Here for our environment

We are also committed to caring for the environment and responsibly managing our own environmental impacts.

There are many measures already in-place, however we know we can do much more, which is why we are focused on continually improving our practices to benefit the environment. 

Our Operations

We are currently reviewing our purchasing policy to incorporate environmental and social requirements and to encourage our major suppliers to be more sustainable and environmentally aware.

In our day to day operations we are also making progress on a range of initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Some of these initiatives include;

Reducing paper usage and increased recycling

• The paper used for all of our marketing material (brochures / posters) has environmental accreditation. This means that the paper mill has internationally recognised standards and an ongoing commitment to the conservation of natural resources and that fibre used in the production of this paper is sourced from suppliers who practice responsible forestry techniques and/or use paper from managed plantation forests.
• We offer members the choice of receiving their statements via email to reduce paper usage and encourage internet banking to reduce the reliance on visiting branch premises.
• We provide secure shredding/recycling bins in Head Office and branches for paper and cardboard, and all staff kitchens in Head Office include recycling bins to collect and separate glass, cans and plastics.
• We recycle our used printer and photocopier toner cartridges.

Reducing water consumption

• Sensor controlled and dual flush toilets installed in Head Office and branches where possible.
• Timed, drip water system used in gardens and rooftop planter boxes in Head Office.
• Head Office water feature re-circulates water, only calling for makeup water when required.

Reducing our energy consumption

• Timed lighting systems and automated blinds reduce the electricity and air-conditioning loads used in Head Office.
• Low wattage light globes used wherever possible.
• Gas supply for air conditioning is turned off during summer months to reduce consumption.
• We have begun a replacement program for older office equipment, like printers, photocopiers and computers with newer versions that emit less ozone and are more energy efficient.  We also recycle old PCs or redeploy them to charitable organisations that need them.
• Currently we are implementing power factor correction to reduce the energy losses in Head Office to reduce carbon emissions.

Caring for our Native Environment

An increasingly important area of concern for our Charitable Foundation is protection of the environment. The Foundation is actively seeking partnerships with regionally focused environmental organisations that seek to sustainably maintain and enhance the natural environment of the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and New England regions of NSW.

To date the Foundation has partnered with the following environmentally focused organisations:

Native Animal Trust – The Foundation provided funding for new equipment for volunteers of this organisation who have to recover badly injured or deceased native animals from local roads, after bushfires and other disasters. Click here for more information.

Koala Preservation Society NSW (Port Macquarie) – The Foundation provided funding for new capital works programs including new footpaths, disabled toilets and new enclosures at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Click here for more information.

In addition, through our sponsorship program, the Blackbutt Junior Ranger and Cadet Ranger program is an environmental education program which focuses on children aged 6-9 years (Junior Rangers) and 10-13 years (Cadet Rangers). Children learn about the environment and wildlife in a natural setting. The programs are based on environmental themes that support Blackbutt Reserve's mission of preserving the past, protecting the present and ensuring the future.

Our new Sustainability Program

In addition to the initiatives we have already started we have identified a range of new programs to help reduce our impact on the environment and give back to the communities we serve.

Some of the new programs we are commencing in 2008 include:

• Developing comprehensive reporting on our performance and operations so members and the community can better see the progress we are making.
• Investigating further operational efficiencies to reduce our environmental impacts, including carbon offsetting and further recycling and energy reduction initiatives.
• Championing a range of community issues including financial literacy.