Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Brands Commited to Sustainable Cities and Communities
Latest Sustainable Cities and Communities Brand Actions
Supporting local
The Comfort Group proudly upholds its commitment to local. We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and prioritizing sustainable production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and implement responsible waste recycling practices. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
B Corp Certified
B Corp Certification confirmed that our community and the environment are stakeholders in our impact-driven business model and our commitment to balancing social and planetary good in everything we do against the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We are now part of a global network of businesses shifting our global economy from a system that profits few to one that benefits all.
Ethical Manufacturing
We make all of our underwear ethically in China. We ensure safe and respectful working conditions for all our makers. As part of our sustainable fashion practices, we are uncompromising on the materials and processes we use, including regenerated eucalyptus and utilising waste to create recycled items. We invented our own recycled elastic because we could not buy it.
Work Training Program
Getting and maintaining a job is something many take for granted. We are partnering with Social Engine to create paid workplace training opportunities in a non-judgemental environment that is supportive and set up for success. Our partnership and work program creates job training opportunities in warehousing, order fulfillment and customer service and work in processing for recycling to support work for youths at risk.
Pre-loved Bras - creating positive change
Second-hand bras and crops that are in good to excellent condition are sorted through our warehouse pick and pack training program and donated to help support women in need to lead healthy fulfilling lives with Support the Girls. Reuse is even better! Send us your bras and we will quality check them, and send them to Support the Girls a charity that supplies bras to women in need. The sorting of these bras also creates work for Social Engine. If your bras are in poor condition please still send them in, we will recycle them
On A Mission Climate Positive Company
We work with On a Mission to offset our emissions and carbon impact across our entire supply chain. Our Climate Positive certification with On a Mission recognises that our business buys at least 1.5 times more carbon offsets than we produce each year. We are continuously striving to leave as little impact on the environment as possible, in all we do.
Social Traders Certified
This certification shows that our business, as part of our constitution, has a social, cultural or environmental purpose as its primary objective, and ensures that our primary efforts and resources are invested into this purpose.
HERO Home Compostable Mail Bags
We choose Hero compostable HEROPACK shipping mailers which are certified as both Home and Commercially Compostable. Our mailers hold certifications which meet the Australian standards (AS5810 and AS4736) administered by the Australasian Bioplastics Australia (ABA). Our supply chain also complies with ISO 14001 standards, ensuring environmentally ethical sourcing and production. We also only use compostable postage labels - so the entire parcel can be reused to send back product or recycling or composted in your home green bin. https://heropackaging.com.au/
Mission Australia
In 2009, Mission Australia established a mattress recycling social enterprise, Soft Landing, in Bellambi, NSW. The program provided jobs to disadvantaged jobseekers and recycled thousands of mattresses and bases from hotels, retailers, councils and the community throughout Sydney and the Illawarra. In 2012, the initiative won the Premier's Award for Environmental Excellence in the NSW Green Globe Awards. A.H. Beard joined forces with Mission Australia in 2012, and by June 2022, had redirected over 500,000 beds from landfill. Mission Australia is committed to reducing its ecological footprint and advocating for action on climate change.
The Snooze Safety and Sustainability Committee
Snooze has formed a Safety and Sustainability Committee with the aim of improving the way in which we conduct business. Some initial initiatives, at head office, include the adoption of Green Office supplies, sensor lighting, LED lighting, recycling and reviewing green utilities.
In-Store Recycling Collection Point/Drop-Off
In 2024, Enbacci's Melbourne Flagship located at 552 High Street, Prahran, VIC, is now a drop-off point for hard to recycle items. From used batteries, to coffee pods and even balloons, we work with a list of independently run recyclers.
Shopping with a purpose
Urban Ethos has partnered with i=change to donate $1 of every sale, and you get to choose where it goes! We are delighted to use our platform to encourage continual support towards three planet-saving projects that Urban Ethos endorses; even better, you have the choice of which charity the donation goes to! Giving even more motivation to your purchase; that goes beyond the purpose of positive environmental impacts of each one of our products. Urban Ethos is committed to our planet, climate and even more committed to frequent and recurring support to charities that nurture, regenerate and protect our planet. “There is no question climate change is happening. The only arguable point is what part humans are playing in it.” - David Attenborough. By making a concerted effort to protect our planet now, we can only thrive as a community, with generations to come. Together, let's continue to take a stance and create awareness by always shopping with a purpose.
'Shop for your Grandkids' Campaign
In 2021, Urban Ethos launched a campaign to encourage all Aussies to do their bit before the world ‘turns into a junkyard’. The company’s mission is to ‘Change Consumer Habits’ by providing a range of products that enhances the choices we make to waste less and be more environmentally conscious. With this in mind, Urban Ethos has encouraged us to ‘Shop for your Grandkids’. The organisation collaborated with volunteer students from Ripponlea Primary School to create a video that aimed to educate the primary grocery buyer on how their shopping habits impact the younger generation, and beyond. You can see the video on the profile.
