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Environmental responsibility

During Rugby World Cup 2011, your role as a host, event manager or business must consider how you will meet the Environmental Resposibility Programme.

Background

A New Zealand Environmental Responsibility Programme for Rugby World Cup 2011 has been established and the critical outcomes for the initiative are:

  1. Regions deliver their environmental objectives
  2. Visitors experience an environmentally responsible Tournament
  3. Visitors experiences of New Zealand meet their expectations

Consequently the priority areas and outcomes sought for the Environmental Responsibility Programme at a national level have been identified as:

  • Waste – options to collect/recycle; waste minimisation; recycling at events; consistent bin systems & signage; positive behaviours; awareness & education
  • Energy efficiency – energy audits/assessments; showcase new technologies
  • Transport – use of public transport & car pooling to stadia & events
  • Procurement – sustainability part of procurement processes; minimising waste by using resources efficiently; only buying what is needed; choosing products that have a lower environmental impact during their lifestyle; encouraging the market to offer sustainable options
  • Communications – consistent messaging of purpose and processes; directly engage visitors & New Zealanders; promulgation of national/regional/sector programmes

To support these goals, regional initiatives will be developed and information on these and supporting resources made available as follows:

Tips for sustainability

If your business has proven sustainable practices and principles, it can improve your competitiveness and open up business opportunities.

Consider what you can do to make your business more sustainable. Here are some examples.

  • Recycle efficiently, with your first priority to reduce waste production and reuse items where possible. Recycle batteries, toner cartridges and e-waste.
  • Divert organic waste from landfill by introducing a compost or worm farm. Alternatively, separate organics for collection.
  • Switch off lights, computers, screens and appliances when not in use. Use energy-efficient bulbs, timers and energy-saving technologies.
  • Default all business printer settings to black and white and double-sided.
  • Consider active transport options (walking/cycling) or public transport for you and your staff to get to and from work or meetings.
  • Take a principled approach when procuring items. Opt for renewable packaging, locally sourced products, organic produce and fair trade products.
  • Maintain appliances and equipment, and fix leaks and any faults quickly.
  • Get involved in local community and conservation projects.
  • Conserve water by using the half flush and tap aerators, and by investigating your business processes.
  • Provide fuel economy training courses for drivers and implement systems for route efficiency.

And overall, challenge the way you have always operated to be more cost-effective, efficient and aware of your business’s social, environmental and cultural impacts.

Fairtrade

Fairtrade works to promote better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

The Fairtrade label indicates that a product meets agreed environmental, labour and developmental standards. The international certification covers a growing range, including coffee, tea, sugar, dried and fresh fruits, honey, cocoa, nuts, rice, cotton and spices.

Recognition of the Fairtrade label is increasing both here and abroad. In the UK, three in four people are familiar with it, while recognition in New Zealand has risen to more than 50%. New Zealand is one of the fastest growing markets for these products, growing by over 100% last year.

Show Kiwis and overseas visitors that your business supports ethical practices and make the swap to Fairtrade. There are two easy ways: sell Fairtrade Certified products to your consumers, or swap to Fairtrade Certified products in your office and become a Fair Trade Workplace like BNZ and IAG.

Find out more by visiting the Fairtrade website: www.fairtrade.org.nz or email info@fairtrade.org.nz

Need help?

Enviro-Mark®

The Enviro-Mark® national certification programme is owned and managed by the Crown Research Institute (CRI) Landcare Research. Its experts provide assistance to implement robust environmental management systems – leading to reduced environmental risks, guaranteed legislative compliance and improved environmental performance by your organisation.

By going through Enviro-Mark® many businesses also realise significant financial savings, making it a tempting way to boost your bottom-line performance too.

Find out more at www.enviro-mark.co.nz

Who can help you

For further information and business support, try these organisations:

Ministry for the Environment have also produced practical event greening guides:

Major Event Greening Guide

A practical guide produced by the Ministry for the Environment, designed to help owners and organisers of major events ensure their event is both successful and environmentally responsible. It outlines ways to develop and implement an environmental strategy and action plan, and offers practical tips, resources and checklists. Event greening makes good business sense and can mean a better experience for everyone involved.

Hosting a more environmentally responsible event can:

  • Improve the experience of participants
  • Position you as a leader
  • Save money
  • Help meet international expectations.
  • Help protect New Zealand’s ‘100% Pure’ reputation
  • Help meet New Zealanders’ expectations
  • Create legacies
  • Help the environment and local communities

Find out more:

 
Greener Events Guide

A practical guide produced by the Ministry of the Environment, designed for anyone organising a festival, conference, sporting or other event. It is full of practical tips, resources and information to help ensure your event is both successful and environmentally responsible. It includes an action plan template and checklists for each aspect of event greening and suggests ways to reduce the environmental impacts of staging an event – from choosing the venue and location, to managing communications, suppliers, catering, waste and transport. Using this guide, you’ll find that ‘event greening’ makes good business sense and guarantees a better experience for everyone involved.

Greening your event can:

  • Improve the experience of your participants
  • Position you as a leader
  • Save you money
  • Create legacies
  • Help the environment and local communities

Find out more:

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