In 2018, Australia ranked 18th out of the 25 largest economies for its performance on adopting and implementing energy-efficient technologies and standards. Becoming a more energy-efficient nation is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change. Simply put, improving energy efficiency involves reducing the energy used to do the same amount of work.
Image Source: Austep Lighting
Austep Lighting are a newly Certified B Corporation who are achieving their positive impact through energy efficiency, community engagement and much more. We chatted with Austep’s Founder and Director, Asher Christophers, to learn more about their internal policies and procedures, and about how they’re conserving precious resources with a long-term view.
Could you tell us a bit more about what Austep Lighting does?
As a specialist lighting wholesaler, we work with businesses to improve their positive impact and increase their profitability through energy efficiency consulting and project management. We reduce the lifecycle costs of energy use in buildings, while improving their light quality, and occupant wellbeing. We are driving the massive global shift to net zero emissions through energy efficiency and giving our clients a return on investment of up to 50 per cent per annum. Lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are the two of the biggest energy users in most buildings, so we provide long-term solutions for both our clients and our planet.
We imagine a future where buildings are lit, heated, and cooled with minimal power — through integration of passive design, sunlight, and repairable smart products that defy planned obsolescence.
We couldn’t agree more. We’d love to know more about what motivated you to certify as a B Corp?
We wanted to hard wire our positive impact focus into our DNA, be recognised for it, and improve our positive impact. Becoming a Certified B Corporation helped us do all three. Austep is a purpose-driven company — we are propelling the shift towards Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) and positive impact brands, and helping our clients to do the same. We use business as a tool to positively impact all stakeholders, including our clients, our planet, our staff, suppliers, shareholders and wider community.
Image Source: Austep Lighting Portfolio
Could you tell us about some of the unique practices that have been implemented at Austep Lighting, contributing to its positive impact?
We are three types of social enterprise rolled into one:
A business offering ‘positive impact products’ (energy efficiency and wellbeing solutions), a ‘profit for purpose’ business (donating 50 per cent of our profits to charity), and we run under two ‘Impact Business Models‘ recognised by B Corp certification, relating to resource conservation and positive internal governance structures.
Some achievements we’re proud of which have helped to increase our positive impact include:
- Planting two native Australian trees for every job
- Donating at least 50 per cent of our profits to charities who draw on the principles of effective altruism and stakeholder inclusivity. We’ve donated to Amnesty International, Oxfam, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Green Music Australia, The Global Women’s Project and more.
- Ensuring that 80 per cent of our catering is plant-based
- Donating energy-efficient lights to not-for-profits
- Using banks divested from fossil fuels
- Limiting air travel to one flight per year per staff member
- Our primary transport vehicle is hybrid, soon to be electric!
- Offering paid volunteering for staff and free yoga and meditation
Image Source: Austep Lighting Portfolio
We love the variety of practices adopted internally and externally at your B Corp! Are there any practices that you hope to see become the norm?
In the words of the International Energy Agency Chief, energy efficiency is the ‘first fuel’ – it’s the cheapest and fastest way to reach net zero and reduce energy costs. While achieving this requires a comprehensive integrated approach including renewables, behaviour change, and lifecycle thinking, energy efficiency makes sense for the planet, and for businesses.
Energy efficiency sometimes gets forgotten in the net zero discussion, yet it’s one of the most important tools we have to achieve net zero and avoid catastrophic climate change.
We would also like to see more businesses taking on the ‘profit for purpose’ model, donating a proportion of their profits to charities.
Finally, have you got any advice for the businesses out there who are going through certification right now?
Don’t put it off, start straight away. It can take some time, but more importantly the assessment process is like free consulting that will improve your business and help uncover its strengths.
Image Source: Austep Lighting Portfolio
A big thank you to Austep Lighting for taking the time to fill us in on the wonderful work they’re doing. To find out more and explore their services, visit: austeplighing.com.au
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