Author: Shasi Johnston, CoEfficiency Australia

As more big businesses and corporations make the transition to improving their sustainability, one not for profit national association is taking a leadership role to reduce their sector’s demand for natural resources.

Disability Employment Australia (trading as ACE National), have partnered with CoEfficiency Australia to provide their members with a customised sustainability program that will deliver a range of environmental and organisational benefits. In addition to reducing member’s environmental impact, the program will support them to reduce costs, increase access to funding and strengthen their workforce.

Lynette May, CEO of Disability Employment Australia answers a few questions about why they see this issue as a priority for their members.

Why is environmental sustainability a focus for your sector?

I think environmental sustainability should be a priority for all sectors. It is a key issue nationally and internationally and it is the appropriate thing for us to be doing.
To be an employer of choice, we need to be across the issues that are important to all generations. The sector needs to demonstrate that it is switched on and contemporary, so that it is seen as an attractive option for people who are looking for work.

What is the responsibility of peak associations to champion this issue?

Peak associations have a responsibility to show leadership and be scanning for new programs and innovative practices which we can then bring to our membership. This is because a provider can get be very busy and locked in to the business that they are doing and can miss out on exposure to broader things.

What are the organisational benefits of operating sustainably?

Firstly, to be seen as a contemporary employer and therefore attract like-minded employees. Secondly, there have to be operational savings to be made through scrutinising how you are using resources.