Industry Sustainability Initiative (ISI)

Industry Sustainability Initiative (ISI) Project was undertaken as part of the Department of Environment and Conservation's Industry Partnership Program through the Western Sydney Environment Taskforce aiming to help business to make significant savings by improving their environmental performance.

The ISI works with clusters of businesses, offering expert advice on how to improve their bottom line as well as their environmental performance through sustainability initiatives in areas including: reduced use of resources (eg energy, water, raw materials); reduced waste; minimising pollution; and more effective product stewardship.

ISI participants have undertaken a series of workshops through which they have received expert advice on developing and implementing Sustainability Improvement Plans for their sites.
Major companies and industrial outcomes and benefits are Financial and Environmental, with opportunity for further Companies collaboration.

Pilot ISI Program was commenced in September 2001 through a select group of businesses which were successful in the Global Excellence Awards of the Western Sydney Industry Awards, comprising: Thales Underwater Systems, Advanced Power, Zone Products, Australian Winch and Haulage, Futuris Brakes International, Panthers World of Entertainment and Vinidex.

ISI Cluster 1 project as part of this program started at the beginning of 2003 and finished at the end of 2004 including more companies mainly from the Metals sector: Alstom Transport Australia, Bishop Industries, CHEP Australia, Cleanaway, Macarthur Engineering, Sealy Bedding, Sercel Australia, Thales Underwater Systems, Vinidex Pty Ltd and Visy Paper.

ISI Cluster 2 project started at the mid of 2004 and finished on September 2005 involving companies from Penrith area: Fort Dodge Australia P/L, New Age International, Robertson & Company P/L, Waffle Pod P/L, HomeForce P/L, Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation Ltd and Penrith City Council.

Each company had a unique response to the approach that is necessary to achieve changes within identified areas. This is, by definition, influenced by the functional role and responsibilities of the individual representing the organisation and the organisational structure of the company. The way projects are empirically managed within a company and the type of industry are also contributing factors which influence that approach. For example we can mention two different type of successful companies:

Fort Dodge Australia P/L - The approach taken is an excellent example of formal adoption and inculcation into existing business systems. Led by Site Director and ongoing to date. Have mainly concentrated on Energy and Water reduction, although Equipment Selection is undergoing a review to improve the criteria for selection. Very good bottom line savings.

Waffle Pod P/L - Outstanding example of a small company with a 'can-do' attitude, who have adopted and moulded all principles to suit their operation. Particularly, energy, water and huge raw material savings. A particularly good role model for other companies.
Some photos from Waffle Pod's Site:
Inside Recycle Centre
Prefoaming Area
Mould Machine/s
Trucks
Site-preparation1
Site-preparation2
Site-preparation3
Site-finished

Dissemination of results across the Industry was accomplished including relevant Case Studies, Industry Forum, Cross Cluster Collaboration, Guest Speakers, and Cross Industry Forum.

 

 

Further information on the Industry Sustainability Initiative Project may be obtained through the Advanced Manufacturing Centre:
ISI Project Coordinator
Advanced Manufacturing Centre
Phone 02 9209 4209
Fax 02 9209 4470