Environmental, Social and Governance Statement

Environmental, Social and Governance Statement

A genuine commitment to greening our business

True to our culture at Harry the hirer, we stick to our promise and focus on delivering meaningful value while going above and beyond to make the right solutions happen for our stakeholders, and the planet.

Our approach to sustainability and environmental management is no different. We have chosen an authentic and practical pathway. Our company-wide environment management team which encompasses a representative from each key department at Harry’s – who have committed to keeping sustainability at the forefront of their thinking, planning, business processes and execution.

As we continue on our journey to creating a greener and more sustainable business, our approach has given rise to one (of many) initiatives such as Harry’s GO Green Options, a product category focused solely on giving customers easy access to sustainable choices such as our new Xpand booth.

Discover more about the initiatives we are collectively working on to help make Harry the hirer a leader in bringing sustainable events, exhibitions and activations to life.

Bernard Stephens General Manager

Meet the team

A framework for success

Environmental Management System (EMS)

Working in accordance with the ISO 14001 environmental management system, our team comprises passionate, sustainably minded people from all parts of our business – from management and operations to creative development and procurement.

Michael Firman - National General Manager Exhibitions

The Business Events industry is on a pathway to identifying ways to avoid waste in the supply chain. I believe Harry’s should be at the forefront of new initiatives to reduce waste and I am in a unique position to influence and shift our way of thinking to secure a sustainable future for our business within the Business Events sector.

Jodie Jimenez - Executive Assistant

We all have a responsibility to take care of our living planet any way we can, to ensure its health and sustainability into the future. I strive to be mindful of the decisions make every day and look forward to helping guide Harry’s towards reducing our environmental footprint.

Scott Billing - Manager Custom Builds Department

As the Manufacturing Manager at Harry the Hirer, I believe that sustainability is essential to the future of our industry. I am committed to fostering, celebrating, and inspiring creative approaches to using materials efficiently and effectively and reuse materials to boost a circular economy.

Claudia Privitera - Senior Designer

As a young professional with aspirations of a family, it is vital to me to ensure the preservation of our planet for it future generations. I employ a sustainable mindset in my personal life through re-use, repair and reinvention and with Harrys, intend to apply those same principles by constructing thoughtful design strategies that influence a sustainable approach from project conception

Scott Walker - Signage Operations Manager

I’m deeply committed to environmental responsibility and our undeniable duty to preserve our Biosphere for future generations. Focused on introducing sustainable initiatives for our department, including maximising landfill diversion and participation in legitimate recycling & up-cycling programs, I also actively promote a results-based approach to reducing our industry’s unavoidable impact and how we can take active, quantifiable measures to reduce it.

Kerrie Thornton - Creative Director

As brand custodian, my role is to drive Harry’s strategic vision. Sustainability is paramount in the events industry, and it’s integral for me to inspire creative thinking across our business, including circular product design, considered materiality and digital technology to progress our industry as market leader.

Adam Beissel - Productions Senior Account Manager

We all have a responsibility to look after our planet for future generations. I’m very grateful to be a part of this team and look forward to doing whatever I can to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of our business, its people, partners and customers through engagement and education.

Bernard Stephens - General Manager

Dedicated to implementing and promoting environmental sustainability through our product choices and company footprint, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment while helping our customers and partners do the same.

Ben Walker - Procurement Manager

I’m a long-standing, and passionate sustainability advocate, with a holistic approach to minimising negative environmental impacts in a tangible and meaningful way. I believe in a logical and pragmatic approach to helping our business achieve real-world sustainability goals. Authentically, ethically, one step at a time.

Tom Hardcastle - Sydney Operations

As warehouse manager, I’m connected to many areas of the business, which provides ample opportunities to integrate practical and meaningful initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Focus points for me are waste reduction, recycling of used product as well as contributing to new products that are reusable and recyclable.

Aaron Brockley - Marquee Operations

My involvement in product development allows me the privilege to make responsible and educated choices around sustainability and the environmental impact of our products. I aim to enhance the already friendly hire model through the reduction of single use product and the use of recyclable end of life materials within our structures and flooring ranges.

Products with a long lifespan

Fundamentally our products have inherent sustainability thanks to their virtually endless reusability factor associated with being a hiring business. What’s more, our focus on producing quality products at the outset means they stand the test of time – with a lifespan of up to 25 years. When products reach end of life, they are either recycled or repurposed for other uses within our business. The repurposing includes stock donated to charity or sold at auction as part of our social procurement strategy. Similarly, the majority of damaged or unusable product is broken down into separate components, with any recyclable components such as steel and most plastics being recycled.

