Under section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), IBA is required to describe its environmental performance and contribution to ecologically sustainable development.
ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
IBA is committed to the principles of ecologically sustainable development as outlined in section 3A of the EPBC Act.
We seek and adopt innovative approaches to sustainably meet the growing demand for our products and services and the expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in a rapidly changing business environment.
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The main contributors to IBA’s impact on the natural environment are our corporate operations including administration operations and property management. In 2017–18, IBA conducted our operations in a manner which minimised their environmental impact.
This was partly achieved with the introduction of ‘follow me printers’ which allowed the user more control over their printing and stopped any wastage on printed paper no longer required. IBA has also moved closer to Digital
20/20 with more staff using electronic record filing over paper-based files.
We also reduced our printed media by providing more information online and in social media, and with the Housing Solutions division moving Expression of Interest forms to an online application form.
IBA and the Indigenous Land Corporation continued to share office space in three tenancies and will continue to look for collective spaces over the next 12 month period.
TABLE 06: MEASURES TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
| Area of impact | Measures and results |
|---|---|
| Energy | IBA’s lease for its Canberra office contains a green lease schedule, which includes requirements for the ongoing monitoring and measurement of energy consumption. IBA engages Evolve FM (an Indigenous facilities management provider) to manage its Green Lease Schedule (GLS) obligations. IBA works further with Evolve FM to develop measures to create energy savings at this site. The Canberra office tenancy has a current rating of 5.6 starts under the National Australia Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). Examples of specific measures to minimise energy consumption in 2017–18 include the use of energy-efficient technologies, such as sensor lighting and T5 fluorescent tubes in the Canberra and Sydney offices. IBA encourages each office to participate in Earth Hour by switching off tenancy lights and office equipment where possible. IBA’s total energy consumption in 2017-18 met the requirements of the Energy in Efficiency in Government Operations Policy (EEGO) at 3,753 per person (against a target of 7,500 megajoules). This is a decrease of 508pp from 2016-17 with the improved performance following shared accommodation with the Indigenous Land Council (ILC) in the Perth and Adelaide offices. |
| Water | IBA tenancies are fitted with water-saving fixtures where possible, including sensor taps, dual flash toilets and monition sensor urinals in bathrooms. IBA staff are encouraged to implement strategies to save water, such as ensuring dishwashers are full prior to use. |
| Waste | IBA is committed to reducing waste going into landfill by reducing paper use and encouraging good recycling practices.
Measures to reduce paper use across IBA include:
1. Installing multifunction printers which requires employees to scan an access pass to collect printing which enable the employees to discard any unwanted printing. 2. IBA is working towards a paperless organisation by encouraging staff to save records in the electronic records management system and creating electronic files rather than paper-based files. 3. IBA has moved towards an electronic Expression of Interest (EOI) form for Home Loans, again reducing the need for paper-based and online applications. To further increase the effectiveness of waste management, IBA has implemented segregated waste streams for general waste, commingled recycling and paper and cardboard recycling. IBA uses battery, mobile phone and toner cartridge recycling programs to ensure that these items do not go to landfill. |
| IBA has one company owned vehicle for remote travel within Western Australia, however this is not frequently used.
IBA provide staff with the use of video conferencing facilities to limit the need for staff to travel when possible. |
