The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has developed a world-first training program designed to help retailer reach net-zero emissions.
ARA said the training program is in response to an “overwhelming appetite” for action across the industry.
Called the ARA Net Zero Accelerator, the training program is a two-day workshop featuring Australian sustainability experts and is aimed to help retailers develop their own Climate Action Plan.
The Accelerator includes a series of online learning modules called the Net Zero Essentials and another program specifically designed for small businesses in partnership with the City of Sydney and Greener.
The educational course is reportedly the first known series to teach and guide retailers towards net-zero, across operations, supply chains, sustainable consumption and production.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said retail is well-placed to play a positive role in the transition to the low-carbon economy of the future, given its position at the intersection of consumers, suppliers, and the sector’s own footprint.
“Our members are leading the way, particularly our large and national retailers, who have been on the journey for some time,” Zahra said. “However, there is a large part of our sector that is ready to act but doesn’t know where to start.
“That’s why we have developed this educational program, which really does offer something for everyone – no matter their size, scale or where they are on their sustainability journey.
“Retail is the largest private employer in the country, employing one in ten workers, and is well positioned to make an impact on more sustainable consumption and production.”
This program follows the launch of the ARA’s Net-zero Roadmap in December 2021 and the release of its Climate Action Plan at the ARA’s inaugural CEO Lunch in May 2022.
The ARA’s net-zero educational program comes as the ARA outlined a series of recommendations in its Pre-Budget Submission to Treasury.
The ARA made a total of 35 recommendations, including training around sustainability practice and the circular economy, reduction of energy costs, consumption and emissions, helping businesses transition to low-carbon freight and logistics, and accelerating the phase out of single-use plastics.
“It is imperative that retail steps-up in Australia’s transition to the net-zero, nature-positive, circular economy of the future,” Zahra said.