A new City of Sydney program promoting community leadership on environmental issues has nominated more than 120 businesses as ‘GreenLeaders’ for commiting to environmental targets.

GreenLeaders participants set targets for reductions in water, energy and waste over a 12 months period, with workshops and monitoring conducted by sustainability consultants Village Green throughout the year.

The City of Sydney secured a grant from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change for the program in 2008. As a result there is no cost to businesses joining GreenLeaders, however there are only 25 places left in the program for 2008.

"By joining GreenLeaders businesses can show their green credentials, address the problems of sustainability and act as leaders in their local communities,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

“Businesses participating in the program will also be able to share their experiences at workshops and promote their actions as an example to other local businesses as well as residents,” she said.

Program participants are encouraged adopt incentives for employees to walk or ride to work as well as retrofitting energy efficient light bulbs and water saving devices.

It also encouraged the installation of a rain water tank or replacing outdated and inefficient appliances such as airconditioning units.

The City of Sydney has estimated the program could help businesses save up to 20 per cent on their water consumption, reduce waste by 15 per cent and in some cases save hundreds of dollars of operating costs, simply by improving energy efficiency.

Businesses wanting to join GreenLeaders are encouraged to contact City of Sydney’s Sustainability Unit.