Supporting agencies
About the project
This project is an initiative of three Victorian Government agencies - EPA Victoria, EcoRecycle (now Sustainability Victoria) and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, funded by the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy. These agencies share a responsibility for promoting sustainable outcomes and development and seek to: limit environmental impact/risk; grow Victorian industry; promote business efficiency; and promote waste avoidance, reuse and recycling, and together, help drive delivery of Our Environment, Our Future, the Victorian Government's State Sustainability Framework.
These agencies also share the view that adopting a Life Cycle Management approach is a fundamental step for Victorian businesses in moving towards more sustainable business practices. Equally important, it provides the opportunity for businesses to achieve lower costs; improve risk assessment and risk management; improve strategic decision-making; design better products; identify new business opportunities and markets; and improve relationships with key stakeholders such as staff, customers and the broader community.
The catalyst for this project was to provide a clear and comprehensive information portal website for Victorian businesses to gain an understanding of Life Cycle Management - exactly what it is, how it can be used, how it can be easily implemented and the benefits that can be realised. Essentially, a guide for how Life Cycle Management can be adopted to assist in improved business decision making and deliver beneficial economic, social and environmental outcomes.
Engaging Victorian business
KPMG was engaged as part of this project to conduct workshops and one-on-one interviews with Victorian businesses to gain a better understanding of their perceptions and level of understanding about Life Cycle Management.
This consultative process (and supporting research report) has provided valuable insights into both the barriers for adopting Life Cycle Management and the opportunities to guide and inform business about how this valuable approach can be utilised more effectively. This information also formed the building block for the development of this website, tailored to the specific needs of Victorian business.
Supporting delivery of Our Environment, Our Future
Our Environment, Our Future outlines the Victorian Government's vision for a Sustainable State. It states "we must make sustainability part of everything we do, if we are to: maximise our future economic growth, maintain our quality of life; and protect our unique Victorian environment." The Framework seeks to "support businesses that take clear actions to prevent environmental damage. Businesses that acknowledge and respect our environment are increasingly gaining a competitive advantage... A reputation as a responsible business acting sustainably is a valuable commercial asset in the market place."
