What is resource efficiency?
Resource efficiency involves using raw materials, energy, water and labour more effectively.
By being more resource efficient, a business can not only reduce its impact on our environment, but also improve its bottom line, competitive edge and reputation.
Resource efficiency is becoming increasingly important to everyday business practices due to:
- legislation
- pressure from suppliers
- fluctuation of customers
- rising costs of resources
- rising costs of waste disposal.
What we’re doing
The North Shore City Council Waste Minimisation plan promotes the participation, awareness and commitment of the whole community in waste reduction. This includes education and participation programmes for businesses.
Council is working closely with local businesses to assist them with resource efficiency and to develop their own environmental capability and waste reduction initiatives.
We would also like to develop case studies of businesses undertaking ‘best practice’ and promote their successes to the wider community.
Why we want to do it
It is estimated that 71 per cent of North Shore City’s waste (approximately 66,700 tonnes per annum) sent to landfill is from business. It is imperative that businesses work to prevent waste from their on-site operations, as well as from the use of their products and services by the community.
Working together with business we can make the North Shore a leader in waste minimisation; help our local businesses to become more productive and environmentally friendly; and reduce the quantity of waste disposed of to landfill until we reach our ultimate goal of zero waste.
Resource Efficiency Programmes
North Shore City Council has initiated a number of programmes to assist businesses in resource efficiency and waste reduction, including:
REBRI Project – completed 2006
Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction Project – completed 2007
EnviroSmart® – completed July 2009
We are currently investigating further resource efficiency programmes and resources which will enable more businesses to engage in sustainable initiatives as well as providing practical advice and support to help business achieve real cost savings and other benefits.
If you would like to learn more about North Shore City Council business resource efficiency or how council can assist your business, please contact Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz
