As a New Zealand owned and operated organisation Conferenz and Bright*Star are committed to providing leadership in sustainable business practice within the training and conference market.

We have played a leading role in effective information delivery to businesses, industries and professionals in both the private and public sector for more than a decade. As we move onto the next decade and beyond, we recognise the importance of sustainability in all aspects of our business and the impact it will have on New Zealand and its people. Furthermore, we recognise that in its unique position as an information provider to a wide array of industries and sectors in New Zealand, we are well placed to strengthen the message for sustainability by making a commitment to become a sustainable organisation ourselves. At Conferenz & Bright*Star, we endeavour to build policies and strategies focused around sustainable business practices, here are some of the things we currently do:

Internally & Operationally

• We banned  the use of photocopiers in the office 10 years ago to minimise paper waste
• In 2005 we began the process of migrating customer from paper to electronic communications and right now we are finalising implementation of the complete migration to soft copy customer administration communications
• On the IT front, we’ve purchased LCD screens and implemented energy saving initiatives for computer use inside and outside of the office
• Our IT supplier, Helix Computers utilises a remote help desk to save on the impacts of travel and they also dispose of all old computer hardware through Hewlett Packard’s disposal facility.  Visit http://www.helixcomputers.co.nz  to read more about their sustainable business practices
• We reuse packaging and recycle whatever materials we can
• We recycle toner catridges from all printers

Marketing

• In 2006 Conferenz & Bright*Star began our programme towards reducing the printing of marketing brochures and achieved a 25% reduction for its seminar courses in the first year 
• Conferenz & Bright*Star have increased our electronic mailing lists by 250% in the last year
• Our printing supplier PrintCo are part of the GEON group who pride themselves on leading by example in environmental policies. Please visit http://www.geon.co.nz/about_environment.asp for more information
• NZ Post is one of our largest suppliers and has  a “supporting the environment policy”.  Visit http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/AboutUs/Sponsorship/Environment/
  
• Candida our suppliers of envelopes continually look at ways to minimise their impact on the environment. This includes all aspects of activities from the selection of raw materials to their manufacturing processes. Visit www.candida.co.nz

At events

In 2006 we introduced soft copy conference proceedings to 95% of our conferences, thus eliminating all paper based proceedings

We contract administration staff in both Auckland and Wellington to minimise air travel

We make the most of video conferencing when possible to link in overseas speakers to our conferences

Conferenz & Bright*Star are members of the Sustainable Business Network and we constantly seek ways in which to improve business practice and minimise the effects on the environment