ON-Q Human Resources
Briefly describe your workplace and business.
ON-Q Human Resources (ON-Q) is one of Australia's largest, most experienced and successful not-for-profit employment services providers. Our specialised employment program suite spans Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships (Start Smart), Vocational Rehabilitation (Reconnect), Disability Employment (Real Ability) and School to Work Transition (Get Ready).
Located in the Northern Rivers area of NSW and on Queensland's Gold Coast, we work closely within our communities to help people, especially those with a disability, into paid employment. We also have a range of professional services to assist Employers to recruit staff.
ON-Q is quality assured against international ISO Standards, as well as Australia's National Group Training and Disability Standards. We have a clear company mission and pride ourselves on our high ethical and professional standards.
What have you done to reduce your CO2 emissions?
In 2008, ON-Q engaged GHD (Brisbane) to perform an Environmental and Carbon Footprint Audit to determine the CO2 emissions associated with all company practices. They assessed the company on four key areas of emissions: Energy, Resources, Motor Vehicle Fleet and Waste Management. From this baseline of emissions, ON-Q was able to develop an implementation strategy, individualised to suit the abilities and culture in each office, and an ongoing reduction plan.
Staff were surveyed at the beginning of the process to measure their support and engagement. Some strategies involved in this process include a review of the structure of work and motor vehicle usage, recycling and reduction schemes, shifting to renewable power sources and the development of an Environmental Policy.
How has your organisation worked together to reduce carbon emissions?
A project manager has been nominated and each office has been audited by this person. Staff in every office identified their level of engagement and the resources they needed which have now been provided. We have developed a Green Indicator to monitor progress quarterly.
What plans do you have for future reductions?
With the help of Climate Positive ON-Q is now a Carbon Neutral company. Over the next period we will review our motor vehicle fleet, re-engineer our business model to reduce reliance on motor vehicles, identify and adopt clean energy sources or where this is out of our control, negotiate with our landlords.