Supporting local
SleepMaker proudly upholds its commitment to local. We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and prioritizing sustainable production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and implement responsible waste recycling practices. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
Supporting local
Sleepyhead proudly upholds its commitment to local. We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and prioritizing sustainable production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and implement responsible waste recycling practices. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
Partnership with Cafe Smart
Made by Fressko are proud to partner with CafeSmart, a coffee-industry led event that runs during Homelessness Week. It unites roasters, cafes and coffee enthusiasts around the country to fight homelessness and support those at risk in their local area. Made by Fressko is contributing to this partnership by donating $2.50 of every Limited Edition Smiley Cup (Camino) order to Cafe Smart.
Life-cycle thinking
Adopting a life-cycle mindset helps us to think about the entirety of our environmental impacts, including those which are directly within our control in addition to those that we may not be able to control, but can influence. Integrating life-cycle thinking into our business operations helps us to apply a meaningful EMS that has significant benefits across our supply chain and for the communities in which we operate. This includes using natural resources more efficiently and sourcing them carefully. Read more about this in our Sustainability Charter.
Technology & innovation
We embrace new technologies and approaches to manufacturing precast concrete in order to stay abreast of new opportunities to reduce our environmental impact, while becoming more efficient and effective in our work. Read more about this in our Sustainability Charter.
Decarbonisation
We recognise the significant impact that concrete production has on global GHG emissions and we are committed to prioritising carbon reduction strategies and leveraging the opportunities that exist to reduce our emissions throughout our business operations. Read more about this in our Sustainability Charter.
Environmental Advocacy
By joining 1% for the Planet and committing 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits, we support SDGs 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water), and 15 (life on land). Our 1% membership also helps us foster productive partnerships with members.
Wages and Benefits
By paying all our employees a living wage and offering the best benefits that we can afford, Sustainable Choice addresses SDGs 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 3 (good health and well-being), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities), and 11 (sustainable cities and communities).
Energy Use
We chose The Commons co-working space for our office due to their B Corp certification and commitment to sourcing renewable energy. Through this we are supporting SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 13 (climate action).
Supporting local
Dunlop Foams proudly upholds its commitment to local. We manufacture foams in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and prioritizing sustainable production methods.
Investing in Renewable Energy
At Joyce, we have committed to actively reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources. Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions across all Joyce sites is just one step. We are progressively shifting towards solar power, now successfully powering our entire moulded foam line in Victoria using renewable energy. As part of our sustainability initiatives, electric forklifts were introduced at our South Australia site in 2023. Our overall Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from Joyce Foam’s operations) were reduced by 19.84% (451,713 kg of Co2 equivalents) in 2021-22.
Lowering Transport Emissions
Since 2005, Joyce has been compressing foam for transport. This allows us to transport our products using 60% less space, maximising truck capacity and reducing transport requirements. Through compression and partnering with logistics suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability, we are striving to reduce transport-related emissions.
Recycling
Our investment into cutting-edge technology and machinery leverages automation, which minimises errors, optimises resource utilisation and reduces our scrap rates. Any foam scrap generated is repurposed for use in carpet underlay. Through our robust reverse logistics system, we collect and recycle foam scraps from our customers' facilities, diverting over 200 tonnes of scrap foam in 2023. Additionally, we are a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation. All raw material containers and plastic wrappings used in our production process undergo recycling through our network of responsible supply chain partners.
Supporting local
We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and improving production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and recycle what we can. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
Wattyl becomes a Green building council of Australia member
We’re a member of Green Building Council Australia (GBCA), an authority on sustainable buildings and communities. We have a range of Wattyl products that contribute to Green Star credit points. GBCA Green Star rating tools help reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
NATA
Our laboratories are NATA™ accredited for the testing of surface coatings. NATA accredits organisations to perform testing and inspection activities for their products and services. This gives consumers the assurance they need to make safe, healthy and reliable choices.
Safcol signs up with APCO to reduce packaging waste
Safcol is taking action to improve the recovery of packaging at end-of-life and increase the use of reusable packaging, working with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisations (APCO). Safcol has diverted waste going to landfills by 392 tonnes, through plastic and cardboard recycling and food waste to compost. Safcol aspires to a 5% increase in landfill reduction to 411 tonnes by 2025
Safcol partners with Clean Up Australia
Safcol No Net Tuna is a proud partner of Clean Up Australia. For every can of No Net Tuna sold, we contribute 5 cents towards Clean Up Australia, helping the iconic Aussie charity provide free resources and materials to communities, schools and youth groups all year round, supporting Australians everywhere to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
Supporting local
We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and improving production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and recycle what we can. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
Supporting local
SleepMaker proudly upholds its commitment to local. We manufacture our beds in Australia, relying on local suppliers, workers, and materials whenever possible. And this commitment to local goes beyond just beds – it extends to our entire supply chain: minimizing reliance on carbon-intensive international transportation, reducing greenhouse gases and prioritizing sustainable production methods. We produce high-quality, safe, and sleep-friendly materials in line with exacting Australian standards, and implement responsible waste recycling practices. This ensures our products not only meet the highest Australian standards but also contribute to a healthier environment for all Australians. In addition, we support the Soft Landing mattress recycling scheme, which is dedicated to providing jobs to Australians experiencing barriers to employment.
