As the property and construction industry tackle an ever-expanding host of sustainability issues, Australia’s Supply Chain Sustainability School has chalked up its 1,000th member.
Launched in March 2015, the school has grown steadily since it was established to increase sustainability knowledge and competency in the construction and infrastructure supply chains.
The school's CEO, Robin Mellon, said members access free learning resources and events around the country.
“The school now has more than 300 free online resources to help people in our industry to skill up, stay relevant and gain insights into many of the hot button topics transforming the industry,” he said.
In-demand topics include how to prepare for Australia’s incoming Modern Slavery Act and how the new IS020400 guidance standard will influence sustainable procurement.
“Our research has identified the industry’s main skills gaps are around social sustainability, energy, water, waste, materials and sustainable procurement. The School can help plug those gaps,” Mellon said.
The School is funded and supported by 14 partner organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors including founding partner, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The council's CEO, Romilly Madew, said sustainability knowledge has evolved from “niche to essential” over the last decade.
“Sustainability’s remit is no longer restricted to environmental concerns, but now takes in a host of broader social and economic issues” she said.
Michaela Toohey, strategic business lead for water treatment specialists HydroChem, was the 1,000th person to join the School.
A recent survey of members of the School found 52 per cent of respondents believe sustainability is a more important issue in their businesses than it was 12 months ago, and 49 per cent are engaging their suppliers earlier.
Furthermore, 79 per cent of businesses have a sustainability plan or program in place.