Clean tech startup Greener teams up with retail association to help small business cut carbon

Peak retail group, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has formed a partnership with clean-tech startup Greener to help retail and hospitality small businesses move towards net-zero emissions.

The deal will see them co-design a new digital solution, Greener Business, to help ARA members understand and prioritise the steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the partnership with Greener will help small businesses define and reach their sustainability objectives faster.

“Retail has a lot to contribute to Australia’s sustainability efforts and addressing environmental challenges is a top priority for our industry and for the ARA. With many small businesses in survival mode in recent years there are limited resources in the sustainability space,” he said.

” There is also an enormous war for talent within sustainability roles and it is very challenging for smaller retailers to secure this expertise. Our partnership with Greener will provide support and knowledge to help small businesses outline the initiatives they can take as they progress their sustainability journey.

Zahra said the ARA was the second retail association to sign the UN-backed Race to Zero Accelerator Pledge, and the Greener will take their commitments to the next level.

Greener co-founder Tom Ferrier said the 96% of businesses that are small-medium enterprises want to get greener, but don’t know how or can’t afford to hire a Sustainability Manager to help.

“Filling this gap between motivation and know-how is why we’ve worked with the ARA to create Greener Business. This proprietary platform does all the hard work for these businesses by helping them to build their own personalised pathway to zero emissions and waste,” he said.

“The best news is, it brings these businesses new customers for their efforts. Greener Business is reflective of our vision to create a new green economy, one where every dollar spent is carbon neutral to help end climate change.”