Step 2: Your Sustainability Action Plan

A Sustainability Action Plan simply lists out what you are trying to achieve, for whom, by when and what resources you need. The Sustainability Checklist (completed under Step 1 of the Pathway to Sustainability) helps to identify some simple steps for your Action Plan. Don’t forget to also try to tackle some of the more difficult challenges as these could make the biggest difference. Your action plan might include initiatives relating to the following:

• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Energy, water, waste water and solid waste management
• Management of social and cultural impacts
• Ecosystem conservation
• Storage and use of environmentally harmful substances
• Cultural heritage conservation

“It can be daunting when making the first few changes but ultimately sustainability is a really good way of making your business run smoother and more cost-effectively.” (read more)

Helen Sheehy, Southern Cross

Measuring your carbon footprint will help you to understand areas where your business needs to become more efficient and track your progress and the success of your initiatives. If you want to learn more about your business' carbon footprint, use our Carbon Calculator.

Alternatively there are a variety of programs available to operators to help measure their carbon footprint, including:

• National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System Calculator, produced by the Australian Government
• ClimateSmart Living Calculator, produced by the Queensland Government
• One Degree Carbon Calculator, operated by News Limited
• Carbon Cops Calculator, produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

“Once businesses are aware of how much energy and water they are using, it is easier to track progress and work towards a more sustainable approach to operating. This will not only have a positive influence on the environment, but will also reduce the energy usage and operating costs of the business.” (read more)

Jo Matthews, Toscana Village Resort

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