Auckland businesses have been issued a challenge to do more for the environment, as part of a new initiative by Green Business HQ, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, Auckland Tourism, Trade, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and Hunters Corner Town Centre.
Run by award-winning sustainability consultancy, Green Business HQ, the Stars Better Business Challenge will guide participating businesses to reduce their energy output, waste production, and improve their overall impact on the environment.
“Business has a crucial role to play in addressing the many issues affecting our environment. As climate change, plastic pollution, species extinction, and other environmental issues intensify, now is the time for business leaders to step up and do more to take care of our planet” – Green Business HQ Director, Carolyn Cox.
Over the course of 12 weeks, participants will take part in a series of challenges, each designed to take their sustainability efforts to the next level. Each participating business has access to a toolkit of supporting resources and access to a Green Business HQ coach. The challenge is web-based and focuses on low and no cost business improvements, so is ideal for businesses as they adapt in response to Covid 19.
Hunters Corner Town Centre Manager, Donna Lee said that taking part in the challenge makes sound business sense. “We want to be proactive and responsible as businesses by looking to the future and learning how we can make a difference.”
ATEED’s Local Economic Development Adviser, Luo Lei said that a key focus for the challenge is to engage local businesses in taking practical steps to become more sustainable.
“The challenge offers clear opportunities for businesses to evaluate their current environmental strategy and improve areas that may be lacking in, in order to reach more sustainable outcomes” – Luo Lei, ATEED Economic Development Adviser
While the pilot programme is taking place in Auckland, it is designed to be delivered right across New Zealand in partnership with Councils and Business Associations.
An awards ceremony will be held at the end of the challenge to announce the winners and present certificates to all of the participants.
Green Business HQ is an award-winning sustainability consultancy that works with clients in both the public and private sectors to help them develop and reach their sustainability goals.
More information about the challenge can be found at: www.greenbusinesshq.com/betterbusinesschallenge