Making it easy to GO greener

We have launched a Harry’s Go Green Options category within our product line devoted solely to giving our customers and event partners easy access to sustainable product options. To our customers who opt for a greener choice, we will provide a complimentary Harry’s GO Green Options sustainable plaque or sticker that can be displayed to show their green commitment.

Sustainable Signage

Currently we have a vast range of Harry’s GO Green Options, sustainable print media and structural signage. Including the latest new-to-market products as they become available to our industry.

Print materials

Let us print on a 100% recyclable material!

Our Polypropylene and Paper-based print media are processed and sent to our recycling partners directly after use, including all off-cuts from the production process.

Printer ink

Our low-VOC UV Ink waste and containers are captured, collected and diverted from landfill.

Our UV Ink cures almost instantly, eliminating atmospheric particulate pollution.

Fabric signage

Post-purpose polyester fabric signage is collected and sent to a specialist facility to be upcycled into new materials.

Exhibition builds & temporary walling

Our Xpand booth and wall system offers:

• Reusable frames and infill panels

• Plastic Infill panels made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable

• Cardboard infill panels that are 100% recyclable

Paper-based infill panel options we process and send to recycling partners directly after use

Reusability

Our modular build systems offer a sustainable alternative and can be used 100’s of times.

Recycling

When our system frame lifespan is over the aluminum is recycled and repurposed for another use.

Our exhibition reusuable frame partner

Furniture

Table base options manufactured from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable Polypropylene chair ranges are 100% recyclable

Reusability

Our furniture is manufactured to be used 100’s of times

Recycling

Our steel and aluminum furniture products are all recycled at end of life

Repurposing

At the end of life, our furniture ranges are either donated to charity or sold at auction.

FSC -Forest Stewardship Council.

FSC certification is a global standard for the responsible management of sustainably grown, and harvested, wood and wood based products.

Sustainable Furniture

Custom Build Sustainability Program Event Storage

We’ve partnered with a recycler and pallet manufacturer to take all our used mdf, chipboard, ply, melamine & timber.

Recycling

90% of our Custom Manufacturing waste which previously ended up in landfill now goes to our recycling partner.

Equipped with state of the art technology, they produce re-usable Australian hardwood pallets.

Any emissions and reprocessing by-products are used as a bonding agent in concrete, or mixed with crushed rock and recycled concrete to make roads.

Our waste reduction starts with smart structures and joinery designs that can be efficiently transported and easily stored for reuse.

This new recycling process closes the loop on our manufacturing waste, propelling us closer to circularity.

Build, Exhibit & Store

While we are doing what we can to minimise our impact on the environment, we are also encouraging our clients to do the same by offering and promoting our storage service to make it easy for you to reuse event consumables that would traditionally be discarded.

Secure storage facilities let you manage the delivery & installation of exhibition equipment, event assets and merchandise with the benefit of convenience and easy access.

You can also choose to purchase storage crates to store your own merchandise or display items that are required to be delivered in conjunction with other Harry the hirer supplied products and services.

Making marquees more sustainable

We have been in the business of providing marquees for over 35 years. In that time, we have developed a streamlined and highly systemised process for building (and deconstructing) temporary structures while minimising use of materials and, in turn, our environmental footprint.

Our most popular marquees are used repeatedly, reducing the need to create products and single-use materials. Likewise, our design and operations teams are always looking for new ways to improve the reusability and sustainability of our marquees and associated signage systems; to that end, we provide the option of removing single use timber façade from our Panorama façade signage system, making it a more sustainable option.

More LEDs, less power use

LED Technology

We have invested in a total LED energy-saving lighting inventory, which have been rolled out across all our exhibitions and events. Extremely energy-efficient, and consuming up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs, LEDs contain no mercury or other hazardous substances and use a fraction of the energy of an incandescent lightbulb, resulting in a dramatic decrease in power costs. Electricity

89%

81%

63%

90%

88%

Business Initiatives

Waste reduction

Reduced water consumption - The installation of large water tanks in our warehouses to harvest rainwater has significantly reduced water consumption in our business. The water is captured and used with biodegradable detergents to clean all products in our warehouses, including marquee skins and furniture.

Recycling

Separation of all waste & recycling streams, minimising land-fill. Where biodegradable plastic products are unavailable, we collect, bail and send all suitable waste to a bulk recycling plant.

We send all of our surplus timber pallets back to our suppliers to be re-used.

Paper in the office

Measurement & reporting

Recycling partners supply us with figures to help us track our impact reduction efforts.

Hazardous materials

All potential environmental pollutants are captured, contained or processed within our production facilities, eliminating exposure to the outdoor environment.

We also make a concerted effort to avoid known harmful pollutants and substitute for safer, greener alternatives.

Warehouse lighting

Our warehouse incorporates the use of LED sensor-based smart-lighting zones, reducing energy wastage and carbon emissions.

