Sustainability Covenant

 

Proposed programs	Status	Comments
1 City West Water to expand existing internal training programs to incorporate understanding of environmental sustainability.  EPA to assist with the development of City West Water training programs.	ü	To date City West Water has implemented: • Compulsory staff Policy Awareness training. This included training on City West Water’s environmental policy; • Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) training for staff involved in the preparation of City West Water’s sustainability report; • A series of sustainability awareness sessions which included presentations by: o The Body Shop; o Wild Action; and o An indigenous gardening event with Newport Lakes Native Nursery and other participants • A staff Flora Education Program that provided tips on water wise gardening using indigenous species; • EMS Awareness Training; and • Sustainable staff initiative.
2 EPA and City West Water to explore joint training for staff	ü	City West Water and EPA have partnered to deliver: • A trade waste seminar for shared industrial clients and staff; • Environmental legislation training to City West Water staff; and • Water and trade waste training for EPA West Metropolitan Region staff.
3 City West Water to calculate organisation’s Ecofootprint in collaboration with Melbourne Water Corporation.  EPA to help City West Water to promote the Ecofootprint concept	ü	City West Water in conjunction with Melbourne Water and the University of Sydney has calculated its Ecological footprint as 17,639 hectares or 630 m2 per customer supplied. During 2004, City West Water also provided financial support to Western Region Environment Centre (WREC) for its Ecological Footprint Week.  City West Water intends to recalculate its ecological footprint every five years to track its performance.
4 EPA and City West Water to provide Victorians with regular updates on Sustainability Covenant performance	ü	City West Water has published information on covenant performance in its Sustainability report for 2004/05.  A detailed performance report on the first year of covenant performance has been published on City West Water’s website.
5 City West Water to fund one placement at City West Water to help undertake assessment of existing technology and study feasibility of technology upgrades.	ü	City West Water has entered into a $90,000 funding agreement with RMIT University to provide a three year PhD research scholarship assessing the environmental impact of controlled sewer spills.  This will assist City West Water to improve its understanding of its environmental impact and identify opportunities for technology upgrades.  A PhD student has been selected by RMIT and has begun working on the project.
6 EPA to publicise City West Water sustainability programs in at least one edition of EPA’s industry update.	ü	EPA published information on the City West Water covenant in its August 2004 industry update.
7 City West Water to broaden existing internal audit system to verify reports of sustainability covenant performance.	ü	City West Water’s Environmental Audit Committee agenda has been revised to include regular reporting on key performance indicators specified for its sustainability covenant.  This committee consists of a selection of City West Water Board members and has responsibility for oversight of City West Water’s environmental and sustainability performance.
8 City West Water to revise business case methodology for assessing capital and other major projects to ensure coverage of all TBL aspects.	ü	During the period of the Covenant, City West Water has revised its Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) process to enhance assessment of the environmental impacts of its major projects.  This process is designed to more efficiently achieve an “environmental bottom line” assessment early in project development. This information is then fed into senior management decision making processes (such as City West Water’s Board and/or Asset Management Committee) and along with financial and social assessments form City West Water’s TBL assessment process.  Separate “sign offs” of Board papers are required in cases where significant environmental or social implications of a project are identified.
9 EPA and City West Water to develop a framework for environmental management accounting.	ü	In partnership with RMIT Global Sustainability, City West Water has undertaken a scoping study for the development of an environmental accounting framework.  This work included a one day workshop attended Professor Craig Deegan of RMIT and by City West Water finance team members and management.  This workshop reviewed City West Water’s approach to accounting for: • Overheads, • Energy; • Waste; • Vehicle fleet; and • Water consumption. RMIT recommended no changes to City West Water’s accounting framework.  As such, the focus of attention on this project moved to using the information contained within the accounting system to better quantify City West Water’s environmental impacts. This accounting information has been used to develop a quarterly report to City West Water’s Environmental Audit Committee (a sub committee of City West Water’s Board) and its staff outlining greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and paper use.  This will assist in driving improved environmental performance within the business.
10 City West Water to develop green purchasing strategy for products and services.	not yet complete	City West Water has: • Initiated the establishment of a cross water business working group (with Yarra Valley Water and South East Water) to pursue shared green purchasing goals; • Reviewed its existing procurement policy; and • Become a member of EcoBuy. City West Water is currently developing a greenhouse gas assessment tool that will assist in quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with augmentation of its water and sewerage system.  This work is yet to be completed, however, it is intended to be completed by the end of June 2006.
