Sustainability at Nuss

Overview

We live in a rapidly changing world where equality, fairness, wellbeing and the environment are not yet in a state of balance. 

The UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) have been established as a guide to help us achieve a more equal future, a better way of life for us all and a safer more secure environment, especially for those who live in under privileged and even dangerous circumstances.  

This is why sustainability is so important to all of us and why sustainability is now such a dominant topic and priority globally. It’s not just about carbon emissions and ‘green’ systems, its about making the planet in general a better place to live for one and all.  

For generations we have taken sustainability for granted; it has been someone else’s problem. That is no longer the case. The world is changing, the way the live is changing and we, as a society have to forge a positive change together.

Whether or not that change is associated with climate or welfare we must all play our part to improve the global position. At Nuss we see sustainability as an emerging responsibility and a platform from which to build a better future for us all now and for generations to come.

The UN 17 SDGs. Our journey is centred around taking positive action on as many of these goals as possible and in liaison with other committed industry partners.

 

Ecovadis Sustainability Award

We take great pride in reporting that Nuss has been committed to all principles of sustainability and CSR for many years and so we are very pleased to have been awarded a Gold certification by Ecovadis, a well known sustainability assessment organisation. This rating places us in the top 5% of all companies assessed by Ecovadis, an achievement we are particularly proud of.

 

Sustainable Procurement

When purchasing products, materials and services we look at the bigger picture and outcomes. Nuss considers the efficient use of resources and operations, the ability for the clean disposal of different wastes by appropriate methods (including recycling) and the overall impact that purchasing decisions can have on the environment and welfare in general. 

Our sustainable procurement policy provides us with the guidance necessary to make smart decisions. 

Our Supply Chain

Nuss has a best in class, qualified supply chain from which we select our partners, agents and general suppliers. We have the benefit of choice in all markets (globally) enabling us to hand pick who represents us in any given location based upon a stringent selection criteria and experience. 

Most of our partners are members of FIDI and OMNI (quality related industry associations) who, like us, are on their own pathway of providing service with a strong emphasis on the environment and sustainability when delivering removals and relocation services.

Packing Materials and the Environment

The paper and carton packing materials that we use are sourced from selected suppliers that can prove (through forestry stewardship council chain of custody certification) that their products are manufactured from reclaimed materials. As a result, we can state that on average, 99% of the paper, card and carton products that we use are made from reclaimed and recyclable base products.

Recycling and waste management 

Our waste management provider achieves around a 90% landfill diversion rate for all material that they process through their facility. 

The Dry General Waste fractions that would have previously ended up in landfill is used as a partial replacement for fossil fuels in the manufacturing of cement in cement kilns. This is an excellent outcome as it provides a double carbon benefit in reducing landfill emissions through landfill diversion and produces far lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels when used in the manufacturing of cement. 

Investment in Green Energy

As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Our investment in a 64k solar energy system at our Sydney HQ, makes us almost energy neutral. It also provides the following (approx.) environmental benefits:

TREES PLANTED EQUIVALENT = 1729 trees per year 

AVOIDED EQUIVALENT FUEL = 28727 litres of petrol per year 

AVOIDED COAL BURNT = 32648 kg of coal per year

Carbon Offsets

Another green initiative that we have bought into and which is now part of our process to reduce our carbon footprint, is the purchasing of carbon offsets. The program that we participate in is underpinned by Ecolegit, an offset specialist that has developed a program specifically targeted to our industry. 

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

Sustainability is not just a matter of measuring emissions, greenhouse gases, carbon offsets and planting trees. Of course, that type of action is very important but it’s also about People, their wellbeing and human rights. How do we eradicate modern slavery? How do we ensure that basic human rights are respected? 

We are ALL responsible for driving change and making our world a better place and we can all play a part in getting that message into the community and our workplace. Our CSR policy and action is one way that Nuss ensures that we play our part in this process.