sustainability report final

SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW,
AUDIT AND OUTCOMES FOR

SOULELY NATURE

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable
work practices

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report

31/10/2019

Contents

Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................ 2
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................. 3
Terms of references ................................................................................................................................ 4
Environmental review............................................................................................................................. 5

What are resources............................................................................................................................. 5
Common resources in small businesses (Cleaning Industry).............................................................. 5
Key Stakeholders..................................................................................................................................... 5
Environmental Review/ Scan .................................................................................................................. 6
Legislation Relevant ................................................................................................................................ 6

EPA .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Standards ISO 14001Environmental Management System............................................................ 7
Codes of practise............................................................................................................................. 8
Local Council ................................................................................................................................... 8
Best practise; what is the industry doing?.............................................................................................. 9
Business Audit...................................................................................................................................10
Common resources in small businesses (Cleaning Industry)........................................................10
Audit outcomes.............................................................................................................................10
Noncompliance as identified in the environmental audit/ Suggestions for improvement in key
Areas .................................................................................................................................................11
Outcomes .......................................................................................................................................... 12
SMART Objective...........................................................................................................................12
Implementation of performance improvement strategies ..................................................................13
Action Plans.......................................................................................................................................13
Communication Plans/ Tools ............................................................................................................14
Purchasing Policies............................................................................................................................15
Reporting of outcomes to senior management, staff and stakeholders..............................................15
Promotion of outcomes to stakeholders ..............................................................................................15
Conclusion............................................................................................................................................. 16
Appendices............................................................................................................................................ 16
References ............................................................................................................................................16

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 1

Disclaimer

Version: 8

Date created: 14/10/2019

Date modified: 31/10/2019

Disclaimer: The content of this report is provided for information purpose only. No claim is made as to the

accuracy or authenticity of the content on this site at any time.

Soulely Nature as a company and employees do not accept any liability to any person for the information or
advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided in this report or incorporated into it by
reference

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 2

Executive Summary

Soulely Nature is a small business that provides services and products to Customers, who wish for a
more sustainable lifestyle and a healthy alternative. We source quality products, as well as
sustainable tools and equipment for our work and deliver breathtaking and remarkable results. Not
only do we use the finest products but also establish the best ethical work practices. Soulely Nature
has qualified and trained staff available, for the welfare of our workers as well as Customers.

This sustainability report has been designed to implement a fully comprehensive sustainability
program for Soulely Nature. Used in conjunction with Souley Natures cleaning specification, it
includes industry best practices as well as green cleaning processes to ensure a healthy, safe and
sustainable environment for the people who visit, work or are served by Soulely Nature.

This report addresses current issues relevant to sustainability in the cleaning industry in Australia.
There is an emphasis on best practises used in the industry as well as resource management and
utility efficiency.

This document will help all stakeholders to understand Soulely Natures sustainability goals and
plans.

Areas beeing addressed in this Report are:

• Current legislation
• Industry best practice
• Use and overuse of resources
• Stakeholder engagement (internally and externally)
• Policy changes
• Procurement
• Recommendations

Triple Bottom Line Image
Figure 1

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 3

Terms of references

Terms Definitions
Sustainability avoidance of the reduction and loss of natural resources in order to
Triple Bottom Line maintain an ecological balance
Audit Evaluating the performance of a business on economy, social (people) and
Stakeholders environment (resources) impact
Waste An objective examination and evaluation of an area or issue in an
organization.
Emissions a person with an interest or concern in the business
EPA any matter, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive, which is
discharged, emitted or deposited in the environment in such volume,
constituency or manner as to cause an alteration of the environment.
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/waste (28/10/2019; 12:05
pm)
A substance emitted into the environment and the impact on such
Environmental Protection Authority

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 4

Environmental review

What are resources

Mary S. states (2019) Resources are valuable commodities to an organisation. Resources
include human, physical, financial. A resource is usually obtained for the benefits that it will
bring to an organisation, though this depends on the way that it is utilised. Resources are
valuable to a company as they normally assist in achieving the organisations set goals and/
or targets.

