Sustainability Committee drives sustainability thought leadership and advocacy
2024 was a very successful year for the Committee, delivering on the members’ priorities of creating awareness and influencing policy makers for sustainable business practices and private-public sector collaboration.
Committee Chair Flavia Vaz driving fresh outlook and direction with focus on:
- Advocating for more sustainable business practices in Australia
- Share knowledge and put in context advancement of sustainability initiatives in Australia according to companies sustainability strategies and the SDG’s benchmark.
- Proactively drive the agenda through engagement in the market with various groups and collaboration amongst other industries.
- Reach out to Australian businesses about opportunities and possibilities, for further interest and engagement with local/national activities.
Highlights in 2024 included a significant focus and advocacy for circularity as Australia is recognizing the importance in the context of resource efficiency and climate targets. As a result, the country is moving towards a national framework similar to European countries, with the Sustainability Committee positively influencing with a number of key activities:
- Circular Economy Forum in Canberra – together with the Embassy of Sweden
- Circular Economy Workshop Brisbane
- Circular Textile and Fashion Show Event Gold Coast
- First group government submission to CEMAG and Productivity Commission
- Collaboration and dialogue with Planet Ark and ACE Hub – Circularity 2024
Welcoming new committee members:
Knowledge sharing:
Linda Nordin, Circular Economy Specialist at SMEC on the Fossil Free Sweden conference in October in Stockholm
What’s coming for 2025
With Net Zero 2030 interim targets only a few years away, the energy transition is gathering pace in Australia. There is an opportunity to create awareness for pathways, collaborations and partnerships building on the diverse and inspiring leadership of our member companies.
2025 events to engage businesses, policy makers and communities and influence for a more sustainable future
- Focus on energy transition with webinar series for thought leadership
- Continues momentum for circularity with Circular Economy workshop in Melbourne
- Leverage sustainability with the Swedish Australian Innovation, Technology and Design Summit in Melbourne in September 2025
Opportunities for collaboration
Being aligned with member priorities is vital, there will be an online survey to gauge input on 2025 focus areas, activities and areas for collaboration.
The SACC Sustainability Committee meets quarterly and welcomes active participation from members of the SACC – both from sustainability focused functions and other representatives. The Committee also has a core committee, which meets more regularly and is seeking expressions of interest from member companies & individuals to get involved.
A big thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making this year a success. We’re excited to continue the journey in 2025 with more initiatives, events, and opportunities to create lasting impact.
Stay tuned and stay inspired — sustainability is a team effort, and we’re just getting started!
For SACC members who wish to join the Sustainability Committee, please contact Flavia Vaz or Camilla Jennings.
