Summerland Credit Union, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and eight other North Coast organisations were congratulated for their sustainability efforts at a ceremony in Lismore today.

Minister for the North Coast, Don Page, said they are among 530 organisations saving more than $50 million a year through the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program.

Summerland Credit Union and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter were recognised for achieving Bronze Partner status under the program by the NSW Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker.

“It’s inspiring to see what North Coast organisations have achieved through this program,” Mr Page said.

“Summerland Credit Union and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter deserve particular praise for achieving Bronze Partner status. They are recognised as among 63 of the best environmental business achievers in the State.

“Summerland Credit Union cut air travel by 35 per cent and fuel use by 26 per cent, paper use by 22 per cent and energy use per employee by more than 11 per cent. They also engaged their staff in sustainability.

“Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter cut fuel use and carbon emissions by 14 per cent. They also cut their overall energy use to save two tonnes of carbon pollution, and their annual water use by 73,000 litres.  Again, they had all their staff engaged in their initiatives,” Mr Page said.

The other organisations congratulated by Minister for the North Coast, Don Page and Member for Lismore, Thomas George, were:
• Brookfarm
• Cawarra Cosmetics
• Feros Care
• Lismore City Council
• Lismore Workers Club
• Northern Star Newspaper
• Rochdale Accounting and Financial Services
• St Andrew's Village Ballina.

“I congratulate these organisations for leading the way in sustainability, while saving money, building more competitive and resilient businesses, and benefiting the beautiful North Coast environment,” Mr Page said.

The Sustainability Advantage Program Advantage Program is now in its third year of operation.

For more information visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus