Green business spotlight: a carbon neutral company

The contemporary jewellery company, Dinosaur Designs is widely recognised for their vibrant coloured polyester resin pieces. What is not as widely known is the extent they go to, to reduce their carbon footprint and to support environmentally sustainable initiatives.

Striving to be carbon neutral is difficult, it extends well beyond double sided printing and switching off stand by power. In fact whilst many businesses are actively reducing their carbon footprint, very few have reached a point where they can claim they are 100% carbon neutral. Many of the companies that have persevered, had the foresight to jump on the green wagon way before ‘green’ became a buzz word. In Dinosaur’s case this was over 3 years ago, way back in 2006.

For Dinosaur it was a painstaking process of auditing, offsetting emissions, adjusting the way they do business, questioning supply chains, reprogramming staff behaviour and getting an auditing body to quantify the ramifications of all their actions. It was well worth it, Dinosaur Designs is now one of few 100% carbon neutral companies.

So how have they done it?

All Dinosaur products are produced in local Sydney based studios and are not transported far for retail resale. For all essential transportation DHL is their preferred supplier, as they have committed to reduce their carbon footprint by 30% by 2020.

When it comes to power, they have opted for Green Energy options, this is provided by Origin Energy. Origin Energy’s power is generated from solar, wind and hydro sources.

All paper, products, printer cartridges and waste are recycled and the workplace is cleaned with environmentally sensitive products.

The office is lit with tri-phosphor light globes (an energy efficient solution) and air con is only turned on in scorching temperatures. (Fresh air is better for the creative process anyway!)

Nothing is too small to overlook, their gallery exhibitions are catered with carbon neutral beer, organic wines and biodegradable cups. A subtle touch, but one that is memorable and admirable.

My guess is staff retention is high and it is a sought out place to work because of their approach to corporate responsibility and environmental innovation.

More info
www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au/
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cityswitch/
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
www.originenergy