We hear and see the news about certain practices having a harmful and destructive impact on the environment and sometimes taking action against these methods seems out of reach. But today’s line-up of business opportunities means owning an eco-friendly business is more accessible than ever.
IBIS World’s July 2012 Industry Report for Solar Panel Installation in Australia shows that between 2008 and 2013, the industry experienced an annual growth rate of 115.2 per cent and is expected to pull in $1.39 billion in the 2012-13 year period.
With effective government initiatives in promoting investments in solar power by way of rebates and incentives, the adoption of renewable energy systems has seen stable growth in newly built or renovated households.
The National Sustainability Council recently released a Sustainable Australia Report 2013, the first of its kind, which revealed a 35 percent reduction of water consumption in the decade leading up to 2011.
The report also indicates that 62 percent of people were concerned about environmental problems in 2012, a drop from 75 percent in 1992, thanks to an appreciation that the issues are improving.
And so companies continue to enter the market to pick up on consumer awareness of eco issues and in some cases the long term financial benefits of green actions.
We have done the research for you and discovered some companies that pair their environmentally friendly aspect with everyday products and services.
Daisy H2O
Concept: carbon neutral and chemical free dry cleaning and laundry
Established: 2004
Franchising commenced: 2010
Number of units: Three
Why green
The majority of traditional dry cleaners use the chemical tetrachloroethylene, more commonly known as perchloroethylene (PERC) and it is reported by the World Health Organisation that people who work in or live near dry cleaning facilities are exposed to various cancer risks including bladder, throat and lung cancer.
Daisy H2O has earned itself the title of the greenest dry cleaner in the world, achieving a five-leaf (star) standard from the Green Cleaners Council and endorsement by the Asthma Foundation.
The business uses organic biodegradable detergents and stain removers to ensure clothes are cleaned effectively but at the same time harmless to the environment.
Business advantages
Diesel pick-up and delivery vans are provided with the use of plastic being almost eliminated and for the balance that can’t be removed, carbon credits are purchased.
Franchisees enjoy the benefits of working in a safe and healthy environment and by working together with local communities can educate customers on being greener and respecting the environment.
Support and training
New franchisees will receive up to six weeks training at one of its locations with ongoing training and support provided by its retail and technology trainers. A Daisy H2O technology trainer will work with each new franchisee in their store for the first two weeks after opening to ensure all technical aspects are running smoothly.
Daisy works with each of its franchisees to map out the right mix of local marketing and branding collateral to be used and communicated in the market.
Cost and agreement term
The agreement term is a minimum of five years but in most cases it is matched to the retail lease agreement. The standard turnkey cost is usually around $150,000 plus working capital. This includes all franchise fees, training, basic internal fit-out, marketing collateral, retail point of sale and industry specific software as well as state of the art garment cleaning, pressing and finishing equipment.
Pristine Water Systems
Concept: rain water tank cleaning and water filter supply and service
Established: 2003
Franchising commenced: 2003
Number of units: 10
Why green
Water is a necessity, not a luxury and is something that people need every day of their lives.
Pristine Water Systems aims to provide clean drinking water to local communities and solutions for other water management issues.
Equipment advantages
PWS’s QuadClean process adds more oxygen to the water which increases the oxidation/reduction potential (ORP). With a high ORP figure, the water is healthier and less inclined to house bacteria and cysts colonies.
Pristine Water Systems provides services for water tank cleaning, sanitising and filtration for domestic and commercial applications. Image source: Pristine Water Systems
Support and training
PWS provides a two week induction course that includes training in its products, technical processes, operational and servicing as well as ongoing support and marketing and advertising coordination.
Cost and agreement term
The turnkey cost is $49,000 plus vehicle with a five year agreement and five year renewal.