Being a sustainable business is a lot more than simply having green initiatives, major insurer
NZI says.
NZI is the principal partner of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), and the organisation held its awards last Thursday, awarding the supreme title to NZ Post.
NZI general manager of customer experience and marketing Donna Williams said being sustainable is about creating a business model that is resilient and that will endure the test of time.
“It means taking responsibility for the people it employs and the communities and environment it operates in. This year’s supreme winner does just that, so we’re thrilled they’re being recognised for their efforts,” Williams said.
SBN said the high level of entries to the awards reflected the growth in sustainability initiatives across New Zealand businesses at a time when sustainability is shifting to mainstream business policy.
The latest research by Colmar Brunton reveals that 83% of Kiwis would stop buying a company’s products if they heard about them being irresponsible or unethical and 73% want to work in companies that are sustainable.
This year’s finalists included small businesses, corporates and not-for-profits.
SBN chief executive Rachel Brown said NZ Post had led the way in sustainability for some time, and since partnering with NZ Red Cross, had helped to build resilient communities.
Brown added that this partnership had supported a disaster management programme that included emergency response relief for New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.
Over the past year, $65,000 was raised in this way to help those affected by the Kaikoura earthquake and $7,000 for the Bay of Plenty floods.
Related stories:
NZI offers free safe-driving technology trial
IAG announces new chief digital officer
