Macarthur have committed to changing their business practices and working towards sustainability.

And more and more businesses are working with the

Symmetry Sustainable Business program to focus on their ‘‘triple bottom line’’.

But rather than the regular ‘‘people, planet, profit’’, they

have come up with their own version: environment, community and prosperity.

Bill Parker mentors and helps small business to improve their environmental management skills and practices.

‘‘We don’t make any decisions or tell people what to do,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re there to give them the right type of training they need.’’

Mr Parker works with businesses through the levels of

bronze, silver and gold.

‘‘Bronze takes them about a day to come to a workshop

and identify areas of improvement and awareness,’’ he said.

‘‘Silver is how to ‘green up’ your office and energy efficiency – that’s one of the keys of helping them manage costs and plan and a review sustainable management plan.

‘‘Gold is then the proven performance stage.’’

Symmetry is a unique program in Australia, Mr Parker

said, and is open to any small business trading with 20 staff members or fewer.

‘‘As much as it’s a green program it’s about helping the business improve,’’ he said. ‘‘They’re empowered through the whole process and that’s important for small business.

‘‘Small business particularly in Macarthur is an essential

part of the community. It’s a tribute to them that they see the opportunity.’’

The project is run by the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability and sponsored jointly by Macarthur Regional Organisation of Councils, the University of Western Sydney and the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living.

Symmetry will be holding a bronze graduation ceremony

at the Beer Shed in late June.

Details: www.makeitinmacarthur.com.au/sy mmetry or bill

@macarthurbec.com.au