Business sustainability includes four main elements: environmental, economic, social and cultural.
A business or enterprise that applies to be listed on this website commits to embarking on a journey toward sustainability incorporating all of these aspects. Where a business has achieved formal sustainability or environmental accreditation this is noted on their listing.
Many businesses listed here have also participated in the Building Sustainable Small Business program operating in the Scenic Rim Region in 2008 and 2009.
What does a sustainable business look like?
Sustainability is central to the organisation’s vision and management practices, including:
Environmental – the business or enterprise monitors and reduces its resources such as water and energy, it minimises its wastes and packaging and looks for ways to reuse resources so eventually there is no waste at all. Its goods are manufactured ethically and minimise resource use and waste; it uses renewable energy and minimises petroleum use. It eliminates its impact on the natural environment (eg) waterways, soil, forests and over time finds ways to help restore natural systems.
Economic – the business or enterprise is economically and financially sound and has a practical, effective business plan in place; invests wisely in its long-term future and business innovation; and invests in its staff, local community and local economy.
Social – the business or enterprise has healthy relationships with staff, the local community, other businesses and local government; it invests financially and with time, resources and skills in the local community.
Cultural – the business or enterprise acknowledges that how we live is vital to our individual and community health and well-being; it supports and integrates team building, collaboration, creativity, innovation, history and heritage.