Australian businesses are ignoring environmental concerns, snubbing energy efficiency and energy reduction measures.

The word green has been bandied about so much in the last few years, that few of us actually stop to think about the meaning behind the word.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show just five per cent of Australian businesses have audited their energy usage, and almost half have avoided taking steps to improve their energy efficiency.

In the US all major retail companies have developed strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, and many UK retailers are already several years into green retailing plans.

UK department store Marks & Spencer has set a global standard for green retailing with its Plan A eco and ethical program it hopes will see it become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015.

In Australia, green isn't quite so ingrained in retailer's psyches, but there are plenty of simple ways to improve energy efficiency.

For retailers struggling to become green on their own, there are consultants available to guide the process.

GreenBizCheck has launched a retail certification program, which provides retailers with a 260 point online assessment, with immediate reporting and action planning.

Aspects considered in the assessment include energy conservation, water consumption, waste reduction and recycling, transportation and travel, supply chain sustainability and carbon compensation programs.

GreenBizCheck retailers implement green action items, until bronze, silver and gold certification is achieved.

The Carbon Reduction Institute offers a Carbon Neutral Product logo for businesses to label products which have had their climate change impact assessed and offset. The logo can be added to a range of products, from wine and perishables, to fashion and furniture items to alert customers to their green attributes.

Offering carbon neutral products can be an effective way of gaining a competitive advantage and enticing new customers, while 'greening' your retail business can result in a host of operational cost savings.

Top performers

It seems that shopping centres are leading the way in the push for green in Australia, providing retailers housed in these centres an easier path towards green compliance.

In 2009 shopping centre owner GPT was awarded one of Australia's highest environmental accolades, taking out the Bankisa Environmental Awards Large Business Sustainability Award, following on its Banksia People's choice award for Rouse Hill Town Centre in 2008.

Westfield's new Sydney CBD project, due for completion in October also incorporates environmental initiatives, including a commercial office tower which has achieved a 6-star Green Star Design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

To win a GreenBizCheck Retail Environmental Certification package for your retail business, email GreenBizCheck at green@octomedia.com.au and tell us why you should qualify for a free environmental assessment and certification.