Welcome to Symmetry Sustainable Business

Dear subscriber,

Sustainability means making the future a priority in today's decision making.

The Symmetry Sustainable Business Newsletter is a quarterly publication that keeps Symmetry Subscribers up to date with the latest Symmetry news and Sustainability tips and information. If you have any information that you feel is of interest to Sustainable business please email us at: symmetrynews@makeitinmacarthur.com.au

Cr Anoulack Chanthivong, MACROC President

Cr Anoulack Chanthivong

I was delighted to join in the celebration with ten distinguished businesses that attained Symmetry Bronze on the night of 24 November 2008. My congratulations to these farsighted businesses that have begun an important and I hope a rewarding journey that should give them a sustainable competitive advantage. More, importantly as enlightened business owners, they have demonstrated that contribution to the environment is the 'right thing to do' along with enriching social capital and enhancing their bottom line.

As President of MACROC, I cannot emphasise more strongly the importance of sustainability to businesses and the whole community and I am glad to note that some 43 enlightened businesses in the region have embraced Symmetry. These firms will have a clear advantage over their rivals in the radically new environmental policy setting foreshadowed in the Federal Government’s White Paper on Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Symmeterians are well prepared for this because they have already demonstrated that A Good Environment is Smart Business.

Bronze Graduation No 3

Ten more businesses graduated with a Bronze Award at a ceremony held at the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living. Cr Anoulack Chanthivong, MACROC President, presented the certificates. Of those graduating six businesses were from Camden and four from Campbelltown.

10 small businesses graduating with Symmetry Bronze on 24 November at Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living (MCSL)

Pania Gregson who runs Pestec Pty Ltd, a pest control business, said that "One of the great things about undertaking the Symmetry programme has been the realisation that we are already doing many things in our organization to reduce our eco footprint. With an increased awareness, our team is actively involved in coming up with creative ways to create a more sustainable future, not only for the environment, but also for our business".

Solar energy reforms

Under a landmark shake-up of the nation's solar industry, the existing solar panel rebate of up to $8,000 has been replaced with the Federal Government's "solar credits" scheme, but the means test will be scrapped (read more by clicking the link below).

http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index.html

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)

The Federal Government has announced an unconditional target of 5 per cent in emissions reductions by 2020 in its recently released Climate Change White Paper. Through a 'cap and trade' emissions mechanism, CPRS will put a price on carbon. The Scheme will cover around 75 per cent of Australia’s emissions and involve mandatory obligations for around 1,000 entities. The White Paper can be accessed at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/whitepaper/index.html.

A short summary of CPRS drafted by MACROC Economic Development Officer is available on the Make It In Macrathur Website.

Find out more about the 'Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)'

UK legislates to tackle climate change

British MPs approved a bill committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 - the first country to have such a legally binding framework on climate change. The legislation enacted on 26 November 2008 also contains powers to establish emissions trading schemes, measures on biofuels, powers to reduce household waste and to require retailers to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Find out more on how UK legislates to tackle climate change

Drive down your costs

What's driving climate change? Cars are definitely contributing. Motor vehicles emit greenhouse gases. In Australia in 2004, cars contributed 41.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases, which is 7.4% of total national emissions. But, as Symmetry Mentor Bill Parker explains, by driving wisely you can also drive the costs down.

Find out more about 'how to drive down your costs'

Did you know?

Every tonne of steel recycled makes the following environmental savings:

• 1.5 tonnes of iron ore
• 0.5 tonnes of coal
• 40% of the water required in production
• 75% of the energy needed to make steel from virgin material
• 1.28 tonnes of solid waste
• Reduction of air emissions by 86%
• Reduction of water pollution by 76%

Attention:

This newsletter is purely for information. MACROC takes no responsibility and provides no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content and accuracy of the newsletter, featured products and links.