Peak Retail Group, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has partnered with a clean-tech startup greener to help small businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors achieve net-zero emissions.
Through the deal, they will design a new digital solution together, Greener businessto help ARA members understand and prioritize the steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
Paul Zahra, CEO of ARA, said the partnership with Greener will help small businesses define and achieve their sustainability goals faster.
“The retail industry has a lot to contribute to Australia’s sustainability efforts and addressing environmental challenges is a top priority for our industry and for the ARA. “With many small businesses in survival mode in recent years, there are limited resources in terms of sustainability,” he said.
“There is also a huge war for talent within sustainability functions and it is quite a challenge for smaller retailers to secure this expertise. Our partnership with Greener will provide support and knowledge to help small businesses outline the initiatives they can take on their sustainability journey.
Zahra said the ARA was the second retail organization to sign the UN-backed agreement Race to Zero Accelerator Pledge and the Greener will take their pledges to the next level.
Greener co-founder Tom Ferrier said 96% of small and medium-sized businesses want to go green, but don’t know or can’t afford to hire a Sustainability Manager to help.
“Filling this gap between motivation and know-how is why we partnered with the ARA to create Greener business. This proprietary platform does all the hard work for these companies by helping them build their own personalized path to zero emissions and waste,” he said.
“The best news is that it gives these companies new customers for their efforts. Greener business reflects our vision to create a new green economy, one where every dollar spent is carbon neutral to help end climate change.”