This presentation will reflect on the process, barriers, drivers and outcomes of 7 years of the North Sydney “Water Dragons” – a sustainability engagement program for staff. The North Sydney Water Dragons are a group of staff from all areas of Council who help to make the organisation a more sustainable place to work. Using the “Collaborating for sustainability” guide as a bible, the Water Dragons have become an entrenched part of Council’s culture, endorsed and supported by Council’s General Manager and directors and representing more than 10% of Council’s workforce.
Water Dragon’s wins include bringing together staff from all areas of Council under a shared Sustainability agenda, setting up a sustainability induction program, improved recycling rates, staff kitchen composting and kitchen gardens, lunch time sustainability workshops, monthly sustainability champion announcements, and mainstreaming sustainability through Council’s procurement processes.
