NRA flags new future

The National Retail Association (NRA) takes a stand on the issue of sustainability.

The industry body today renewed its commitment to supporting industry and environmental sustainability via the launch of a new flagship Retail Buys the Future program.

The project aims to educate and inform the retail sector by giving them the tools required to implement energy efficient practices.

NRA Chief Executive Trevor Evans said energy efficiency is a topic relevant to all retailers due to price hikes and the effects of global warming.

“It’s often difficult for Australian retailers to know what impact changes made in your business will have on your carbon footprint and financial outputs,” he said.

“The project is exciting for Aussie retailers as it enables time and resource poor enterprises to access energy efficiency information, providing financial savings and climate change action.”

The Retail Buys the Future project will include activities such as a retail sustainability web portal, an energy efficiency online diagnostic tool, best practice examples, free national workshops and operational guides.

“We are looking to engage with all retailers so that we can collectively build a more energy efficient future through this program,” Evans said.

“Retail Buys the Future is designed for the entire services industry including retail, fast food, pharmacy, funeral services, hair and beauty, floristry, newsagents and hardware, with a particular focus on small to medium enterprises (SMEs).”

The activity has received funding from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism as part of the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program. Other project partners include GreenBiz Check, a world leader in sustainability programs, and proven sustainability consultancy Dynamic Eco Solutions.

Interested retailers are encouraged to contact project manager Daile Kelleher on 07 3240 0100 or d.kelleher@nra.net.au.