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‘Here to make a change’: Surf business riding eco-wave to endorse sustainable practices

 

17 MF-ASurf-190JULIA WADE

A local surfing school is leading the ride on the environmental wave by jumping on board with local eco-gurus in pursuit of sustainable business excellence.

Looking to expand their already long list of ecofriendly work practices, Aotearoa Surf have sought the guidance of environmental advisory organisation Sustainable Kaipara ‘to step it up to another level’ owner and surf instructor Che Burnett says.

“We only know what we know, we think we’re doing a great job but let’s actually measure that, let’s get a carbon footprint and see where we are,” he says. “It’s great to be working with Sustainable Kaipara, they’re local, experienced and passionate… they’ll be analysing our current impact we have and how we can leave a more positive influence on the world.”

Sustainable Kaipara’s co-director Sarah Bray says the organisation is excited to be working with Aotearoa Surf to help them embed sustainable practices in their service offerings.

“It’s a great chance to showcase sustainability initiatives which are well thought out and backed by robust science and stakeholder alignment,” she says. “Aotearoa Surf have a motivated team who will inspire their guests and customers with their commitment to a sustainable future.”

Over the next several months Sustainable Kaipara will be auditing, implementing and monitoring the surf school’s daily running practices, which already incorporate a high level of environmental-care methods including recycling/ composting waste, water conservation, use of ecocleaners, regular beach clean ups, environmental education for staff and guests, to stocking ecoproducts including wax, surfboards and board shorts made from recycled plastic and coconut fibres.

The surf school’s holiday accommodation ‘ecopods’ are also built from sustainable building materials like recycled timber and wool insulation.

“The audit is quite an extensive exercise… involves a hard look at our current practices, our energy and waste and checking and balancing our transport, gas use, power bills and water consumption,” Burnett says. “We’ll also be reviewing not only our environmental impact but our social impact as well, and looking out how we engage in the community… so it’s holistic.”

Passionate about the environment and corporate social responsibility, Burnett says staff, coaches and crew will also be a part of the changes, educating guests on the school’s environmental policies and procedures.

“In a way we’re an education provider and think education is a real big part of what we can provide as we have the ability to pass on sustainable messages and practices to school groups and people having private surf lessons… this is how I see staff having a big impact to help shape a better future.”

On top of working with Sustainable Kaipara, Aotearoa Surf are also aiming to gain B-Corp certification with B-Lab, a global non-profit organisation who assess company social and environmental performances and practices. Having certification means a business is performing with high levels of transparency, sustainability and accountability, as well as ‘aim to create value for the community, not just shareholders’.

“Our business is about wellbeing and we want to do our part. It’s great to have the chance to engage with experts like Sustainable Kaipara and B-Lab, it’s exciting,” he says. “This is not a flyby thing… we want to have long-term, systemic change, so it has to be part of our day-to-day activities and requires constant reviewing of our values, practices and processes… we’re only a small organisation but we punch well above our weight and I’m passionate about reaching for the skies… we’re here to make a change.”

Aiming to become a New Zealand business leader of environmental sustainability by pursing a world-class environmental certification, Aotearoa Surf School is teaming up with Sustainable Kaipara.
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