Council gets recognition

LISMORE City Council was among 10 North Coast businesses who received recognition from Regional Development Australia, Northern Rivers branch.

LISMORE City Council was among 10 North Coast businesses who received recognition for their ‘achievements in business’ sustainability initiatives at a recent awards ceremony hosted by Regional Development Australia, Northern Rivers branch.

The council’s environmental strategies officer, Sharyn Hunnisett, said the council was acknowledged for a recent ‘switch off’ campaign which involved participation from staff across the whole of the organisation, including the depots, regional library and Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre.

“Simple actions like switching off computers at the end of the day can make significant savings,” she said.

“For example, if 15 per cent of computers were left running 24 hours a day over a year this could equate to $2,400 in electricity, and nine tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

“So there are definite savings to be made by changing our daily practices.”

The campaign was the result of the Council making staff engagement a major focus this year, which led to the establishment of an internal working group, the Sustainable Innovations Group or ‘The SIG’.

“The group has 23 voluntary members from all sections of Council and works to engage staff in coming up with innovative ideas on how people can make a difference and engage in sustainable practices on a day-to-day basis.” she said.

Mayor Jenny Dowell, who attended the ceremony, said Lismore City Council was privileged to be in the company of such high achieving businesses.

“It’s inspiring to hear about the practical ways that local businesses are introducing sustainability into their day-to-day business.  When the community comes together to celebrate achievements in sustainability you can see just how much can be achieved locally,” Cr Dowell said.

Lismore City Council is a member of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECCW) Sustainability Advantage Program.

The Program is a business support service which helps organisations to understand sustainability and strengthen their environmental performance.

Council now has the opportunity to progress to become a Sustainability Advantage Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Partner.

The awards were presented on July 6.

Originally published as Council gets recognition