https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/how-to-manage-your-environmental-impact

Common resources in small businesses (Cleaning Industry)

Human Physical Financial Environmental
Staff Products Loans Water
Managers Machinery Investors Power
Consultants Equipment/ tools Funds facilities
Interns Electronics Brokers e-waste
Volunteers Communication tools Labour/sales Household waste
Apprentices Office equipment/ credit Recycling
transportation government grants fuel
uniforms Product control

Key Stakeholders

Internal Stakeholders External Stakeholders Ad hoc
Staff (fulltime/ part time/ Suppliers Consultants
casual/contract/interns/ trained;
untrained/ professionals/ on site; Shareholders freelancer
off-site) Customer
Management logistics
Customer bank
Consultants Collaborative workspaces

Interns

Volunteers

Apprentices

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 5

Environmental Review/ Scan

Legislation Relevant

EPA
Source 1: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-us/legislation/acts-administered-by-epa/guide-to-the-
environment-protection-acts (21/10/2019;11:21am)

Appendix 1 -
Environmental Protection Act 1970.pdf

What do the Acts protect? The 1970 Act provides a legal framework to protect the environment in
the State of Victoria. It applies to noise emissions and the air, water and land in Victoria, the
territorial sea along the Victorian coast and to the discharge of waste to the Murray River from any
premises in Victoria (correct as of October 2019)

Figure 2 research - environment-energy-toolkit-guide-toolkit 6

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report

Standards ISO 14001Environmental Management System
For more information please refer to-

Appendix
2-iso _14001_gu ide_p review . pdf

The ISO 14001 standard specifies a process for the control and the continuous improvement of an
organisation’s environmental performance. The management tool enables an organisation to
identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products and services; to continuously
improve its environmental performance; and, to implement a systematic approach to set and
achieve environmental objectives and targets.
The ISO 14001 standard applies to those environmental aspects identified and controlled or
influenced by the organisation. The ISO 14001 standard does not specify environmental
performance criteria but merely how to develop an EMS

Elements of ISO14001

Within the standard there are numerous elements of ISO 14001 that are required to be met by
organisations seeking formal recognition for their EMS. General requirements include:

Development of Identification of Monitoring and
an environmen actual and measurement of
tal policy that potential environ the progress to
reflects an mental impacts; achieve its
organisation's objectives;
commitments; Identification
of environment Reviewing the
The appointment al system and
of a person(s) compliance req environmental
responsible for uirements; performance;
the EMS's and
coordination; Establishment
of Continuous
Identification environmental improvement o
of how the objectives, f the
organisation in targets and organisation's
teracts with programs; environmental
the performance.
environment;

Source 2: http://www.iso14001.com.au/iso-14001-requirements.html (correct of 23/10/2019; 9;59 am)

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Sustainability Report 7

Codes of practise

Industry codes of practice have been developed to help businesses comply with their general
environmental duty and the Environmental Protection Act 1994. As of the moment no Code of
Practice has been created for the cleaning Industry in Australia.

Local Council

The City of Stonnington is committed to a sustainable future for our city.
Environment is one of the four pillars of the Council Plan 2017-2021 and includes strategies to:

• improve local biodiversity and open space
• manage and use resources efficiently; and
• support the community to respond to emerging environmental issues
Source 3: https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/Live/Sustainability/Green-Businesses (21/10/2019;11:29am)
For further information refer to

Appendix 5- City
Council Stonnington-sustainable-enviroment.pdf

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Policy Manual_V8 8

Best practise; what is the industry doing?

