With climate change becoming an increasingly important issue, we have chosen to actively become part of the solution.
At Suzan Johnston we care deeply about people and helping them to succeed. This purpose has underpinned our training centre each day, for nearly 70 years. Consequently, it makes sense for our business to work towards a healthier planet which impacts all people. This generation, and the next.
The statistics on climate change are alarming.
According to the United Nations, “The consequences of climate change now include intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.”
It’s been estimated by The World Bank, that over 140 million people will be displaced by 2050, if we don’t act now.
We are realists. We understand that our decision to become more eco-friendly is only one small step, in the scheme of things. However, we also believe that every step matters. There is no planet B.
5 steps SJs are taking towards a greener future.
1. We are 100% paperless.
Thanks to the digital age, we have been able to eliminate paper from our office. This transition to a paperless office, is not only beneficial to planet and the forests, but it is also cost effective. Additionally, not only are we saving paper, there’s also the huge reduction in printing materials, such as inks and toners.
2. We offer remote working and studying options.
All our training courses are now offered 100% online. Not only does this present a major decrease in commuting emissions, but it also offers greater flexibility and accessibility for our students and trainers. It’s a win-win solution towards a greener planet.
3. We have reduced the size of our premises.
Due to our courses all being available online, and the majority of our staff choosing to work from home most of the time, we have been able to downsize our premises. Our new smaller office space requires fewer utilities and maintenance.
4. We have installed motion-sensors for office lighting.
Having the lights on but no-one in the room, is a big cost and waste of energy. To mitigate this, we have installed motion-sensors that limit energy wastage at our office space, when rooms are not in use.
5. We have public transport on our doorstep.
Our new office space is conveniently located right across the road from Southern Cross train station, which makes public transport an obvious and easy option when people visit. Using public transport can significantly reduce emissions. According to the Climate Council, transport is Australia’s third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and cars are responsible for roughly half of those emissions.
It’s no surprise that human industry is a big part of the climate change issue.
At Susan Johnston, we will continue to assess our impact and keep our finger on the pulse as more technology and opportunity arises to make any further changes in how we operate our business in a more sustainable way.
Our goal is to work towards a healthier planet and in turn positively contribute to our society, both locally and globally.
