To help Aussie business owners adopt more sustainable practices, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has developed a world-first training program. The ARA Net Zero Accelerator will help retailers become cleaner and greener.

The two-day workshop will see leading sustainability experts assisting retailers in developing a Climate Action Plan. The workshop is accompanied by an online course, the Net Zero Essentials, and another program specifically designed for small businesses in partnership with the City of Sydney and Greener.

The ARA claims the educational course is the first of its kind to guide retailers through the foundations of what it means to be net zero and how to get there, from operations and supply chains to sustainable consumption and production.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the industry has a crucial role in combating climate change, which he predicts will be the biggest disrupter to impact the retail sector. Zahra said ARA members are already leading the charge, particularly national retailers who were early adopters of sustainable practices. However, Zahra suggests that more needs to be done to help small business retailers get on board.

“A large part of our sector is ready to act but doesn’t know where to start. That’s why we have developed this educational program, which does offer something for everyone – no matter their size, scale or where they are on their sustainability journey.

“Retail is the largest private employer in the country, employing one in ten workers, and is well positioned to impact more sustainable consumption and production.”

Zahra suggests retailers are well positioned to play a positive role in the transition to the low-carbon economy of the future.

“Given our position at the intersection of consumers, suppliers and the sector’s own operational footprint … it is imperative that retail steps up in Australia’s transition to the net-zero, nature-positive, circular economy of the future,” Zahra added.

The accelerator program follows the launch of the ARA’s Net-zero Roadmap in December 2021 and the release of its Climate Action Plan at the ARA’s inaugural CEO Lunch in May 2022, with a sole focus on sustainability and climate change.

Businesses can express their interest in the Net Zero educational program here.

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