Just good business : Diamond level engagement

OfficeMax is the first office products company – and one of only 11 companies in New Zealand – to be awarded Diamond certification in the Landcare Research Enviro-Mark programme.
It’s the highest level of recognition for the company’s continuing commitment to environmental sustainability and has taken considerable investment to achieve. But the result is worth it, says Kevin Obern, managing director of OfficeMax New Zealand.
“Looking after the environment for today and the next generation is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” he says. “For example, when we reduce our energy consumption, we reduce the associated costs – so the environment benefits from fewer emissions and the business benefits from reduction in its overheads.”
The Diamond certificate was achieved after OfficeMax developed an internal Environmental Management System with the Enviro-Mark framework. It’s programme that covers everything from reducing electricity and fuel consumption to recycling packaging and kitchen waste.
The size of its operation made achieving environmental targets something of challenge as procedures, training and programmes needed to be consistent and timely across all sites nationwide. And it couldn’t have been done without executive team and employer support, says Obern.
“I think it’s fair to say that OfficeMax employees have sense of responsibility towards the environment – so much so that we have included environmental messages into our communication and business practices.”
The commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the company’s head office building at Highbrook Business Park in East Tamaki which picked up an excellence award in the CB Richard Ellis Industrial Property Award category at the recent Property Council Awards.