Renewable energy adoption
We are actively reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy to align with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our focus is on increasing the share of renewable energy in total electricity consumption. In 2022, the share of renewable energy in total electricity consumption increased several times to 15.6 million kWh compared to 3.1 million kWh in 2021. Solar installations: Solar energy is clean and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. New solar installations on the roofs of two manufacturing sites are already producing solar energy, and the construction of additional solar installations is in the planning stage.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Recyclable Consumer Packaging
As a member of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) we have committed to move all our consumer facing packaging from PEVA bags, to 100% recyclable cardboard by 2025. We have already made the first steps on this journey, with new packaging to begin rolling out in 2023. This packaging will not only be 100% recyclable, but it will also be made from at least 50% recycled materials and feature the ARL (Australian Recycling Label) to easily communicate disposal methods.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Solar Power at our Head Office and Manufacturing Facility
In March 2020 we moved our Melbourne head office, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to solar energy. In the first 3 months this saved the equivalent of 12.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is the equivalent of 81,816km not driven in a car expelling CO2 or 315 trees planted to use up the CO2 emitted. In late 2021, we moved to our new state-of-the-art facilities where we were unable to install solar energy straight away. It was a requirement that we monitor the power output of our new machinery for a period of time to ensure the right system could be put into place to cover our needs. We have been doing this and are now proud to announce, that as of the 1st of May our New Head Office and Manufacturing Plant in Melbourne is Solar Powered. We will share with you over the coming months the impact this has in terms of CO2 emissions.
Internal Recycling
We have a number of different recycling bins across our office and manufacturing facility that are used to efficiently sort and manage our waste. These bins are then regularly collected by our appointed waste services provider for recycling. We also re-use where possible, cardboard cartons across manufacturing, storage and distribution.
Adoption of AMR - Paperless Pick Pack
Our state-of-the-art new operations facility features AMR (Autonomous mobile robots). Used in the process of picking customer orders, these have reduced the need for paper based picking slips, significantly reducing our paper usage.
Heropacks - Eco-Conscious Mailers
For all online orders, where appropriate, we are distributing them using Heropacks. These eco-conscious mailers are made from home-compostable materials such as corn starch and PBAT. Taking 90-120 to break down in the right conditions, they can be put into your backyards compost heap.
Electric Forklifts - Reduce our Consumption of Fossil Fuels
We use electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility to help us reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and be environmentally friendly. They also mean no exhaust fumes for a cleaner, healthier working environment.
Disaster Recovery strategic response
We launched our Disaster Recovery strategic response after the cycle of back-to-back disasters began with the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. Our campaign helped get the right goods, to the right people, at the right time throughout all stages of a disaster providing hope and dignity to communities adversely impacted.
Launching the Good360 Inner Circle and EveryOne Day
Enter 2023 and a new ‘silent’ disaster’ hit our shores - the cost of living crisis. Good360 supported on average 15,000 people every week Australia-wide who were struggling to buy everyday essentials. Following a team-concerted effort, two inaugural launches were celebrated. Good360 Inner Circle, our partner pledge and recognition program; and EveryOne Day - our annual fundraising event.
No Animal Testing
All our products are certified cruelty free by CCF (Choose Cruelty Free)
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Recyclable Consumer Packaging
As a member of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) we have committed to move all our consumer facing packaging from PEVA bags, to 100% recyclable cardboard by 2025. We have already made the first steps on this journey, with new packaging to begin rolling out in 2023. This packaging will not only be 100% recyclable, but it will also be made from at least 50% recycled materials and feature the ARL (Australian Recycling Label) to easily communicate disposal methods.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Solar Power at our Head Office and Manufacturing Facility
In March 2020 we moved our Melbourne head office, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to solar energy. In the first 3 months this saved the equivalent of 12.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is the equivalent of 81,816km not driven in a car expelling CO2 or 315 trees planted to use up the CO2 emitted. In late 2021, we moved to our new state-of-the-art facilities where we were unable to install solar energy straight away. It was a requirement that we monitor the power output of our new machinery for a period of time to ensure the right system could be put into place to cover our needs. We have been doing this and are now proud to announce, that as of the 1st of May our New Head Office and Manufacturing Plant in Melbourne is Solar Powered. We will share with you over the coming months the impact this has in terms of CO2 emissions.
Internal Recycling
We have a number of different recycling bins across our office and manufacturing facility that are used to efficiently sort and manage our waste. These bins are then regularly collected by our appointed waste services provider for recycling. We also re-use where possible, cardboard cartons across manufacturing, storage and distribution.
Adoption of AMR - Paperless Pick Pack
Our state-of-the-art new operations facility features AMR (Autonomous mobile robots). Used in the process of picking customer orders, these have reduced the need for paper based picking slips, significantly reducing our paper usage.
