ban on the National Retail Association business information page

Key updates on NSW Ban:

  • The first stage of the NSW ban comes into effect next week (1 June). From 1 June lightweight plastic shopping bags (35 um or less) are banned.
  • NSW EPA has confirmed that they will be pursuing an education-first approach to enforcement.
  • NRA are awaiting NSW EPA decision regarding exemption for polymer-coated paper plates and bowls.

Energy efficiency

Getting on top of your energy management and improving your energy efficiency is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your business. There are a number of great programs and tools to get started.

Rebates to improve your energy efficiency

The NSW Energy Savings Scheme can provide you with financial incentives to assist with energy saving projects such as equipment, technology and process related projects.

Free Energy Advice

Receive FREE tailored and independent energy advice for your business and learn how you can save money. Contact the Australian Government’s Business Energy Advice Program for support and more information.

Energy Tips for Business

If you are a small to medium sized business and would like to improve how you manage energy then the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has resources to help you manage your energy.

Find an Energy Plan that suits you

If you are a small business the Australian Government offers FREE electricity and gas price comparisons so you can find the right energy plan and save. Energy Made Easy also has lots of resources for you to understand your plan and bills, and makes it easy to compare offers from all suppliers. You can also consider whether accredited GreenPower, with zero emissions, is right for you. 

Solar for Business Sydney

Using clean energy sources such as solar power not only helps the environment but can significantly lower your energy bill. To learn if solar is a good fit for your business, visit the Clean Energy Council for more information.

Water

Water is an essential part of life and maintaining a healthy environment. You can save water and money by reducing the amount of water you use by selecting products with a high water-efficiency rating. For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Water Efficiency labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and Smart Approved Watermark.

For more information visit helping your business save water here 

Stormwater

Did you know that water that falls onto our footpaths and streets flows untreated and unfiltered into our local creeks and rivers?

Local businesses can help by ensuring:

  • When cleaning or washing that the runoff does not enter stormwater drains 
  • All cleaning wastewater (e.g. mop water) is disposed of to sewer and not down external drains
  • Staff are educated on their responsibilities when it comes to disposal of wastewater. Business owners can be held accountable for the actions of staff and fines can apply for anyone who causes water pollution
  • Waste is stored securely so that it can’t be blown or washed into drains or waterways

We can all do our part in protecting our creeks and rivers. Remember, the drain is just for rain. 

For more information, visit Council's Waterways information.

Waste

By taking steps to reduce waste – through avoiding, reusing and/or recycling initiatives businesses can:

  • save money on supplies;
  • conserve natural resources and energy;
  • reduce waste disposal costs and buffer against future increased disposal costs; and
  • meet customer demand for environmentally conscious products and services.

For more information or links to NSW Government tools, programs and services, and funding for infrastructure to assist businesses to send less waste to landfill, visit HERE.

Grant opportunities

There are a number of grants and programs provided by the NSW and Australian Government, as well as private organisations that are designed to help businesses reduce their environmental impact. Keep up to date with current programs by regularly checking the following websites. 

For more grant and funding offerings visit the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact Council’s Sustainability Team for more information on 13 CAMDEN (13 226336) or sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au.

Register for Sustainable Camden E-Newsletter

For more information and updates on sustainability for your business register to the Sustainable Camden E-Newsletter HERE.