The challenge for a water and carbon constrained future is to develop policy and a business attitude that says if you have more of one you have more of the other -Coiln James
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symond
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by symond on September 29, 2010 at 2:43 pm · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects, Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
Yesterday I got to go see an amazing company called Aviat Networks.
Aviat are a multi national organisation that specialise in wireless network solutions. Predominantly a US firm, they have offices all over the world, and just happen to have a site in Wingate. The big question is, why in Wingate? The answer, the Wingate office -formally another business taken over by their parent, has been found to have that great kiwi “can do” attitude, a reputation that has kept them based in NZ.
The CEO of Aviat recently decided to install state of the art video conferencing facilities. Being an environmentalist, I am hoping it was to cut down on CO2 emission from air travel… but I think their descision came from the fact they spent $13 million a year in air travel and wasted a lot of time travelling.
The system they installed is state of the art and cost over a million dollars, but the payback took less then 4 months. That right! they have reduced their air travel by almost 40%. But more importantly, they are now able to meet with multiple offices simultaneously on a daily basis. It has them working more as a team rather then in individual silos.
The system they have installed is of a quality that we have only before seen in science fiction movies. You can now see whether you are boring someone to tears by their facial expressions. The sound quality is crystal clear and doesn’t seem to have the same de-sync problem that most video conferencing systems suffer from.
There were, however, some hurdles in getting the system up and running. One of their biggest problems was the system needed a lot of broadband, well above what Telecom could offer. Luckily one of Aviat’s bright sparks realised that they specialise in wireless signals and Avalon tower is not that far away. A lease agreement and a couple of small antennas and the highspeed broadband problem is solved. A great example of that kiwi “can do” attitude”.
http://www.aviatnetworks.com/
by symond on September 20, 2010 at 11:29 am · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects, Recent business visits and businesses we have come across
Last week I had the opportunity to visit a manufacturing company in Seaview called Metal Art. Metal Art is a family run business that specialises in creating a range of metal goods, from street furinture to the signage at Westpac Stadium.
In an effort to close the recycling loop Metal Art has been combining traditional metal work with recycled milk cartons to make unique street furniture. The combination of metal and plastic gives the furniture strength as well as reduces the overall “bulky” appearance.
http://www.metalart.co.nz/
by symond on September 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects
Winners and Commendations Announced!
The winners and commendations for the 2010 Central/Southern SBN Awards were announced at a vibrant and inspiring event held on 13 September 2010 at the Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant in Wellington City. Resene Paints Limited was named Sustainable Business of the Year as well as taking out the Trailblazer Large and Corporate Business category. Serra Natural Foods Limited was the recipient of the Trailblazer Small and Medium Business Award. Yealands Estate Wines was named the winner of the Emerging Large and Corporate Business Award. Xero was commended in the same category and URS New Zealand received a commendation in the Trailblazer Large and Corporate Business category. Congratulations to all of the Central/Southern regional members who received Awards and Commendations!
Winners will now progress as finalists to the 2010 NZI National SBN Awards which will be held in Auckland on 16 November 2010. We wish them the very best of luck!
For more information on the Awards results, click here.
by symond on August 31, 2010 at 10:43 am · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects
The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) in conjunction with Living Streets are delighted to invite you to attend Hutt City Green Drinks. Come along to the Jetty Cafe, meet like minded business and enjoy good company and a drink in a relaxed and informal environment. Nibbles will be provided and are kindly sponsored by the venue. This is a quarterly event and open to anyone with an interest in sustainability, so bring a friend
Date: Wednesday 8th September
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: The Jetty Cafe, 160 the Esplanade, Petone
RSVP: email [email protected]
by symond on August 26, 2010 at 3:12 pm · Filed under Environmental Sustainability Projects
Planting out the rail corridor in Wingate was a small project tagged on to the current Wingate upgrade. After several weather postponements the event took place last Thursday. The rail corridor is a victim of continuous graffiti and numerous Wingate organisations have had their buildings tagged. Businesses agreed that it didn’t make sense to invest in promoting the entries to and upgrade of the industrial area without addressing this obvious issue.
Rather than just painting it out Council initiated a more permanent solution to the problem by organising for these building to be planted with shrubs and flaxes so that in the next few years there will be a natural barrier and cover to graffiti.
This project involved local volunteers from Wingate businesses carrying out planting. Special thanks go out to Aviat and Pertonics staff who together blitzed the planting in less than an hour.
The resulting planting will also improve the look and feel of the Taita shopping centre which oversees the rail corridor and the prominent graffiti through the station.
For more information contact Symond Ross 570 6713 or [email protected]