Heropacks - Eco-Conscious Mailers
For all online orders, where appropriate, we are distributing them using Heropacks. These eco-conscious mailers are made from home-compostable materials such as corn starch and PBAT. Taking 90-120 to break down in the right conditions, they can be put into your backyards compost heap.
Electric Forklifts - Reduce our Consumption of Fossil Fuels
We use electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility to help us reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and be environmentally friendly. They also mean no exhaust fumes for a cleaner, healthier working environment.
Hybrid Buses
CDC has Australia’s largest eco-friendly bus fleet of 50 hybrids which make up 17% of our Metro contracted buses in Melbourne and service Melbourne’s metropolitan routes, demonstrating our strong focus on sustainability and innovation. From 2019 – 2023, almost 4,000 tonnes of c02 have been saved by introducing hybrid buses to these routes, equivalent to 867 cars being taken off the road since 2019.
Electric Buses
Electric buses have less vibration, less noise and zero emissions. A win for the environment. A win for public health. CDC has commenced a Zero Emissions Bus Trial in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport and bus industry leaders.
Hydrogen Buses
CDC is taking significant steps in its quest for greener bus journeys and cleaner air in a partnership with Australian sustainable energy and vehicle suppliers that will see it operating two hydrogen powered fuel cell electric buses in Geelong in 2024. The Geelong New Energies Service Station project, of which CDC is a foundation partner, is a multi-million dollar hydrogen mobility development led by Viva Energy. Together, the partners have worked with the Federal Government via the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Victorian State Government via the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to launch what promises to be Australia’s most ambitious green hydrogen mobility project.
Making a difference through Partnerships - Western Chances and sleepbus
To reduce anti-social behaviour amongst the youth where CDC operates in western Melbourne, we have partnered with community leaders in the region. CDC supports Western Chances, an organisation that gives underprivileged but talented young people in Melbourne’s west a chance to realise their potential through merit-based, tailor-made scholarships and opportunity programs, including work placement with CDC. CDC also contributes by providing yearly MYKI travel passes for students requiring financial assistance. CDC Australia has proudly supported sleepbus since 2019 by donating buses to be repurposed as sleepbuses and provided ongoing maintenance, storage, cleaning and fuel.
Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander Partnerships
Contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation is a significant priority for CDC. Our relationships with both the Clontarf and Stars Foundations are important to us, enabling us to contribute and support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women respectively.
CDC We Care Fund
The CDC We Care Fund was established in 2020 with an initial investment of $250,000 to assist employees and members of our local communities affected by the bushfires. The Fund aims to support families with immediate housing and living needs, disaster relief efforts, as well as providing transport services to emergency service volunteers. The Fund was transitioned to funding long-term assistance and recovery in vulnerable communities, education efforts, as well as preventative measures in challenging situations from bushfires, pandemic or any disaster faced by our broader communities that we serve. It has since been used to assist employees and communities affected by severe storms, floods and other disasters.
Supporting local communities
Community engagement is a pillar that CDC invests in to benefit the local communities with the long-term goal of restoring respect to bus drivers. In line with this initiative, we have launched a school education program that aims to teach children about the importance of mutual respect and behaviour on public transport. By helping kids understand the importance of mutual respect, over time we hope to reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour towards our drivers and commuters, creating safer public transport.
Targeting Net Zero by 2025
We are on track to reach Net Zero by 2025. Actions include installing Solar PV, using 100% accredited green power for remaining grid energy, have transitioned to an EV charged onsite from renewables, have no staff commute to the office as all WFH, any business travel is done as sustainably as possible using our EV or public transport, we've gone as paperless as possible, recycle everything we can (we have 6 waste streams, almost nothing to landfill), we rarely print and purchase carbon neutral paper for when we have to. Just our phones to transition to a carbon neutral service (under analysis) and where possible (we're a small business) we're asking our key suppliers for their sustainability credendtials. We are carbon neutral, intend to maintian carbon netural status, but we will have to offset the remaing emissions.
Upgraded company vehicle to 100% Electric
In December 2022 we upgraded our company car to an EV for all onsite visits and works. This removes our scope 1 fossil fuel use and assists us towards net zero emissions. Its charged from our onsite solar and 100% Green Power.
Wastewater management
- Using recycled water at some major airport wash bays - Complying with all relevant wastewater legislation
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Recyclable Consumer Packaging
As a member of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) we have committed to move all our consumer facing packaging from PEVA bags, to 100% recyclable cardboard by 2025. We have already made the first steps on this journey, with new packaging to begin rolling out in 2023. This packaging will not only be 100% recyclable, but it will also be made from at least 50% recycled materials and feature the ARL (Australian Recycling Label) to easily communicate disposal methods.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Solar Power at our Head Office and Manufacturing Facility
In March 2020 we moved our Melbourne head office, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to solar energy. In the first 3 months this saved the equivalent of 12.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is the equivalent of 81,816km not driven in a car expelling CO2 or 315 trees planted to use up the CO2 emitted. In late 2021, we moved to our new state-of-the-art facilities where we were unable to install solar energy straight away. It was a requirement that we monitor the power output of our new machinery for a period of time to ensure the right system could be put into place to cover our needs. We have been doing this and are now proud to announce, that as of the 1st of May our New Head Office and Manufacturing Plant in Melbourne is Solar Powered. We will share with you over the coming months the impact this has in terms of CO2 emissions.
