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Applications open for CSIRO's 'Innovate to Grow' program

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25 Jan, 2025

This post was originally published on Sustainability Matters

Applications are open for CSIRO’s latest ‘Innovate to Grow’ program, which helps Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to advance their research goals in the recycling and circular economy sector.

The eight-week Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program is delivered in partnership with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), which is supported by the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program.

Led by experienced researchers, the program will help participants to examine technical challenges, explore research and development (R&D) opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans for their R&D idea.

Since its launch in 2020, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 600 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their R&D opportunities.

Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu participated in the 2023 Innovate to Grow: Recycling program as a founder of Little Green Panda, a company turning agricultural waste into biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics.

“We made lots of progress and came up with a direction for steps we need to do and the people we need to speak to in order to get this project kickstarted,” she said.

CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste Research Lead, Dr Deborah Lau, emphasised that it was critical to bring science and industry together so that Australia can create circular pathways for plastics and other recyclable waste.

“Over 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic waste have been produced globally since 1950, with only 9% recycled each year. This is commercially and environmentally unsustainable,” Lau said.

“Working with SMEs is essential to unlocking R&D opportunities that accelerate breakthroughs in science and technology.

“Through this program, we aim to spark innovation that will shape a sustainable circular ecosystem for plastics and waste through recycling, redesign and reuse.”

Amy Hunter, Deakin REACH Executive Director, said SMEs and the startup sector have a tremendous opportunity to play a key role in developing greener supply chains in Australia.

“Supporting CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program connects more businesses to Deakin through our REACH ecosystem, so we can support them to drive innovation and solve problems that will develop greener supply chains in Australia,” she said.

The Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

  • Organic and inorganic recycling
  • Sustainable manufacturing
  • Clean energy production and storage
  • Supply chain waste reduction
  • Waste to energy (bioenergy)
  • Fibre and textiles waste
  • Sustainable construction materials
  • Other
     

Applications close on 16 February 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Hispanolistic

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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