Research
Footprinting
- Ecological Footprinting
Ecological footprint gives a measure of impacts on nature by people, both good and bad.
Current New Zealand lifestyle, if applied globally, would need the resources of more than four planet earths, to sustain it. This accounts for our food, shelter, transport, leisure activities and other consumables.
From 2010-2013 Otago Polytechnic and Victoria University are partnering to develop methods to measure and then engage three NZ communities on their footprint and what to do about it. One large urban community in South Auckland and two others in Central Otago, with their community boards to be consulted before proceeding.
This FRST funded research is to commence January 2010. For more information go to the Footprinting page here.
Procurement
In simple terms, the most efficient product would be one that fulfils it's service with the least amount of resources. Alternatively, the most effective action we could take when considering products for our business is to recreate the system so we no longer require physical products to fulfil demand.
If a product is required, we must understand what the most efficient product will be to fulfil that service by aligning with the principles for sustainable practice and the principles and purpose of the organisation buying the goods. Some of the characteristics of this product may meet one of the following criteria:
they must be made from abundant and/or renewable sources, recyclable, organic, made or grown locally, powered efficiently, durable (i.e. have a long life cycle) and/or be reusable. In effect, a sustainable product best meets the aims of environmentally responsible management at all stages of the product’s “life cycle”.
The Centre for Sustainable Practice has developed methods and documents to support businesses understanding of Procurement to support their implementation of sustainable practice. The ‘What’s best?’ Guide can also be helpful when deciding on the right goods and services.