A new environmental certification program is greening businesses between Miami and Tweed Heads.
EcoBizCheck is a three-year-old green accreditation company that helps businesses save money, gain green credentials and boost their sustainable image.
Gold Coast south branch certified consultant Dave Johnston said his six-month-old franchise was the first on the Gold Coast and added there was nothing like the unique service it offered.
"EcoBizCheck provides an online sustainability program which guarantees businesses will save money." Mr Johnston said.
"They get a report with up to 250 recommendations, a benchmark score and their goal is to achieve 70 per cent of the maximum score through implementing actions based on the recommendations"
EcoBizCheck aims to improve businesses' green credentials through practical considerations such as waste and energy management.
Mr Johnston said a 100 million tone ball of trash is floating in the Pacific Ocean as a result of human waste and converging ocean currents and it is important when people talk about throwing things away to think ""where is away?"
"We ask where it comes from, how it's used, how do you get rid of it, do you recycle it, shred it, throw it out"?" he said.
"Suppliers, consumers and clients are demanding eco-friendly products and services so instead of just plundering the environment we need to be using resources efficiently."
The key value to EcoBizCheck's accreditation, whether a business wants to improve its environmental credentials or is already spearheading green business, is effectively marketing green credentials and benefiting not just from savings, but also revenue from improved reputation.
Mr Johnston said having a product was one thing but it was another thing to promote it
The accreditation might be the main reason someone chooses this cafe over that one, so we provide clients with a green marketing guide.
"Wal-Mart in the US has gone to suppliers, given them a sustainability checklist and said, 'if you don't comply with this by a certain date, we'll stop doing business with you', so it's great to see some leadership from large businesses."
Small businesses are already juggling everything and have little time to spend on new projects, so EcoBizCheck will "hold their hand through the implementation process," said Mr Johnston.
"Minimum cost to a business of one to 10 staff is $699 and we'll take care of what you need to do, why you need to do it and how you can go about it."
"You'll tap into the market for green options and we'll give you a 100 percent money back guarantee if the cost of the program is not saved back in the first year."
"Two out of three small businesses in Australia want to do something about the environment but don't know how."