11 City West Water to undertake environmental training with sub contractors to improve environmental sustainability performance.	ü	City West Water, in partnership with its operation and maintenance subcontractor, InfraServ, has conducted environmental awareness “toolbox” training for InfraServ staff.
12 City West Water to build environmental sustainability performance into staff performance plans.	ü	The City West Water performance planning process has been revised to require all managers to set environmental performance targets that relate to City West Water’s strategic objectives which include: • Manage supply and demand to minimise extraction of water from the environment; • Maximising sustainable reuse of water; • Protect the environment and minimise the impact of our services on the environment; and • Moving towards zero waste. Further, social and economic objectives are also required to be set for all managers. In addition, under City West Water’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement five Key Performance Indicators have been selected to measure staff performance. Where at least four of the five indicators are achieved, staff receive a 4% pay increase at the end of the financial year. One of these indicators is to maintain ISO 14001 accreditation for City West Water’s Environment Management System (EMS). City West Water’s EMS is a key driver of continuously improving City West Water’s environmental sustainability performance.
13 City West Water to develop systems to allow staff to purchase public transport tickets, subscribe to Greenfleet or purchase water efficient appliances through a salary deduction scheme.	not yet complete	City West Water has conducted an investigation of a pre-tax salary deduction scheme.  This was found to be infeasible due to the Fringe Benefits Tax regime.  City West Water is currently investigating the feasibility of a post tax salary deduction scheme. Such a scheme would allow staff to purchase selected items, seek reimbursement from City West Water and repay by instalments.   This work will be completed by Eco Action Team 4 during quarter 4 of 2005-06.
14 City West Water to implement Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP).	ü	City West Water has implemented its NRMP.  Highlights have included: • 33.5% decrease in solid waste to landfill against a 2001/02 benchmark; • Increased recyclable waste from 45% to 55% of total waste; and • Conducted energy audit of Sunshine head office. City West Water is currently developing a new Waste Wise accreditation application which will set new targets for reducing City West Water’s natural resource use.
15 City West Water to establish target for further purchase of Green Energy	ü	City West Water has increased the amount of Green Energy purchased to 10% of its total consumption.
16 EPA to explore and facilitate joint sustainability initiatives between City West Water and other sustainability covenant partners.	ü	EPA has shared learnings from other covenants with City West Water and has advised that it is currently considering joint initiatives between covenant partners.  In particular, EPA held a workshop with covenant partners where Mr Paul Tebo, former Vice president of DuPont Corporation discussed sustainability issues.
17 City West Water to amend incident management procedures to reflect a sustainable approach.	not yet complete	City West Water has engaged consultants to undertake a review of it incident management procedures.  This includes an assessment of the sustainability of its approach to incident management.  This work will be completed during quarter 4 of 2005-06.
18 City West Water to incorporate eco-footprint in billing information for customers and promote the EPA eco-footprint calculators on the bills.	û	City West Water in conjunction with Melbourne Water and the University of Sydney has calculated its Ecological footprint as 17,639 hectares or 630 m2 per customer supplied. City West Water has recently reviewed the format of its billing information. Ecological footprint information was not able to be incorporated onto the billing information due to space constraints posed by legislative requirements. Despite this City West Water remains committed to exploring opportunities to promote the use of ecofootprint calculators.  This is demonstrated by City West Water providing financial support to Western Region Environment Centre (WREC) for its Ecological Footprint Week during 2004.
19 City West Water to continue with and promote electronic billing for customers.	ü	City West Water has implemented an electronic billing system.  This system has been developed in conjunction with Post Billpay and allows customers to receive and pay water bills online.  City West Water promotes the use of this service through account inserts and its website.
20 City West Water to develop and implement a program that focuses on major industrial customers to reduce total dissolved solids discharge.	ü	City West Water is currently implementing its Salt Reduction Strategy.  Under this strategy City West Water is working with its major industrial customers to produce Resource Management Plans.  These plans seek to reduce TDS discharges to the sewer system.
