Registered clubs
With nearly 1,500 registered clubs throughout NSW, the industry can have a significant influence on local and regional environments. Many clubs in NSW are large buildings, with plant and equipment that run for long hours and consume a great deal of energy and water. Daily operations can also produce many different types of waste such as food, bottles, paper and cans.
Many clubs are seen as leaders within their community and with environmental issues like climate change and drought now very important to the public, clubs can take action to make a difference and inspire their members to implement changes in their own homes.
EcoClubs
EcoClubs is a partnership between the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) and ClubsNSW. It promotes environmental sustainability within the club industry and the sharing of environmental acheivements. EcoClubs is part of the DECC Sustainability Advantage Program which is a business support service. It is designed to help organisations understand sustainability, successfully manage for a better environment and add business value.
How does the EcoClubs program work?
EcoClubs starts with the important basics: efficient use of water, energy and other inputs. An environmental assessment of the club provides information on club operations and identifies ways to use resources more efficiently - using less water and energy, and producing less waste.
Participating clubs pay a once-off, up-front fee of $2500 and commit to a minimum of 18 months involvement.
When resource efficiency opportunities are underway, many clubs choose to investigate other opportunities across a full suite of environmental areas. While results will depend on a club's own efforts, EcoClubs provide expertise, training, tools and a network of fellow clubs working with you towards sustainability.
What are the benefits of joining EcoClubs?
EcoClubs can help clubs maintain a competitive edge. The program structure will help identify opportunities to:
- Improve the club's image and reputation in the community
- Reduce costs (compliance costs and water, energy and waste costs)
- Engage and motivate staff
- Reduce risks
- Generate new income (new members, new services and opportunities)
Who are we working with?
EcoClubs are currently working with over 50 Clubs in NSW, and in contact with well over 100 clubs.
10 Ways to Green Your Club guide?
As a result of the Cool Clubs Project, a joint initiative between DECC, BigSwitch Projects and ClubsNSW, the 10 Ways to Green your Club guidelines were produced.
10 Ways to Green your Club provides clubs with guiding principles that enable environmentally sustainable operations.
Useful tools:
- 8 priority actions that clubs can implement immediately
- 10 sustainability principles for maintaining and upgrading club facilities
- A checklist to guide you through the actions
Download
To find out more about EcoClubs and contribute to the health of our environment and communities, please contact Business Partnerships on (02) 8837 6000 or sustainbus@environment.nsw.gov.au
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
