The KESAB Green Team
Some time ago, KESAB established the 'Green Team' to develop a systematic method of conducting an environmental audit on any organisation. And where better to start than our own doorstep.
The KESAB Green Team initially looked at usage of water, waste, energy, emissions, OHS/risk and soil and storage. We conducted staff surveys and held regular sustainability meetings.
After initial benchmarking we audited each area leading to our first full audit report in early 2010.
The process was very productive in every sense. We reduced costs, staff were universally in favour of the process and outcomes and best of all for an outfit dedicated to finding environmental solutions, we were able to achieve a significant reduction in our footprint.
Some highlights:
Water - Between April 2009 and April 2010, we reduced water use by 50% from 34 kilolitres to 17 kilolitres. And it was really quite easy! We added ballast to the toilet cistern to reduce the amount of water flushed, we cut back on watering of plants and we used a bowl in the sink for washing dishes.
Emissions - A 21,631km reduction in KESAB fleet use on 08-09 year, which is a saving of 4.66 tonnes of Co2. That represents the amount of carbon generated by flying return from Adelaide to Perth 4 times in economy class or taking 2 small cars off the road for one year.
Energy - The August 2009 quarter showed a decrease in kWh compared to the August 2008. However, the last three quarters of 2009-2010 have reflected a small increase of 598 kWh, independent of seasonal variations. This is an increase of 0.5 ton of Co2 or equivalent to running a 2.5 star 8kg top loader washer, warm for one year. Energy has been a strong focus during 2010.
Waste - KESAB has a well established resources recovery system in place, yet The Green Team is investigating an even more streamlined bin system for waste and recycling to minimise contamination and reduce double handling of materials.
Biodiversity - We have planted and and maintain a range of local provenance natives in a small garden patch in the staff car park. Despite the heat of the 2009/2010 summer our plantings have quadrupled in size, a testament to local species for local conditions.
You need the KESAB Green Team
The KESAB Green Team is available to advise and implement if required, a waste audit program for your organisation. If you would like to talk to the The Team to discover more about how we can assist, please call us on (08) 8234 7255.