Retail
The retail industry is a significant industry for the New Zealand economy
and affects a large number of stakeholders - consumers, businesses and employees.
It is also the delivery arm of many businesses products and services.
More and more New Zealand consumers are looking for retail outlets that can demonstrate they care for the environment, through their stock, their branding and their business practices.
There are several key areas that retailers can improve their reputation:
- Adopting waste and energy minimisation practices
- Influencing suppliers to adopt sustainable business practices
- Specifying the packaging of goods is recyclable
- Stocking products that are environmentally preferable
- Assisting with consumer information.
The links below will help you develop sustainability in your specific business field.
Case studies
New World Victoria Park Supermarket greens their supply chain (Sustainable Business Network)
Find out how New World Victoria Park Supermarket greened their supply chain by adopting Organic Certification for the store, and adopting waste management and energy efficiency and conservation programmes.
The Warehouse - Reducing waste through supplier engagement (NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development)
The Warehouse actively encourages waste elimination through its supply chain. Using its buying power as leverage, The Warehouse is able to influence its suppliers toward minimising the amount of material used in packaging.
The Warehouse qualifies for Storebrand Investment's Socially Responsible Investment's products (NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development)
The Warehouse has earned Storebrand Investment's BEST IN CLASS status for its leading environmental and social performance. It therefore qualifies for investment by Storebrand Principle Funds. Only those companies ranking in the top 30 percent of Storebrand's environmental and social performance analyses qualify for the Best In Class qualification mark. These companies can then use the mark for marketing purposes etc.
Guides
Cleaner Production guidelines for the meat retailing industry
This resource discusses cleaner production in the meat retailing industry.
Copies available from Wellington City Council: Email info@wcc.govt.nz or phone (04) 499 4444.
Guidance for Voluntary, Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting
This publication gives guidance for corporations on voluntary Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting, including emission factors. It is intended to help those corporates that wish to voluntarily monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions on an organisational basis for their New Zealand operations.
The Better Restaurant and Café Guide [PDF, 491 KB] (Waitakere City Council)
This guide helps restaurants, cafés and bars avoid damaging the environment unnecessarily and help save money at the same time.
The Green Retail Guide [PDF, 260 KB] (Waitakere City Council)
This guide is aimed at retailers who are interested in improving their environmental business practices. The guide covers the principles of environmental purchasing, marketing and management.
Organisations
New Zealand Retailers Association
The New Zealand Retailers Association can assist you with retail advice, retail specific information and retail education.
The Body Shop (Body Shop)
The Body Shop has over 20 years experience in sustainable sponsorship practices
Other resources
New Zealand Packaging Accord (Ministry for the Environment)
The Accord is an initiative to cut down on packaging. Industry, recyclers, local and central government have voluntarily committed to doing what they can to reduce the proportion of packaging in our total waste stream. Under the Accord, producers and brand owners will develop new packaging that gives higher regard to using fewer materials, and using recycled rather than virgin materials. They will also look at production efficiency, and the potential for recycling after the packaging is no longer needed.
New Zealand Packaging Accord 2004: Brand Owners and Retailers Sector Action Plan (Ministry for the Environment)
This action plan has been prepared by Brand Owners and Retailers to demonstrate the sector's commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of packaging materials and products.
Think something should be added to Simply Sustainable? Send your suggestion to webmaster@mfe.govt.nz.