Adoption of AMR - Paperless Pick Pack
Our state-of-the-art new operations facility features AMR (Autonomous mobile robots). Used in the process of picking customer orders, these have reduced the need for paper based picking slips, significantly reducing our paper usage.
Heropacks - Eco-Conscious Mailers
For all online orders, where appropriate, we are distributing them using Heropacks. These eco-conscious mailers are made from home-compostable materials such as corn starch and PBAT. Taking 90-120 to break down in the right conditions, they can be put into your backyards compost heap.
Electric Forklifts - Reduce our Consumption of Fossil Fuels
We use electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility to help us reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and be environmentally friendly. They also mean no exhaust fumes for a cleaner, healthier working environment.
Carbon neutral shipping
Our courier partners offset carbon emissions for every delivery.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Our Commitment Towards Building a Sustainable Future
As a member of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) we have committed to move all our consumer facing packaging, across all areas of our business, from PEVA bags, to 100% recyclable cardboard by 2025. We have already made the first steps on this journey, with new packaging to begin rolling out in 2023. This packaging will not only be 100% recyclable, but it will also be made from at least 50% recycled materials and feature the ARL (Australian Recycling Label) to easily communicate disposal methods.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up
Solar Power at our Head Office and Manufacturing Facility
In March 2020 we moved our Melbourne head office, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to solar energy. In the first 3 months this saved the equivalent of 12.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is the equivalent of 81,816km not driven in a car expelling CO2 or 315 trees planted to use up the CO2 emitted. In late 2021, we moved to our new state-of-the-art facilities where we were unable to install solar energy straight away. It was a requirement that we monitor the power output of our new machinery for a period of time to ensure the right system could be put into place to cover our needs. We have been doing this and are now proud to announce, that as of the 1st of May our New Head Office and Manufacturing Plant in Melbourne is Solar Powered. We will share with you over the coming months the impact this has in terms of CO2 emissions.
Internal Recycling
We have a number of different recycling bins across our office and manufacturing facility that are used to efficiently sort and manage our waste. These bins are then regularly collected by our appointed waste services provider for recycling. We also re-use where possible, cardboard cartons across manufacturing, storage and distribution.
Adoption of AMR - Paperless Pick Pack
Our state-of-the-art new operations facility features AMR (Autonomous mobile robots). Used in the process of picking customer orders, these have reduced the need for paper based picking slips, significantly reducing our paper usage.
Heropacks - Eco-Conscious Mailers
For all online orders, where appropriate, we are distributing them using Heropacks. These eco-conscious mailers are made from home-compostable materials such as corn starch and PBAT. Taking 90-120 to break down in the right conditions, they can be put into your backyards compost heap.
Electric Forklifts - Reduce our Consumption of Fossil Fuels
We use electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility to help us reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and be environmentally friendly. They also mean no exhaust fumes for a cleaner, healthier working environment.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Recyclable Consumer Packaging
As a member of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) we have committed to move all our consumer facing packaging from PEVA bags, to 100% recyclable cardboard by 2025. We have already made the first steps on this journey, with new packaging to begin rolling out in 2023. This packaging will not only be 100% recyclable, but it will also be made from at least 50% recycled materials and feature the ARL (Australian Recycling Label) to easily communicate disposal methods.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up
Solar Power at our Head Office and Manufacturing Facility
In March 2020 we moved our Melbourne head office, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to solar energy. In the first 3 months this saved the equivalent of 12.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is the equivalent of 81,816km not driven in a car expelling CO2 or 315 trees planted to use up the CO2 emitted. In late 2021, we moved to our new state-of-the-art facilities where we were unable to install solar energy straight away. It was a requirement that we monitor the power output of our new machinery for a period of time to ensure the right system could be put into place to cover our needs. We have been doing this and are now proud to announce, that as of the 1st of May our New Head Office and Manufacturing Plant in Melbourne is Solar Powered. We will share with you over the coming months the impact this has in terms of CO2 emissions.
Internal Recycling
We have a number of different recycling bins across our office and manufacturing facility that are used to efficiently sort and manage our waste. These bins are then regularly collected by our appointed waste services provider for recycling. We also re-use where possible, cardboard cartons across manufacturing, storage and distribution.
Adoption of AMR - Paperless Pick Pack
Our state-of-the-art new operations facility features AMR (Autonomous mobile robots). Used in the process of picking customer orders, these have reduced the need for paper based picking slips, significantly reducing our paper usage.
Heropacks - Eco-Conscious Mailers
For all online orders, where appropriate, we are distributing them using Heropacks. These eco-conscious mailers are made from home-compostable materials such as corn starch and PBAT. Taking 90-120 to break down in the right conditions, they can be put into your backyards compost heap.
