Docket has been created by a public-private partnership, led by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). It helps businesses check and improve their performance in six key areas of sustainability.
About 70% of a business’s sustainability impact comes from its supply chain, says Holly Norton, Regenerative Design Lead at SBN.
“Whether you are a small-scale supplier or a corporate buying from others, Docket can help you cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, regenerate nature, keep workers healthy and safe, uphold workers’ rights and eliminate modern slavery,” she says.
“There are about 546,000 small businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together they can make a massive difference in reducing their impact on the environment.
“At the same time, being more sustainable can reduce costs, attract and retain customers and staff and help you get ahead of the competition.”
Docket starts with a quick self-assessment to see how well a business is looking out for the environment and its team. Where businesses are doing well, Docket provides examples of how they can share those sustainability achievements with customers and networks. In areas where improvement is needed it provides links to tools and resources.
Businesses are encouraged to share Docket to make their supply chains more sustainable.
Tania Donaldson is Manager Employment System Guidance and Engagement, Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). She says: “MBIE recognises that major societal issues such as climate change and poor treatment of workers, will have long term impacts on business. The Docket toolkit will highlight where businesses are doing well, as well as provide advice and support on areas for improvement in environmental and social sustainability best practice.”
Docket is a collaboration led by the Sustainable Business Network with MAS; Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Ministry for the Environment; Wellington City Council; Westpac NZ Government Innovation Fund and WorkSafe.
View Docket here.
Quotes from partners
Tania Donaldson, Manager Employment System Guidance and Engagement, Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment
"MBIE recognises that major societal issues such as climate change and poor treatment of workers, will have long term impacts on business. The Docket toolkit will highlight where businesses are doing well, as well as provide advice and support on areas for improvement in environmental and social sustainability best practice."
Anna Ririnui, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Ministry for the Environment
“Ministry for the Environment is committed to supporting business transition to a low-emissions, low-waste circular economy. We are proud to partner with SBN to share Docket, to help small-to-medium enterprises to reduce their environmental impact.
Brent Chalmers, Head of Public Sector, Westpac NZ and Chair of the Westpac NZ Government Innovation Fund Investment Board
“Docket makes social and environmental sustainability best practices accessible to all New Zealand businesses. This is really important given both our large footprint of small business in Aotearoa and the growing demand to improve supply chain transparency and sustainability across all our markets. We’re very proud to have supported the development of Docket and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our businesses, communities and environment.”
Nicola Airey, Head of Brand & Partnerships, MAS
“We’re excited to support this innovative tool to evaluate sustainability practices across our own business and with our Members and their businesses. The rise of ‘conscious consumers’ means customers will place their business with organisations that align to their values and belief systems. MAS’s key purpose is to contribute to a healthier Aotearoa so we’re committed to doing what we can to make a positive impact on society and the planet. Purpose driven brands like MAS are positioned strongly in this evolving new market.”
Sadaf Lourie, External Partnerships Lead, Business (Climate Change Response), Wellington City Council
“Sustainable supply chains are beneficial to businesses on all levels, be it environmental, social or financial. Many want to have more visibility of their supply chains but are unsure where to look or what questions to ask. Free online tools like ‘Docket’ make it easier for businesses to start this journey; they can interact with the concepts and measures in their own time, at their own pace. Wellington City Council is proud to support Sustainable Businesses Network in their mahi to make sustainable practices more accessible to all businesses.”