Office waste
See the government guidance to help implement recycling systems in offices:
A guide to implementing recycling systems in multi-tenanted office buildings | Ministry for the Environment website
Eco Choice Aotearoa
Eco Choice Aotearoa (formerly Environmental Choice New Zealand) is the official environmental label of New Zealand. The programme is government-owned and endorsed but operates independently.
Eco Choice Aotearoa have a "green office" specification. If you think your office is an environmental champion and you would like to be officially recognised for it, take a look at their Green Office certification:
Green Office certification | Eco Choice Aotearoa website
Construction and demolition waste
Construction and demolition waste (often referred to as C&D waste) is a complex waste stream, made up of a mixture of materials, including:
- concrete
- plasterboard
- wood
- steel
- brick
- glass.
C&D waste may represent up to 50 percent of all waste generated in New Zealand, 20 percent of all waste going to landfill, and 80 percent of all waste going to clean fill.
C&D waste contains a range of materials which can be reused and recycled. Making these materials uses significant virgin material and energy, and recycling of materials reduces the impact on the environment.
Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) is an initiative providing resources to the construction and demolition industries to
- reduce waste disposal costs
- save money on raw materials
- use materials more effectively
- reduce the environmental impact from landfill disposal
- maximise the amount of waste diverted from landfills and cleanfills
- minimise contamination and damage
- meet the requirements of the construction or demolition client and the recycling operator.
Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) website
The BRANZ resource recovery map is a tool which displays resource recovery facility locations for various types of construction and demolition waste. Using this tool allows you to plan your waste drop-off strategically, saving costs and reducing landfill accumulation.
Resource recovery map | BRANZ website
Rubbish and recycling collectors
Visit the collectors' websites for more information:
Sustainable business resources and inspiration
NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development
The Sustainable Business Council provides business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development.
Sustainable Business Council website
Sustainable Business Network
The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is a fantastic forum for businesses that are interested in sustainable development practice, events and networking. They supply online tools and annual national awards for corporate sustainability achievements.
Sustainable Business Network website
WasteMINZ
WasteMINZ is the largest representative body of the waste and resource recovery sector in New Zealand.
WasteMINZ website
Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI)
Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) is an initiative providing resources to reduce waste disposal costs, save money on raw materials, use materials more effectively and reduce the environmental impact from landfill disposal.
Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) website
Tourism
Qualmark
When you see a business displaying the Qualmark symbol you can be assured that the business has met stringent quality standards and environmental criteria - earning New Zealand tourism’s official quality mark.
Qualmark’s Responsible Tourism Programme and the associated Enviro awards focus on the environmental and social commitments of accommodation providers, visitor activities, transport and services.
Qualmark website