Environmental Leader Awarded By Minister

Environmental Leader Awarded By Minister
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Cabinet minister and Auckland Central MP Hon Nikki Kaye today praised the environmental leadership of fitness company Les Mills, as it becomes the first New Zealand company to achieve official “Green Office” status with the government’s eco-label, Environmental Choice.

“Les Mills has a proud history of being an environmental champion. It’s great that in the heart of Auckland – one of the most intensified areas in New Zealand - we have an environmental leader,” said Nikki Kaye.

As Auckland Central MP, the minister was presenting a plaque to mark the unique leadership achievement of the Les Mills head office. Their ground-breaking inaugural certification follows a year in which four of their ten gyms attained the fitness centre specification of Environmental Choice, and where the eco-label has awarded to the organisation the accolade of Innovator of the Year.
“The achievement is an absolute fit with who the gym is,” said Nikki Kaye, who is a keen fitness fan. “For some people in your supply chain I know it is has been quite a big shift. It’s a real tribute to the organisation and the staff that you have the first official Green Office in New Zealand.”

The general manager of Environmental Choice, Robin Taylor, paid tribute to Les Mills and all the companies that fund and support the world-leading work of the country’s eco-label through their licence fees and engagement.

“The Environmental Choice programme is government-owned, but receives no government funding. It relies totally on the support of dedicated companies, like Les Mills, for its funding and vital industry input. Only through such commitment and voluntary participation do we continue to broaden our range of specifications for products and services, providing a reliable, over-arching and authoritative, single eco-guide for consumers, government and business purchasers. Combined licensee turnover now exceeds two billion dollars, so Les Mills is in a group of businesses that are significant and successful, as well as being sustainable.”

The eco-label has continued to grow its presence, and its licensees, annually for 21 years, even through the economic downturn, says Robin Taylor.

“Becoming an environmentally fit office is an attainable goal for any office that operates to measurable and high standards of environmental efficiency - especially where there are processes in place to reduce waste, and enhance the health of workers and customers. Our trustees would love to see all businesses and government offices follow the lead of Les Mills. That would grow a nationwide network of cost-effective, sustainable work places that would enhance lives and help our environment.”

Nikki Kaye urged other companies to look at the example of Les Mills. “There are many New Zealanders who care passionately about the environment, and I think those organisations and businesses that can win in the future are those that hold their head up high with these values. For Les Mills to be the first official Green Office is something no-one can ever take away from them. It’s great for the organisation.”

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