With the word "sustainability" being one which is to be constantly found in the newspapers or heard on the radio, it was fantastic for me to be able to meet Kane Hardingham, an Environmental Advisor with Woolworths Limited.
Kane grew up in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and reckons that if you look hard enough you might still find red earth and gold dust under his fingernails! He initially undertook an Engineering degree at the University of Western Australia but switched to Environmental Science at Murdoch University.
His first job as environmental scientist was in a graduate position with a nickel smelter back home in Kalgoorlie, where he had initially worked as an offsider to the engineers. He stayed there for four years until he was lured by a job at Ayers Rock, working for the Voyages group of resorts. With the same company he went to Dunk Island and then to Sydney. His role encompassed advising on and implementing strategies around the core concepts of using less energy and water , wasting less and recycling more but also on protecting the physical environment. Protecting native species and sacred sites was part of this important aspect of the role.
Kane joined Woolworths in December 2007. He was attracted to the company by not only the fact that it was committed to best practice in sustainability but also to the sheer size of the company. With over 190 000 employees nationally and over 3000 stores, the inherent challenges in working at Woolworths were irresistible.
One of Kane's key responsibilities is raising staff awareness of sustainability within their working environment. This is achieved in part through the appointment of "eco ambassadors" , with a staff member being appointed in this role in every store. These ambassadors are trained in the basic concepts of sustainability and are charged with raising awareness in their work colleagues. Simple things like turning off a dripping tap or recycling cardboard boxes can make a difference!
Kane is also responsible for the regulatory and voluntary reporting which Woolworths must undertake to bodies such as National Greenhouse and Energy reporting and reporting required by the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act.
Both Kane and his colleague Rebekah Earp (who was instrumental in having Woolworths support the Archibull Prize) see the Prize as a wonderful way of linking farming to the school environment. Kane is keen to spend time with students explaining to them the time, effort and natural resources required from a farmer to get his/her produce to the plate. Over the years Kane has had the opportunity to meet with students from Years 1 to 12 and talking to them about the environment and sustainability.
Kane brings a unique perspective to the role of mentor and I thank him for spending time with me.
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