Electric Forklifts - Reduce our Consumption of Fossil Fuels
We use electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility to help us reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and be environmentally friendly. They also mean no exhaust fumes for a cleaner, healthier working environment.
felix partners with MobileMuster to recycle mobile phones
Help your pre-loved mobile phones live on by recycling them through our partner Mobile Muster. Our mobile phones are created from a wide range of materials, including precious materials which are extracted from the earth. Recycling these devices means the materials can then be re-used, so we reduce the need to take more from the earth. Not only that, but recycling mobile phones reduces energy usage. When we make new products out of unused materials, we use energy to extract and process materials which in return burns more fossil fuels . Lastly, recycling pre-loved mobile phones also reduces pollution. Overall, it improves air quality by reducing the need for power used in the mining, refining, processing, and shipping of raw materials and through this process, we avoid potentially hazardous materials from entering our environment. We're proud to be partnering with Mobile Muster to help you recycle your pre-loved and old mobile phones in just a few easy steps! Learn more here: https://felixmobile.com.au/purpose/mobile-muster
felix partners with One Tree Planted - with a goal to plant 1,000,000 trees
We've partnered with non-profit partner, One Tree Planted, to help regenerate the planet. How does it work? Just for choosing felix as your phone plan provider, we’ll contribute one tree for every month you’re with us through One Tree Planted. Along the way we’ve also made some donations including 15,000 seedlings for bush fire relief in Australia when we launched in late 2020 and 25,000 additional trees for World Environment Day in June of 2021. We work with the passionate team at One Tree Planted to select the projects where the felix trees will be planted. Project selection considers the planting season and other benefits such as biodiversity and community benefits. One Tree Planted’s local planting partners then plant the saplings in the rainy season and the trees are monitored and maintained. We then receive a report on the impact generated and share it back with our felix customers! Essentially by being with felix, you’re supporting one little sapling to be grown in local nurseries, planted in the earth, and cared for in the wild in its early stages of life. What projects does felix work with? To date, we've planted here at home in Australia, as well as around the world in places like India and The Andes. You'll often see us contributing to a new project every three months, depending on where it's the rainy season at that time. At the end of the project, we send a wrap up to our community, so you know what tree species we've planted, the number of trees and any great benefits that have come from working with the local communities along the way. Our Tree Planting Projects: January - March 2023: Brazil, Agroforestry Cocoa Project October – December 2022: Indonesia, Kalimantan Water Catchment Restoration July - September 2022: Southwest Western Australia and South Australia April – June 2022: Uganda, Plant Trees for Chimpanzees January – March 2022: Bhutan, Fruits For All Project October – December 2021: Plant for Punjab (India) April-September 2021: Southwest Western Australia (Trees contributed: 72,676) January-March 2021: The Andes, South America (Trees contributed: 10,031) Previous projects + donations: PROJECT – 778 trees contributed to a project in the Philippines through One Tree Planted (December 2020) DONATION - 25,000 trees donated to One Tree Planted for World Environment Day (June 2021) DONATION - 15,000 trees donated to One Tree Planted for Australian Bushfire Relief (November 2020).
Environmental Sustainability Policy
Our guiding principles are: • Environmental commitments are integral to our day to day activities • Environmental stewardship the responsibility of all employees • We are committed to open communication and good relationships with our local communities
Supplier Code of Conduct
A key to our future will be to focus on environmental factors. We at Ball and Doggett are committed to reducing our environmental impact in all facets of our supply chain and hence we choose our suppliers that meet and exceed our Procurement Standards.
Modern Slavery & Ethical Sourcing
All of our suppliers are required to sign a Modern Slavery Declaration, as we recognise the responsibility of operating in a transparent and ethical manner, in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2018. Our Modern Slavery statement can be viewed on the Australian Border Force Modern Slavery Register: https://modernslaveryregister.gov.au/statements/12474/
Freedom To Green Committee
Freedom's 'Freedom to Green' is our internal committee with a shared vision of creating a greener and healthier future, inspiring change internally and externally. The committee has had impact across initiatives such as recycling and waste management, advocacy for renewable energy, sensor and LED lighting, PandaDoc to eliminate paper use, education on sustainability for all teams and upcycling carboard packaging.
B Corp Certified
Pangolin Associates is a founding Australian member of B Corp. B Corp is a global, voluntary initiative that rigorously assesses social and environmental practices to promote higher standards of accountability and transparency. We take pride in helping other businesses succeed in the environmental component of B Corp for both initial certifications and higher scores on reassessments.
Reduce energy consumption
All office equipment is turned off when not in use. We have installed 120 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at our Adelaide location, along with energy efficient lighting, and energy monitoring of the HVAC system. Our Sydney office has LED lighting with motion sensors. We are a participating member of CitySwitch Green Office, a program designed to lower energy consumption in commercial buildings. We encourage work from home to reduce our transport footprint and resources used. Most of our team, and all four directors, have invested in solar power at home, as well as energy efficient appliances and lighting.
