What if we already have an environmental officer or environment group?

Even better! e3 would work with this officer or group to augment the ideas and systems already implemented in the workplace. Participating in the Carbon Challenge would enable your business to attain certification for your current environmental practices that can be used as prime marketing material for your clients and demonstrate your leadership to other businesses in your industry.

What if I have already paid someone to make my business carbon neutral?

The pitfalls of the current carbon-neutral trend were described recently in the Australian media::

“While the principle …. is good, the execution of some schemes has been challenged. Some have claimed that money raised from such schemes is not effectively spent, and that the carbon reductions are far less than claimed.”
SMH October 4th Peter Forsyth

The e3 Carbon Challenge is based on the principle that real participation by SMEs is the key to a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions that will provide long term environmental, social, economic and marketing benefits for your business.

How do you measure our emissions if our business has opted for a Greenpower option with our electricity retailer?

In these circumstances, e3 will factor in your percentage of purchased Greenpower and incorporate this into the goals and targets set for your business.

Does the 60 days include weekends or other days that the workplace is closed?

Yes. Often electricity is used even when the workplace isn’t occupied and this Challenge presents an opportunity for the business to address any unnecessary energy use during these periods.

What if my business circumstances change substantially during the 60 Days?

e3 are aware that business can fluctuate in many ways over time, therefore considered 60 days a fair time span for real environmental changes to be made in the workplace that can absorb the impacts of staff and infrastructure change.
The important thing for your business is to encourage new employees to be involved in the Challenge or set up your new infrastructure as energy efficient as you can.

Am I expected to buy on-sell products during or after the Carbon Challenge?

No, the Challenge program is just as much about long-term, meaningful behaviour change in the workplace as it is about assessing your current and future technology and appliance use. Of course, any business intending to source environmentally-friendly appliances and products can get advice from their Carbon Coordinator and refer to the e3 “Green Edge” web pages to take their green credentials that step further.

What happens after the 60 Days?

If your business succeeds in 20% or more carbon reduction, we offer the ‘Green Tick’ certification materials for purchased to add value to your business green credentials. You can list your experiences on the website blog, we will add your business details for public view on our website and you are certified as “Carbon Conscious” for 12 months.

How does e3 calculate carbon emissions from our car travel, rubbish and electricity use?

All calculations measuring and assessing your business activity in the areas of car travel. Rubbish/waste and electricity use are sourced from Australian Greenhouse Office data and verified as an internationally recognized standard.

How do I use the blog?

Please contact your Carbon Coordinator for technical help if you are experiencing problems using the blog.

Challenge permits business to make their actions “official” and advertise their excellent green credentials to a much wider audience.