Annual Report 2014 -15 | Page 30

Corporate Social Responsibility Interrelate recognises that Corporate Social Responsibly is key for any organisation seeking long term sustainability. We acknowledge that economic security is just one part of the journey and that we must also consider the social and environmental impacts of what we do. Our aim is to not only be a good corporate citizen, who engages and encourages ethical behaviours within communities but to be a leader in the sector. Environmental Sustainability Interrelate acknowledges the importance of protecting the environment. We aim to minimise our environmental footprint by working with staff and stakeholders, in compliance with legal and other requirements, to ensure that we are sustainable now and into the future. In 2014-15, we established the Environmental Committee with staff representatives from each main office and region. Over the year, the Committee has been proactive in: • reviewing and updating the organisations Environmental Policy to better reflect the 2015-18 Strategic Plan • developing an Environmental Strategy with priorities for delivery • arranging the completion of energy audits in all our main offices • supporting locally led initiatives to reduce, reuse or recycle our waste. Energy Audits In March, Interrelate signed a Commitment to Act with CitySwitch. CitySwitch is a federally funded program that assists organisations at no cost, to undertake energy audits and introduce more efficient and sustainable work practices. CitySwitch reviewed all of our owned and tenanted main offices across NSW and provided an action plan for each site, giving us valuable feedback on how to improve efficiencies and reduce our carbon impact. These action plans are now being implemented in each office and resulted in some locally led initiatives. The audits highlighted that our energy efficiency could be significantly improved if our current lighting was replaced with newer LED technology. The result in energy savings would also reduce costs. Estimates were obtained for the replacement works and these are now being considered in the Capital Works Program for 2015-16. 28