Switched on Business Award
The Switched on Business Award celebrates the efforts of business located within any of Switch your Thinking' partner council areas - The City of Gosnells, City of Armadale, Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Town of Cambridge, City of Canning, City of Kalamunda, City of Kwinana, City of Mandurah, City of Melville, Shire of Mundaring, City of Perth, City of South Perth, City of Stirling, City of Swan, Town of Victoria Park, City of Vincent and the City of Wanneroo. The current round closes on Thursday, 16th of November. Read the terms and conditions for more information. Please send enquiries or nominations to [email protected]
To nominate for a Switched on Business Award, businesses need to provide 10 dot points (approximately one A4 page) outlining actions that are leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or are embedding sustainability into its everyday operations. Examples include:
Energy use
- Changing lights to LED fittings
- Installation of solar panels and battery systems
- Switching from gas to electricity for heating and other appliances
- Purchase green power or carbon credits
- Hot water – installation of solar hot water, hot water heat pump or setting temperature to a maximum of 50°c
- Monitoring your business’ carbon emissions and continually seek to reduce emissions
- Completion of an energy efficiency assessment such as Nabers or NaTHERS
- Divestment from fossil fuels (banking and superannuation)
- Insulation – insulating roof paint, wall and ceiling insulation
Water use
- Installing flow restrictors on taps
- Installation of water tanks
- Rainwater harvesting
- Mulching of gardens
- Purchase water efficient appliances
- Installation of a grey water system
Transport
- Switching to electric vehicles
- Incentives for staff and clientele to catch public transport or carpool
- Providing staff the option to work from home
Waste
- Reduce waste generation
- Maximise recycling
- Circular economy principles
- Minimise obsolescence (buying quality, repairable equipment where possible),
- Sustainable and/or local procurement
- Use of reusables v disposables
- Lifecycle assessment practices
- Switching to a paperless administration system
Include in the nomination some information about the business and why it is seeking to increase its sustainability credentials. Where possible, quantify how changes that have been implemented have contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation and water use.
Nominations are assessed by the South East Regional Energy Group up to four times per year.
Winners of the Switched on Business Award receive a framed certificate which is presented by a Councillor from the local government at an official event. The winner is acknowledged on Switch your Thinking’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter.
