Sustainable business practices

Staying profitable, competitive and green

As we all take steps towards a low-carbon economy, businesses can meet the challenges by operating more efficiently, while increasing profitability, staying competitive and keeping jobs.

Challenges businesses may face include:

  • rising production costs
  • rising operating costs
  • managing supply chain risks.

Despite these challenges, businesses of all sizes and in all sectors can go green by:

  • creating new jobs through development and adoption of new and emerging green technologies and products
  • connecting with other businesses through networking sessions and workshops to learn what others are doing to become more sustainable
  • promoting your green products and services to local businesses and residents on social media and on your website
  • letting us know what you're doing so we can showcase our ‘sustainability champions’ and encourage other businesses to follow your lead. 

Reduce your carbon footprint

State and Federal Government agencies have several useful resources to help you save money by reducing your business’ carbon footprint.

  • Sustainability Victoria has tips on reducing your business' energy consumption. Learn more on the Sustainability Victoria website.
  • Environment Protection Authority (EPA) provides useful ideas and strategies for improving resource efficiency in your business. Explore more on the EPA website.
  • Learn how to reduce water use in your business. Visit the Yarra Valley Water website for helpful tips and resources.

More information

Circular Economy

A circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise resource use by promoting recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing.

Businesses benefit by reducing costs through resource efficiency, meeting consumer demand for sustainable practices, and adapting to evolving regulatory environments.

Embracing circular economy principles fosters innovation, enhances brand reputation, and aligns with growing environmental consciousness.

The City of Whittlesea will be renowned for its commitment in facilitating a thriving circular economy within the business community.

Download

Circular Economy information brochure(PDF, 499KB)

More information

Resources

Recycling and waste reduction

Reducing the waste your business creates can lower waste management costs and stop items from going to landfill unnecessarily.

Start with a business waste audit to understand your waste, follow legal guidelines, and find cost-effective ways to reduce it.

Sustainability Victoria offers advice to help businesses reduce their environmental impact by managing waste through proper recycling and disposal. This not only keeps valuable materials out of landfills but also protects natural resources and supports the economy by recovering materials.

Use our A-Z recycling guide to learn how to recycle or dispose of unwanted items in City of Whittlesea. We update this guide regularly as changes happen or new services are added.

Planet Ark's recycling directory and education hub also provides detailed information about recycling and reuse, tailored to your location.

In Melbourne, there are sector-specific programs that help businesses manage waste. Most of these programs operate on a fee-for-service basis.

Hospitality

Hair and beauty

Textiles

e-waste

General commercial waste

Sustainable Energy

Switching to sustainable energy is a smart way to save money and make your business eco-friendlier. Learn about the options available to help you make informed choices and easily add sustainable energy solutions to your operations.

Business Energy Tips

Business Energy Tips is an interactive tool designed for small to medium businesses. It offers simple tips and detailed information on energy efficiency, electrification, and saving money based on your business type. You’ll also find tips for different upgrades, details on government rebates and grants, and links to more helpful resources.

This resource is a collaboration between Geelong Sustainability, the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action and the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance.

Business Renewables Buying Group

The Business Renewables Buying Group helps businesses switch to 100% renewable electricity. With support from an expert facilitator, the group works together to increase buying power and reduce the time, cost, and effort of going renewable. This program is open to businesses in Victoria that use more than 500mWh of electricity each year.

Victorian Energy Upgrades

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers businesses discounts on energy-efficient products to help lower electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar Victoria

Investing in solar can benefit most small businesses but choosing the right system can be tricky. Solar Victoria provides advice to help you assess your business's needs and find the best solar solution for your energy goals.

GreenPower

GreenPower is a government program that lets individuals and businesses support renewable energy by purchasing it through their electricity retailer. Your money helps fund renewable energy projects and creates jobs in the sector.

Sustainability Victoria

Explore Sustainability Victoria's offers resources like business case studies, tips on understanding energy bills, and strategies to reduce energy use based on your business type. These tools can help you make informed decisions, improve energy efficiency, and work toward a sustainable future.

If you need to make energy efficiency a priority in your business, consider getting an energy audit. An energy audit will show where your business can save energy and be more efficient.

Find an energy auditor for your business.

There are a range of finance options to help pay for energy-saving equipment without the upfront capital.

Business Victoria

Take advantage of the many resources available through Business Victoria. Access detailed guides on reducing energy costs, adopting environmentally friendly practices, and sustainability efforts specific to different industries. This includes topics like environmental audits, green building methods, sustainable product design, and eco-friendly approaches in fashion, graphic, and web design. These resources help businesses improve their sustainability efforts and contribute to a greener, more efficient future.

Victorian Energy Compare

Victorian Energy Compare, is an independent tool from the Victorian Government that helps you compare energy prices. To get the best results, have your latest energy bill or smart meter data ready. This will help you make informed choices and find the best energy plan for your needs.

Single use plastics and packaging

Plastic pollution is a big problem, and tackling it is a key part of Victoria’s Circular Economy Plan. To help with this, single-use plastics were banned across Victoria on 1 February 2023. These plastics are hard to recycle and often contaminate our recycling systems. Many single-use items can be avoided or swapped for reusable alternatives. By banning these plastics, we’re helping to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

More information

Sustainable building

Sustainable building is a vital part of creating a healthier future for our communities and the planet.

By using eco-friendly materials, improving energy efficiency, and reducing waste, sustainable buildings lower their impact on the environment. These buildings are designed to last longer, use fewer resources, and create comfortable spaces for people to live and work. Together, we can build a greener future by making sustainable choices in construction and design.

Visit the Master Builders Victoria website to learn about the Green Living Accreditation.

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