Megan Houghton's Introduction - Christmas 2011

What a year for sustainability in Brisbane! With so much keeping the CitySmart team busy in 2011, it gives me great pleasure to look back on the year and highlight a few of our key achievements.

2011 brought challenges and opportunities galore and I have been proud to work with such a committed group of partners as we continue to go from strength to strength and succeed across a range of projects and initiatives.

A few highlights from the last 12 months:  

• Welcoming 9 new partners across a range of industries
• EzyGreen achieved over 50,000 residents and an emissions reduction of over 36,000 CO₂ tonnes
• Delivery of two successful Green Heart Fairs and localised Green Ups with a combined attendance of over 60,000 residents
• Comprehensive review of upcoming projects such as a community solar farm and energy efficiency solution for Brisbane's CBD.

These milestones could not have been achieved without the support of our committed corporate partners who have shown that Brisbane business is a leader in sustainable program development.

Many of you would have attended the recent CitySmart End of Year function which was a great opportunity for each of our partners to network and celebrate our achievements while looking with an eager eye toward 2012.

Click here for a gallery of images from the event.

I would also like to acknowledge the support CitySmart has received from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner, and Cr Peter Matic, Chairman Environment, Parks and Sustainability and our chairman Jim McKnoulty and tireless Board who have helped us achieve in 2011 and plan for an exciting 2012.

Lastly I would like to welcome Ian Eckersley to the team as CitySmart's Strategic Partnerships Manager, whom some of you may know from his 18 years with ABC News. Ian will be meeting with each of you in the new year and you can read a little more about him below.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas period and I look forward to working together in 2012 to make Brisbane cleaner, greener and even more sustainable.

Regards

Megan Houghton

CEO, CitySmart Pty Ltd

CitySmart Welcomes New Strategic Partnerships Manager

CitySmart recently welcomed aboard Ian Eckersley to the team as the new Strategic Partnerships Manager.

Ian joins the team after an impressive career as a news reporter, producer and presenter (more than half of it with ABC TV News). He has spent the past five years in corporate communications with a consultancy and most recently at QUT and is excited to be working with Brisbane's forward thinking business leaders.

"I was born and bred in Brisbane and I know that it is one of the best places to live in the world, so I am obviously enthusiastic about working with CitySmart to help make my home town, Brisbane cleaner and greener," said Ian.

"Looking at how successful CitySmart has been in the past and the opportunities that are knocking with each of the partners, I am excited to be stepping into a role that I'm sure will be interesting, challenging and fulfilling.

"I am looking forward to working in such an important space and with Brisbane's business leaders to help make Brisbane Australia's most sustainable city."

Ian will be meeting with each CitySmart partner personally in the coming months to discuss your partnership and how to achieve your sustainability goals for 2012.

In the interim, you can discuss your partnership needs with Ian on 07 3040 3427 or at ian.eckersley@citysmart.com.au

Introducing New Partners

Since our last SustainNews, CitySmart welcomed on board six new partners looking to strategically align with likeminded businesses to help make Brisbane more sustainable.

Foundation Level

ERM Power is a Brisbane based integrated energy company with businesses spanning electricity sales, generation and gas procurement. It is one of the leading electricity suppliers to the business customer market in Queensland and has a growing presence across Australia. ERM Power, with assistance from CitySmart, is interested in helping Brisbane become a more sustainable city through energy alternatives.

Urbis is a professional consulting firm operating in Australia, Asia and the Middle East advising on the use, development, investment and governance of property, cities and communities. Urbis is committed to a cleaner, more sustainable Brisbane through the development of an innovative and sustainable city.

Principal Level

 CINTEP is an Australian based company developing innovative water efficiency technology for a greener future. With a mission to make water saving shower technology available at accessible prices, CINTEP is working with Brisbane's industry to help make our city cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

Goldcross  Cycles is one of  Australia's largest bike retailers and has recently partnered with CitySmart on the EzyGreen project. Committed to encouraging active and alternative transport options, Goldcross is working with CitySmart to help Brisbane residents leave the car at home and take the greener option.

Corporate Level

PoolWerx is Australia's largest network of pool shops and mobile pool technicians. Partnering with the EzyGreen program to offer discounts on energy saving pool products, PoolWerx are committed to keeping Brisbane power bills cool this summer.

  Every    Little Drop i s committed to helping Brisbane residents conserve and preserve with innovative water efficiency products for the home. Working with CitySmart on the EzyGreen program, Every Little Drop is providing a range of water saving products including an innovative garden hose meter.

We welcome the new CitySmart partners and look forward to great partnerships and opportunities.

CitySmart Partner End of Year Function

CitySmart partners recently gathered together to celebrate the end of another year in sustainability at the CitySmart End of Year Celebration held on Monday 5 December.

CitySmart partners were able to network and discuss a number of successful projects and campaigns, while looking forward to an even bigger 2012.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk was on hand to welcome each new partner with a personalised plaque designed by CitySmart friends MultiCap, and was impressed by the level of commitment by business leaders partnering with Brisbane City Council to help make Brisbane more sustainable.

A gallery of images from the evening can be found here.

The CitySmart team wishes each of you a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year, and look forward to working with you for a productive 2012.