21 EPA and City West Water to trial joint client management system through site visits to common clients.	ü	EPA and City West Water have held regular liaison meetings to discuss shared issues, such as the management of industrial waste. City West Water and EPA staff are currently working closely on joint cleaner production initiatives. This has included joint site visits.
22 EPA to investigate and where appropriate commence works approval referral to City West Water.	ü	EPA has commenced works approval referral system to City West Water.
23 City West Water to trial online lodgement and assessment of tenders.	ü	City West Water uses the Victorian Government’s “Tenders online” service to advertise Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as appropriate.
24 EPA and City West Water to improve communication over potential water related issues with common clients.	ü	EPA and City West Water have held regular liaison meetings to discuss shared issues, such as the communication of water related messages to common clients. City West Water and EPA staff are working closely on joint cleaner production initiatives.  In particular, EPA and City West Water have worked closely with companies such as Nufarm to encourage salt reduction activities.
25 City West Water to commence a water efficient pilot project with a property developer.	ü	City West Water has been a partner in the development of the Eco House in the Cairnlea residential estate.  In particular, City West Water has worked with and co-funded a project with RMIT that seeks to monitor resource (including water) use at the house once occupied by a purchaser to quantify resource savings when compared to conventional housing stock.
26 City West Water to develop best water environmental practice for the building industry.	ü	City West Water has published a best practice water savings article in the Home Industry Association (HIA) Green Smart newsletter.
27 EPA to publicise urban development pilot in at least one non water based industry forum.	û	EPA is yet to complete this action.
28 EPA to look for opportunities for joint initiatives with covenant partners in the building industry.	ü	EPA has entered into a Sustainability Covenant with Lend Lease.  EPA has explored opportunities for joint initiatives between Lend Lease and City West Water and whilst no formal projects have been arranged, EPA have committed to continue to explore this option.
29 EPA and City West Water to work with other water retailers to make progress on water industry eco-footprint calculations.	ü	Through the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Environment Managers Forum, City West Water has begun working with other water businesses such as Sydney Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Gold Coast Water and Water Corporation (WA) on sustainability assessment tools, including ecological footprint methodologies.
30 EPA and City West Water to share knowledge gained under the sustainability covenant with water industry at industry forums.	ü	City West Water is an active member of the Victorian Water Industry’s sustainability task group (STG).  The role of the STG is to promote knowledge sharing on sustainability initiatives across the water industry.  City West Water has used this forum to share knowledge gained from implementing the sustainability covenant. In June 2005, City West Water also presented at a water industry forum on its TDS reduction program being undertaken as an action under the covenant (See proposed program number 20 for further details).
31 City West Water to work with Global Sustainability at RMIT to develop an approach to work with industry on knowledge sharing of best practice technology.	ü	City West Water operates a research and development program.  Under the program, grants are allocated to customer projects to reduce water and salt discharges to trade waste. City West Water regularly meets with RMIT’s Global Sustainability to ensure that it remains aware of best practice technologies and approaches. This information is shared with the research and development program.
32 EPA to publicise sustainability covenant actions in at least one industry based forum.	ü	EPA regularly discusses progress on its covenant program in industry forums.  This has included reference to City West Water’s covenant implementation.
33 City West Water to work with WSAA to encourage the development of an environmentally sensitive washing detergent.	ü	City West Water under its Community Grants Scheme has funded the “Low Salt Challenge” program.  This program challenges residential consumers to use less detergent and chose low salt detergents.  City West Water in conjunction with WSAA has met with detergent manufacturer’s peak body to discuss opportunities for reducing salt content of their detergents.
34 EPA to explore sustainability initiatives between City West Water and local government in the City West Water operating area.	ü	City West Water, in conjunction with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is currently working with 8 of its 9 local government partners to develop local water action plans.  City West Water has committed $90,000 in funding for sustainability programs in partnership with the City of Brimbank and City of Moonee Valley.  These projects seek to improve the sustainability of small traders operating in the Sunshine retail and Rose St Essendon precincts.  These programs operate under the Sustainable Sunshine and Green Street banners.
35 City West Water to develop joint initiative with South East Water and Melbourne City Council to help achieve Watermark project.	ü	City West Water is supporting the City of Melbourne in developing a range of water conservation programs under the City of Melbourne Watermark banner.   This includes the “Savings in the City” program which seeks to promote water, energy and waste savings in the hotel sector.