Education

Awareness and discussion. We try to make all employees aware of our mission and approach to sustainability and encourage best practice / environmental responsibility.

Packing materials

Usage of certified landfill-biodegradable and/or compostable products such as bubble wrap, packaging tape, stretch film, bin liners & bags.

Empowering our people

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

At Harry the Hirer, we recognise the significance of contributing positively to our community by providing opportunities to individuals who may face unique challenges or diverse life circumstances. As part of our CSR initiatives, we have established partnerships with various employment agencies, including those contracted by Centrelink, such as Disability Employment Services (DES). These partnerships allow us to extend our support to people who are seeking employment assistance and who may have distinctive life experiences.

Through these collaborations, we actively seek out and employ individuals who bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to our organisation, ensuring that they have an opportunity to thrive and contribute to our company. Our aim is not only to provide meaningful employment but also to create an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the richness of our society.

We believe that diversity and inclusivity are key drivers of innovation, creativity, and success within our company. By working with employment agencies like DES, we are not only fulfilling our CSR commitments but also strengthening our workforce with individuals who bring unique perspectives and talents to our team.

As part of our ongoing commitment to CSR, we are continually looking for ways to expand and enhance our initiatives to support individuals with distinctive life experiences in their career journeys. We remain dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace culture at Harry the Hirer.

Equal opportunities

The Harry’s way is, and will always be, to give people of all walks of life an opportunity to join our team based on their skills, merit, and the principles of fairness – regardless of their race, age, marital status, sexual preference, religion or gender. To that end, we are proud to have made significant advancements in encouraging greater gender equality in our workforce, as evidenced in the numbers below. From key management roles right through to operations and admin, we have fostered a more diversified workforce across many parts of our business, and look forward to building on this momentum as our business continues to grow and more opportunities become available.

100% 21% in the Management team in the Sales and Administration teams

567% 127%

The Hiring & Rental industry is perceived traditionally as a male dominated space, which we are determined to change. In addition to encouraging more women to join our workforce, we have collaborated with the HRIA and Strategic Alignment Training, a facilitation partner, in support of the HRIA’s Women in Hire Development Program.

The first of its kind in the events industry, the program is essentially a mentor/mentee-led initiative designed to give women opportunities to develop their leadership skills, build confidence and pursue a successful career within our industry.

For several years now we have hosted training, education and networking events at our head office and have several mentors from Harry’s participating in the sessions, drawing on their passion and extensive expertise in the industry to help foster future talent.

Giving back to the Community

From sponsoring education programs and graduate exhibitions to donating funds to worthwhile causes, we are passionate about helping when and where we can. To that end, here is a selection of just some of the great causes we have supported in 2023:

Annual and ongoing support

The Royal Children’s Hospital

Significant annual support spanning over 25 years

Good Friday Appeal

We are proud of our long association with the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, we supplied all hire items free or charge.

Very Special Kids

Significant annual support spanning over 12 years

Murdoch Institute

Ongoing support

Special projects over the last 12 months

The Epworth Men’s Health Lunch

We made a significant financial donation to support Epworth HealthCare on their mission to raise awareness of men’s health issues – and were proudly included in the 2023 Epworth Medical Board’s Honour Board Celebration.

Big Hug Day

We donated chairs and tables for Big Hug Day in October, a one-day community event at the Eynesbury Homestead to give back to the many first responders who attended the Eynesbury School bus crash.

RMIT Graduate Exhibition

We were proud sponsors of RMIT’s 2023 Flux Exhibition, which showcased the many talented graduates from RMIT’s interior design and decoration courses.

Historical financial support and sponsorship

FightMND

Annual fundraiser football event over several years

Tarrawarra Museum of Art

We sponsored an education program for children over several years.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

As part of our mission to build strong organisational health and a workplace where people feel genuinely supported, we offer a centralised Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is readily available to all Harry’s staff across all states, 24/7.

Facilitated by trusted national provider D’Accord, our people can easily access confidential counselling services to help resolve their personal and work-related concerns. Provided in a friendly and supportive environment, this complementary service can be delivered faceto-face, online or via telephone and is non-judgemental and unbiased, ensuring it is open to all Harry’s employees regardless of their cultural and religious background.

We care. We are constantly on the lookout for new methods, materials and processes to help us minimise our impact.

Our environmental journey has only just begun

We trust you have gleaned some insight into just a few of the initiatives we’re working on to make Harry the hirer a greener and more sustainable business. We are serious about real change and putting words into action. We will continue to research, explore, consult, evaluate, review and implement new business processes and products. We are building long-standing partnerships with environmentally forward-thinking suppliers and partners and look forward to sharing our sustainable journey as it continues.