BUSINESSES of all sizes are being encouraged to show off their sustainability projects and initiatives as part of Sustainable September 2007. The initiative, now in its fourth year, is co-organised by the Western Australian Collaboration for Sustainability, an NGO of six peak organisations, and Fremantle-based sustainability consultants Persistence of Vision. With this year’s theme identifying that ‘the climate is right for sustainability’, the state-wide campaign will promote business and community engagement in sustainability through a series of events. Persistence of Vision proprietor and sustainability consultant, Robyn Williams, said Sustainable September was an opportunity for businesses to learn about sustainable practices, and for those already engaged in sustainable activities to make their actions public. “It’s a communication and celebration of sustainable activities and actions, from the top end of town to community groups,” Ms Williams said. “We’re wanting people to show off their sustainable project, initiative, policy or any number of things that the community and government are doing and all looking at creating a sustainable future.” Ms Williams said there was a perception among SMEs that sustainability was a costly exercise. She said businesses should start small – for example by undertaking an audit of their energy and water use – before building the confidence to make additional investments if the business has the capacity to do so. The co-organisers of the month-long campaign will be joined by key supporters, including WA Local Government Association, the Sustainable Practitioners Association, the Committee for Perth and the Australian Institute of Management in promoting Sustainable September, which starts on September 4.