Fully Recycled or FSC-Certified Paper
Our notebooks are printed on FSC-certified paper using FSC-certified printing methods. The recycled inside pages are made from 100% post consumer waste, with no virgin paper fibres used, and our paper is created using a completely chlorine-free process.
Passing Plants
This year, Law Team is partnering with Passing Plants to give Christmas gifts that cultivate connection, sustainability, inclusivity and understanding. For every plant we gift, we’re placing a plant in an open space to be loved and nurtured by a stranger.
We recycle. Greener, better, rubbish removal
We are huge advocates for environmental sustainability and recycling. When you choose us to hire us, we embark on every endeavour to ensure that your rubbish and junk is recycled wherever possible. Over the past 15 years, we have strived to reshape our rubbish removal services in a manner that is delivered to serve the greater good. That means ensuring the highest recycling and sustainability practices are met with each and every rubbish removal job. When you choose Paul, you’re choosing a greener alternative to removing rubbish.
Committed to Partnership
Partner with our customers and brand on their journey towards sustainable pathways. Our commitment to our customers, brands and the creative community to support their journey through and experience of education and information remains our priority.
Authenticity Index™
We conducted some free and publicly available research with McCrindle to see if we could clearly link authentic sustainability actions with better business outcomes. Spoiler alert: there's a strong positive correlation between businesses embracing sustainability authentically, and their performance across customer growth, profit, innovation, resilience, productivity, talent attraction and talent retention. Changemakers can use this research to build a business case for sustainability in their organisation, and accelerate action.
Sustainability
The AFA supports sustainable business practices encouraging its members to become more sustainable and move towards a more circular approach to product development. The AFA supports third-party certification and product stewardship with all AFA listed members certified under a recognised ecolabel and / or product stewardship scheme.
Proud partners of The Hunger Project Australia.
We have a Grant Agreement with The Hunger Project whereby a portion of our commission from the sale of each property is donated to The Hunger Project. The Hunger Project’s goal is to end world hunger. We understand first-hand the powerful impact the work of The Hunger Project has to end world hunger on a global scale and are passionate advocates for their incredible work. The Hunger Project believes in empowering people to become owners of their own development. Not based on handouts, but built on female empowerment through education, generating knowledge, capacity and capability that has a long-term sustainable impact. Women in rural disadvantaged arrears are trained to be elected to represent their communities over a 5 year term to become effective, respected leaders in their communities. As a result, they bring water, electricity, sanitation, education and more, to their villages.
We Implement Responsible Waste Removal
We educate landlords and tenants on the importance of recycling, aiming to foster a culture of responsible waste management and resource conservation. We actively advocate for responsible waste management through: 1) ACTION - we ensure ALL properties under our management are provided with a full suite of council bins to allow tenants to dispose of waste thoughtfully. 2) EDUCATION - we provide information to all tenants as part of their welcome pack that details what rubbish goes in what bin. We actively monitor this at inspections to ensure they are doing the right thing. We do all that we can to get the 'reduce, reuse recycle' message across.
We Participate in Government Energy Upgrade Programs
We actively initiate participation in government schemes such as Victorian Energy Upgrades Program so our landlords and tenants benefit from energy saving products and services, as does the planet. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps households and businesses save energy and money with a range of discounts and special offers on selected energy-saving products and services. Discounts and special offers are only available from accredited providers as detailed on the Victorian Energy Upgrade products' pages. The program can help you with the cost of purchasing efficient appliances and products including: - chimney dampers and vent covers - clothes dryers - double-glazed windows - fridges and freezers (including help with recycling old fridges) - heating and cooling - hot water systems - lighting - pool pumps - showerheads - standby power controllers - TVs - weather-proofing strips.
We advocate for Energy Efficient Property Upgrades
We advocate for our vendors, landlords (and tenants) to make environmentally friendly upgrades to reduce resource consumption and waste, decrease carbon emissions and energy consumption, recycle rainwater and make the house more appealing and valuable. By fostering a culture of sustainable building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and the use of eco-friendly natural materials, we aim to create awareness and a positive environmental impact that extends beyond our property portfolio to create properties that prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability.. Examples include but are not limited to replacing broken appliances with a higher energy star rating model, installing more energy efficient lighting, more effective window furnishings such as blinds or curtains to better insulate the property, and water-saving fixtures. This can significantly reduce energy and water consumption. With the implementation of 'Minimum Standards' from March 2021, there is onus on all Landlords to ensure compliance of their investment property - we ensure properties under our management meet these Minimum Standards and encourage landlord's to choose the most energy efficient options to do so.
