BAYSIDE local business Ronstan International (manufacturer of sailboat hardware and architectural cable and rod tendons) has won an award for its cultural change and commitment to environmental sustainability, while participating in the VIC 1000 South East Program.

This 12-month program involved 200 small businesses from Melbourne’s South East including Ronstan International and 34 other Bayside businesses.

Village Green, a company that specialises in emissions, water and waste auditing, ran the program.

Participating businesses took part in audits, workshops and training that focused on water, energy, waste, chemical use and transport.

Businesses had to identify their environment impact and think of ways to improve; and reduce their business costs.

Together, businesses saved over 2 Mega litres of water and 550 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses also saved an average of $538 each by reducing their resource consumption.

Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long commended local businesses for being proactive about their environmental impacts and for their involvement in the VIC 1000 South East Program.

“The VIC 1000 South East Program was a fantastic initiative by Village Green, which encouraged businesses to be sustainable in their business operations.

“I congratulate Ronstan International – a local Bayside business – for winning an award for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Staff members at Ronstan International have a greater sense of ownership within the business as a result of better environmental and management practices. Overall there is a better culture of sustainability existing within the business.

“Of course, I also congratulate all businesses involved in the program,” Cr Long said.

Ronstan International’s Operations Manager Timothy Melville said they were pleased to participate in the VIC 1000 South East Program.

“Ronstan International have particularly been impressed with our staff’s willingness and want to contribute to being environmentally responsible,” Mr Melville said.

VIC 1000 was funded through the Victorian Government Sustainability Fund managed by Sustainability Victoria. South East Water and the councils of Bayside, Port Phillip, Knox, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula supported the program.