Office-based environmental initiatives
As well as providing products and services that recognise the importance of the environment, financial institutions can also get involved in office-based environment improvements. The following websites provide information on how an organisation can help reduce its office-based environmental impacts.
Australian Conservation Foundation 60L Green Building – www.60lgreenbuilding.com 
The Green Building Partnership purchased the building at 60–66 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria, for conversion to office units. It demonstrates the commercial viability of a building designed and operated to minimise its impact on the environment.
Australian Greenhouse Office – www.greenhouse.gov.au
The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) is the world's first government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Through the website you can access the fuel consumption calculator, fuel consumption guide for cars, Green Office Guide, information on the Greenhouse Challenge, Board Members Guide to Greenhouse Challenge, greenhouse tips.
Bicycle Victoria – www.bv.com.au
Bicycle Victoria is a self-funded community organisation dedicated to the pursuit of bicycle riding in Victoria. Their mission is More People Cycling More Often. Find out about Bicycle Victoria sponsored rides and other event such as Ride to Work Day.
Buy Recycled Business Alliance – www.brba.com.au
The Buy Recycled Business Alliance (BRBA) is an alliance of businesses that are committed to the purchase and use of recycled content products (RCPs) and materials. BRBA delivers a range of programs, activities and services designed to help its members increase their RCP take-up and secure a range of business benefits; and works closely with Australian business, government and the community at large to promote initiatives and public policy frameworks which promote and support the "buy recycled" concept.
Eco-Buy – www.mav.asn.au/ecobuy
ECO-Buy is a program that supports local government and businesses in purchasing environmentally friendly products. ECO-Buy exists to help you "green up" your purchasing and integrate sustainable purchasing practices and attitudes within your organisation.
Ecological Footprint – www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint/
EPA Ecological Footprint Calculators are tools used to estimate the area of land needed to support a household, school or organisation as they currently operate. These simple calculators can help you understand the environmental impacts of your house, school and office, and show you the degree to which simple alternatives to everyday behaviours can reduce the size of your Ecological Footprint.
Energyrating – www.energyrating.gov.au
Energyrating is a joint initiative of Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies. Find out about energy rating labels for common appliances, search for energy efficient products and award winning appliances.
ENERGY STAR – www.energystar.gov.au
ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy-efficient office equipment. Learn how to find, buy, use and promote energy-efficient appliances, or use the online energy saving calculator.
Fuji Xerox Officecare Program – www.officecare.info
The Fuji Xerox Officecare program promotes the principles of "reduce, re-use and recycle" in the office by reducing office waste, encouraging energy conservation in the office and minimising environmental pollution. Apply online for a free office care kit.
Green Building Council of Australia – www.gbcaus.org
The Green Building Council of Australia's mission is to define and develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and to drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions. Check online for training courses and further information.
Greenfleet – www.greenfleet.com.au
Greenfleet provides a "biodiverse forest sink" service, planting native trees to help offset the impacts of vehicle, office and travel emissions. Check online for information on the Greenfleet forest sink program and tips to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Power Business Guide and greenhouse information – www.greenpower.gov.au
Find out more about how you can easily demonstrate your green credentials. The Green Power Business Guide has been specifically developed for commercial energy users and includes tools to better inform and equip companies with the information needed to develop a solid business case to enable the purchase of Green Power.
Save Water – www.savewater.com.au
A comprehensive source of information on water conservation, including water saving tips, tricks and case studies for domestic, commercial, industry, agriculture and business use; information on products to help you save water; and water catchment levels around Victoria.
Sustainability Victoria – www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
On October 1 2005, Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria and EcoRecycle Victoria joined forces to become Sustainability Victoria. Sustainability Victoria will act as a catalyst for change by focusing on changing behaviour by providing advice and assistance to inform decision-making by individuals, businesses, governments and communities to act in a more environmentally sustainable way, and by facilitating innovation through supporting the development and application of technologies and processes that will produce change that may not otherwise garner support.
TravelSMART – www.travelsmart.vic.gov.au
The TravelSMART program is an innovative project aimed at encouraging people to choose sustainable travel alternatives such as cycling, walking or catching public transport, and reducing their dependency on the car.