For more information please refer to

research- ecoClean research-Green Seal research- Green
sustainable programstfaonrdcaleradnsicnlgeainidnugs.pSpredoafdl udcotms.epsdtfic cleaning standards.pdf

Figure 3 research- ecoClean sustainable program for cleaning indus

Figure 4 research- Green Seal domestic Cleaning standards

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Policy Manual_V8 9

Business Audit

Common resources in small businesses (Cleaning Industry)

Human Physical Financial Environmental
Staff Products Loans Water
Managers Machinery Investors Power
Consultants Equipment/ tools Funds facilities
Interns Electronics Brokers e-waste
Volunteers Communication Labour/sales Household waste
tools
Apprentices Office equipment/ credit Recycling
transportation government fuel
grants
uniforms Product control

Audit outcomes
For more information please refer to

Appendix
3-Sustainability Audit.docx

Source: Appendix 3-Sustainability Audit 1 10

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Policy Manual_V8

Noncompliance as identified in the environmental audit/ Suggestions for
improvement in key Areas

Issues Identified Recycling
Solution Provided Not efficient Bins, labels and information on recycling provided
Legal controls Infographics for recycling to be provided, labels for bins, providing bins
Environment Protection Act 1970, State Environment Protection Policies
(SEPPs), https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-Your-Home/Waste-
and-recycling/Recycling/What-you-can-and-cant-recycle

Issues Identified Chemicals
Solution Provided products not fully sustainable (packaging/ ingredients/ labels )
Switching to sustainable products with efficient labels for sustainable
Legal controls products
https://greenseal.org/green-seal-standards/standards-list

Issues Identified Tools and Equipment
Solution Provided Not enough recyclable material incorporated into tools and equipment
Buying machinery with energy rating, providing recycled and recyclable
Legal controls tools and equipment
https://www.energy.gov.au/business/small-medium-businesses/energy-
basics-business, http://www.energyrating.gov.au/

Issues Identified Utilities (electricity/ water)
Solution Provided Not fully upgraded sustainable utilities
Legal controls Full upgrade on all utilities for energy and water efficiency
http://www.energyrating.gov.au/,
https://www.energy.gov.au/business/small-medium-businesses/energy-
basics-business

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Outcomes
SMART Objective

Resource conservation

using resources such as water, energy, and raw materials more efficiently and ethically

S To train staff to implement given training on resource efficiency
M 50% reduction in resources usage/ spending
A • Installing low-flow faucets and water efficient toilets

• Engaging employees to be more conscientious
• Installing automatic light shut offs
• Using energy efficient lightbulbs, electronics and machinery
R Provide an incentive for achieved goals
T December 2020

Zero emission

Reducing the carbon footprint by reducing carbon dioxide emissions

S Reducing the carbon footprint by reducing carbon dioxide emission
M 40% investment into renewable energy, 100% low emission vehicles, 50% reduced amount

of waste, 100% Energy rating items, 100% EPEAT office electronics
A • Reduce waste

• Buy energy efficient items with ENERGY RATING or items that are EPEAT (Electronic
Product Environmental Assessment Tool) registered for office

• Use EPA waste reduction Model
• Investment into renewable energy
• Purchase of low emission vehicles
R Provide an incentive for achieved goals
T December 2020

Advocacy for company’s sustainability efforts

Promoting change in the mind of employees, suppliers and customers

S make information available about sustainability efforts and initiatives
M 40% investment into renewable energy, 100% low emission vehicles, 50% reduced amount

of waste, 100% Energy rating items, 100% EPEAT office electronics
A • Educate, train stakeholders about corporate sustainability

• Educate, inform customers about responsible recycling, waste and product
consumption

• Lobby for new policies and regulations in industry sector
• Donate to non-profit organizations that support sustainability
R Provide an incentive for achieved goals / efforts
T WIP

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Implementation of performance improvement strategies

Action Plans

Action Plan Summary

Item: Key Action for When/Date: Status: Whom
Management
Identify what is Change: Management,
happening in the All staff
industry What are the 1 week priority All Stakeholders
Complete in-
house audit challenges and Management
Internal
Identify three key provide solutions Marketing
issues
Identify culprits, 2 weeks priority Management
Management
issues/problems

and champions

Research 3 weeks Priority

information

Undertake a
cost-benefit
analysis

Prepare a Budget Stakeholder 1 day WIP
analysis 2 weeks WIP
Prepare What are costs
communications involved
strategy Staff need to be
informed of
changes

Prepare Determine 1 week WIP
objectives communications 1 week WIP
Prepare a tools
purchasing policy Use SMART
objectives
Find
organisations
with same
objectives

