Welcome to the latest edition of Good Environmental News!
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Awesome August!
Well, the new financial year has well and truly kicked off, and there is excitement in the air with a rise in conversation and action around carbon, circular economy and modern slavery. I'm happy to say that GECA is getting ready to help you navigate these issues and achieve your sustainability goals!
Thinking Works
Thinking Works have been designing and manufacturing commercial office furniture for global workplaces for over three decades. In a recent interview, we asked how curiosity sets their products apart from the crowd, what are the biggest sustainability challenges facing the furniture industry, and why they chose to become GECA certified.
Waste Collection Services
Earlier this year, we expanded the scope of our Waste Collection Services standard to include all Australian States and Territories. We’re also thrilled to announce that Organic Recycling Group (ORG) has become the first business in Australia to be certified under the standard.
When it Comes to the GECA Ecolabel - Everyone's a Winner!
Earlier this year, GECA entered a concept into the Global Ecolabelling Network's World Ecolabel Day video grant awards. We're delighted to announce that our submission was successful and our video celebrating the power of Type-1 ecolabels has landed! Join the Peeble family as they discover how the GECA ecolabel can help them buy better for people and planet! We'll also be featuring our new video during our upcoming event - Circular Economy with Materials In Mind.
Welcome Michelle!
We're delighted to welcome Michelle Thomas to Team GECA as our new General Manager. Michelle brings with her a wealth of experience in management, sales and marketing. Her career was established in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2011. Big thanks to sustainable recruitment company and fellow B Corp - Talent Nation - for helping to create this perfect match!
We've Taken Sydney's Single-Use Pledge
The City of Sydney has launched a voluntary pledge which will dramatically reduce single-use plastics. So far, over 50 organisations from the Sustainable Destination Partnership, Better Buildings Partnership and CitySwitch have committed to reducing single-use items in their businesses and buildings. At GECA, we relish opportunities to reaffirm our values and push ourselves to do better. That's why we jumped at the chance to become Platinum pledgers - committing to 14 separate actions. We'll continue to share our progress (and challenges!) as we go!
Have Your Say on GECA’s Reusable Plastic Bags Standard
A revised version of the GECA standard for Reusable Plastic Bags (RPBv2.0-2019) is now available for public comment. This standard was created to empower manufacturers, retailers and consumers to transition away from single-use plastic bags toward options that are better for people and planet. GECA welcomes comments on the standard from the public and industry professionals until 24 October 2019.
GECA Applauds New Roadmap for Sustainable Homes
The CRC for Low Carbon Living and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) have released a new roadmap for sustainable homes. Growing the market for sustainable homes presents a win for builders, consumers, the economy and the environment.
Living Cities: Trees in the Urban Environment
It's exciting to see the increasing awareness of the value of nature for livable cities! New research from Planet Ark explores the vital role of green spaces in Australia's urban environments.
NABERS Sustainable Portfolios Report
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) has released a new report in response to industry demand for a verified portfolio report to help with their environmental performance management and market position. The report includes portfolio ratings for 11 individual companies representing 19 investment funds, covering a total of 319 offices and shopping centres.
Luxxbox
Founded in 2006 by industrial designer Jason Bird, Luxxbox combines international expertise with local knowledge and materials to create products to take to the world. We're delighted to welcome them as a new licensee under certified under our Furniture & Fittings (Level B) standard.
Organic Recycling Group
Organic Recycling Group (ORG) began operating in 2006, specialising in the collection of organic waste and dedicated to helping the environment by diverting organics away from landfill. They are our first licensee under the Waste Collection Services standard. We would also like to acknowledge GPT for their encouragement to GECA and ORG in support of the standard.
TECOPLUS
We’re pleased to welcome our newest licensee under our International Ecolabelled Products standard – TECOPLUS! Based in Korea, TECOPLUS is committed to using technology to create materials that are healthier for people and planet.
Congratulations to the following licensees who have recently renewed their GECA certification, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to having a lower environmental, health and social impact!
- Chemform (Cleaning Products)
- Lowe Furniture (Furniture, Fittings, Foam & Mattresses Level A)
- modulyss (Carpets)
- Decor Systems (Panel Boards)
- Office Spectrum (Furniture, Fittings & Foam Level A)
- Solo Pak - Earth Renewable (Cleaning Products)
- JS Hayes (Sanitary Paper Products)
- UniFor Australia (Furniture, Fittings, Foam & Mattresses Level A)
- Chair Solutions (Furniture, Fittings, Foam & Mattresses Level A)
Eco Living Expo
22 September, Randwick
On Sunday 22 September, GECA will be celebrating all things sustainable at Randwick City’s Eco Living Expo. This free community event promotes innovative green living in a fun, family-friendly way. Team GECA and the Materials in Mind pod will be there to showcase beautiful and functional GECA certified building materials and furniture.
Circular Economy with Materials In Mind
14 - 19 October, Sydney
We're gearing up to celebrate ecolabels, sustainable materials and a circular economy with YOU! In collaboration with the City of Sydney, we are proud to bring to you an exciting community event – Circular Economy with Materials In Mind. Our event will bring everyone together to share ideas and celebrate sustainable and circular economy solutions.
Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo
30 - 31 October, Sydney
GECA is proud to be a Supporting Partner of the premier business event for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector, Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE). The need for new and better waste solutions has never been more crucial. AWRE is where the best in the industry come together to join forces for a world of solutions towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our CEO, Kate Harris, will be participating in the panel – State of Waste: 18 months post-China Sword are we making any progress? Team GECA will also be exhibiting at stand A37.
- Living Future Symposium 2019 [10 - 11 October]
- 2019 Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Awards [17 October]
- Procurement Week [12 - 14 November]
- HealthShare NSW Expo [22 November]