We Green Properties
Schickerling provides an in-house landscaping and garden maintenance service that focuses on promoting the greening of the properties we sell and manage. We actively encourage landlords to provide a maintained garden area for tenant's to enjoy, and encourage the harvesting of rainwater to support gardens. Through sustainable landscaping practices, including native plantings and water-efficient irrigation systems, we enhance biodiversity and create environmentally friendly outdoor spaces that benefit both residents and the surrounding ecosystem. This adds value to the property from a valuation perspective and makes it more appealing and enjoyable to tenants. Furthermore, it increases the tree canopy cover and is a driver to create a cooler, more climate resilient community with a lower carbon footprint. Trees and vegetation is critically important to both mental and physical health as cool and green environments encourage people to recreate and socialise outdoors. As the climate changes and we experience hotter, drier and more extreme weather conditions, our community will be more impacted by heat stress and flood risk. Healthy urban gardens are one of the most effective ways to mitigate urban heat and improve health outcomes in the community. We provide sustainable gardening and landscaping techniques that slow future warming by reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon storage in soil and plants. Water is critical to creating and maintaining much needed green, cool, and climate-adapted gardens, and we aim to help increase the amount of rain-water collected for garden use.
We provide a Hard Rubbish Removal & Recycling Service
We offer a Hard Waste Removal Service to our clients. Any components of hard waste that can be recycled or upcycled, we ensure get taken to the local transfer station, metal recyclers or to a community group to avoid landfill.
We are advocates to Local & State Government
Jodie Schickerling, Director and Officer In Effective Control is an active participant at local government level. Jodie is part of the Moonee Valley City Council Community Advisory Group providing recommendations to Council on 'How can Council achieve biodiversity in open spaces'. Jodie participates in community events such as 'National Tree Day Planting Event' to support the Victorian Government's 'More Trees For a Greener West' Program which will see more trees planted in Melbourne’s west. The program aims to plant trees in urban areas with the lowest tree canopy cover. This is a low-cost option to help address problems of the urban heat island effect as part of cooling and greening Melbourne.
We are active members In Community Environment Groups
Jodie Schickerling, Director and Officer In Effective Control is a member and active volunteer of Moonee Valley Sustainability (MVS). She was elected to the committee on 29/08/2023. MVS is a collective of local volunteers, supporters, and community groups in Moonee Valley who promote, support, enable and advocate for sustainable living in the local community. MVS grow community capacity to prevent further climate impacts and build climate resilience through education, campaigns, events, innovative projects, research and enabling community connection. MVS constructively engages in and encourages evidence-based action on climate change and sustainable living, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and resource use. Successful sustainable living is about growing food and making products the community needs, to nurture a local, sharing, and circular economy in Moonee Valley.
Commitment to a Climate Positive Workforce
Through our partnership with Ecologi, Glass PR funds reforestation, renewable energy, and restoring habitats around the globe. Our goal is to offset 50 Tonnes C02 by 2025. Project insights are available here - https://ecologi.com/glasspr
Building the world’s first Sponge Garden
We’re super proud to partner with Community Gardens Australia to launch the world’s first Sponge Garden. Using Koh’s 100% biodegradable Dish Sponges (made from wood pulp) we’ve designed a layered garden bed. The self watering design reduces water usage and creates a happier home for your plants! The sponges act as water retention, feeding your plant, until being composted over time, breaking down and turning into plant food.
Partnered with 'Trees That Count'
Here at BB&B, we are proud to have partnered with Trees That Count, and in support of their efforts to help restore Aotearoa’s native biodiversity and natural ecosystems, we are donating $1 for every product in our eco-anthology range sold, to plant native trees.
Working hard to be waste free in Auckland and Beyond!
At BB&B we are starting our sustainability journey off with a bang by doing everything we can to reduce waste. All our Auckland stores are now “waste free” (more than 90% of our waste is diverted from landfill). We are currently using our Auckland stores as a model to ensure proper waste management and reduction strategies are created, so we can implement them across the country in the near future. Here at BB&B we know that reducing waste is key to being more sustainable. That is why we ensure all our products are made to last and with the utmost care. We are also working with our brilliant manufacturers to start reducing our packaging, so customers can take less plastic home. As our drivers deliver stock to our Auckland stores, they also pick up our carefully separated packaging waste. These drivers then transport the separated bubble wrap, pallet wrap, soft plastics, paper, cardboard, polystyrenes, and general waste back to our distribution center in Auckland for recycling, reuse, and disposal. At the Distribution center, we bail our cardboard, pallet wrap, and soft plastics so they can be sent to Oji Fibre and Future post for recycling. The cardboard we don’t bail gets shredded and used as a bubble wrap substitute that customers can recycle at home. We also use re-use the old bubble wrap to wrap products for our webstore. Our polystyrene is delivered to Expol to be turned into green beans. When customers order products online they can feel assured that we are using compostable courier bags and many other recyclable/ re-used protective materials, to ensure their items arrive safely without increasing our waste footprint by much. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved at BB&B, but we know our journey has just begun. Our next steps are to bring these systems to all our other stores to ensure BB&B is as green as can be.
Circular Economy
We are working to recover 90 per cent of unwanted paint and packaging and transform them for use in Australia’s circular economy – where products are re-used or repurposed for other manufacturing or industry processes to keep them circulating instead of being discarded permanently.