10856_Doreen_BSBSUS401B_Policy Manual_V8 13

Communication Plans/ Tools

Communication Planning

Stakeholders What When How Who
Internal staff/ changes Marketing
Management today e- newsletter
Marketing
email Marketing
Marketing
noticeboards

Infographics

Signs

Staff meetings

customers changes today Influencer

Word of mouth

Social media

suppliers changes today Face 2 face
Management changes
today Meetings

Poster to distribute to all staff
Fi:gure 6: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/bu 1

This is an example of a poster to be sent in all forms of communications to let them know that Soulely Nature
will no longer be supplying plastic bags to customers.
This will also be printed in A3 to be placed on all walls.

This is a new Victorian government law with severe penalties

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Purchasing Policies

At Soulely Nature, a purchasing and procedure policy manual has been prepared to act as a guide to
staff, for the decision on when and when not to make purchases in regard to the company, as well
how to sustainably handle resources of Soulely Nature. Please refer to the Policy Manual BEFORE
you order stock or make any purchases for or on behalf of Soulely Nature.
Please download a copy of the Manual.
Available by clicking this link

Reporting of outcomes to senior management, staff and stakeholders

It is important to maintain open communication with all stakeholders. Different areas of the
organization will have varying needs and costs. Part of this staff engagement, collaboration and
satisfaction is needed.

Implement projects Do an environmental scan, stakeholder engagement, collaboration
Audit current use Checklists, discussions, focus groups, putting controls up
Set goals, targets, KPI’s Implement budges, purchasing policy
Track current use To identify patterns, investigate changes
Measure and compare
Report outcomes Communicate outcomes, positive and negative, meetings, find
champions

Promotion of outcomes to stakeholders

Educate and train Celebrate Communicate
(formal/informal)
Implement an LMS Champions Providing training and
guidance
compliance Recognition where needed Newsletters
Policies Formal acknowledgment Regular reports to leadership
Posters/ newsletters other Awards for successes Face2Face
media

Success is easier to achieve when users are educated on the reasons for any change (what are the
goals), trained on work practice changes (how to engage), and regularly informed on how action
plan progress is matching up to goals (progress project)

https://www.sustainet.com/how-to-encourage-stakeholder-participation/

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Conclusion

Great effort and planning has gone into this sustainability report. Soulely Nature is concerned with
the issue of sustainability across all sectors and industries. To upkeep set benchmark in our business,
as well as exceed them, Soulely Nature has undertaking a sustainability audit, to recognize where we
stand and to set new objectives and goals to reach and exceed the momentary benchmark’s in the
industry. Our main objective for the company is to become one of the frontrunners in the Sector. To
achieve this set goal Soulely Nature will provide in house staff training and support on sustainable
living.

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Appendix Appendix Appendix 4- Appendix 5- City

Environmental Prote2c-tisoon_1A4c0t 0119_7g0u.piddef _p3r-eSvuiestwa.ipndabf ility AudSitu.dsotacixnability P&P SoCuoluenlycNil aStuornenVin1g.dtoncx-sustainable-enviroment.pdf

References

1. Figure 1: https://www.era-environmental.com/blog/sustainability-management-triple-bottom-line
(correct of 30/10/2019; 10:16 am)

2. S., Mary (2019)
3. Source 1: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-us/legislation/acts-administered-by-epa/guide-to-the-

environment-protection-acts (21/10/2019;11:21am)
4. Figure 2 research - environment-energy-toolkit-guide-toolkit

5. Source 2:http://www.iso14001.com.au/iso-14001-requirements.html (correct of 23/10/2019; 9;59
am)

6. Source 3: https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/Live/Sustainability/Green-Businesses
(21/10/2019;11:29am)

7. Figure 3 research- ecoClean sustainable program for cleaning indus

8. Figure 4 research- Green Seal domestic Cleaning standards

9. Source 4: Appendix 3-Sustainability Audit
10. Figure 5: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/business
11. Source: https://www.sustainet.com/how-to-encourage-stakeholder-participation/ (correct of

30/10/2019; 10:50 am)

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