One of the topics that has been kicked around over the past twelve months within the Biosphere sector board volunteer community is that of accreditation and the use of the Biosphere logo by other parties.

This topic was again raised recently when the Economic Sector Board presented at a Noosa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.  It got us thinking...

Well, more to the point, it got Steven Boyd thinking.  Steven is from the Ec Sector Board and he has started to take up the challenge.  Last week Steven presented a draft concept paper to the Ec Board, including some thoughts regarding how business accreditation might be implemented and what the value might be to businesses within the Biosphere.

The early draft objectives of any accreditation program would be to engage the local community in sustainable business practices, so that not only do they benefit themselves, but the collective nature of the project means that the region benefits as well.

Now, of course, we know that any accreditation program is a resource intensive activity and there are currently other environmental programs availalble (see list below).

So Steven and the Ec Board will start to slowly develop up the project in consultation with the wider business community.

Have your say!  What do you think about a biosphere accreditation scheme for businesses within our biosphere reserve?  Use the comment box below!

RELATED PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES:

ecoBiz - EPA’s partnership program focused on efficient natural resource management (eco-efficiently)

CleanTech Industries - Sunshine Coast Enterprises assisting the environmental industries group and state government build capacity within existing businesses attached to the CleanTech sector

Sustainable Town Centres (Noosa Junction) – Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) project in collaboration with the community to further develop town centres and creating fresh images and new business practices to positively influence local business environments

Our Plan our Future and associated Strategies – SCRC

Living Greener – Australian Government program presenting links to grants and education on sustainability practices

Living Smart - Helping homes become more sustainable through information and education, including working with eco/clean tech businesses.