Eco Smart Business programme subsidy offered

Media Release
19 March 2012

Eco Smart Business programme subsidy offered

Auckland businesses interested in gaining environmental credentials and saving money can enroll now for the 2012 Eco Smart Business programme, with a subsidy available for the first 50 to sign up.

Run by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) with support from Auckland Council and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the programme provides Auckland businesses with practical assistance to improve their environmental and financial performance, including through support on tackling waste minimisation and energy efficiency.

During the past year 46 Auckland businesses have completed the programme’s guided workshops and carried out associated activity to improve their environmental outcomes, increase market appeal and achieve financial savings while working towards gaining ISO 14001 and Eco Warranty environmental credentials.

This year a subsidy on the registration fee is available to the first 50 businesses who sign up before 20 April, thanks to support from the council and EECA.

Auckland Council Environment and Sustainability Forum Chairperson Wayne Walker, who is set to MC the 2012 Eco Smart Business programme launch event later this month, says research has found customers and suppliers are increasingly interested in supporting ‘green companies’ and the Eco Smart programme helps Auckland enterprises gain that competitive advantage.

“Anyone interested in ensuring their business is both more environmentally sustainable and profitable should consider attending our 2012 launch event to find out more,” Councillor Walker says.

At the event on 29 March at the Floating Pavilion in the Viaduct Basin the 2011 participants’ success at turning green into gold will be showcased and presentations made by keynote speakers including Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, EMA CEO Kim Campbell and the MD of Colmar Brunton Jacqueline Ireland who will share relevant consumer research findings.

More information is available from Auckland Council via 09 301 0101 or www.aucklandcouncil.govtnz , or to register for the launch event or the Eco Smart Business programme email julie.brough@ema.co.nz.

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