Going green good for finances

29th September 2009

Noosa Boardroom owner Steve Lawrence has some advice for boosting your profits and benefiting the environment.

Steve Lawrence of the Noosa Boardroom.

Up until now the business world has been mainly about money.

But what if you could save money and subsequently boost your profits at the same time as benefiting the environment?

This is exactly what Steve Lawrence has done.

The owner of the business Noosa Boardroom, which is located at Noosa Civic, saved about $2000 in 12 months thanks to his energy efficient outlook.

As a partner of the Queensland government's ecoBiz program, Mr Lawrence discovered ways to achieve cost savings through improved environmental performance.

EcoBiz participants take closer account of the energy, water and materials they use.

While it is a great initiative, Mr Lawrence believes every business could be making a difference with or without the program.

He is now creating discussion about how to conduct business in the biosphere.

“Every business here is doing business in the biosphere,” Mr Lawrence said.

“But does business in Noosa really equal to that?

“Successful businesses in Noosa understand the community, respect the environment and get involved with the community.”

For Mr Lawrence, being recognised as a business in the biosphere should bolster celebration and pride.

He said leaders in sustainability could use the recognition to showcase their business.

“It can open doors because of the status.

“It's putting your best foot forward regarding sustainability principles and showcasing it.

“Don't market it if you don't live and breathe the values of it.”

Securing a successful green status is achievable.

Small things such as switching off lights and turning computers off can contribute to a better environment.

“To achieve biosphere status businesses can start to cluster around like industries,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Low carbon footprint businesses can band together... and work in partnership with third parties like council and Biosphere Limited to achieve common goals.

“A common goal is achieving a sustainable economy in the biosphere.

“It's everyone's biosphere and it's what we make of in the community through collaborative behaviour.”