June 5th marks World Environment Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action to protect our environment. Each year, more than 143 countries take part, coming together to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
In 2026, the focus is on Climate Change - a critical issue already impacting our operations, supply chains, and communities. In Australia, rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and changing environmental conditions are influencing how we work and live every day.
Climate change is largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, transport, and daily business activities, meaning organisations like ours have an important role to play in reducing impact.
Across our business, we continue working towards improving our environmental performance through better data capture, operational efficiencies, and more sustainable practices. While progress is ongoing, meaningful change comes from the collective actions we take every day, both individually and as a business.
What can you do to support World Environment Day 2026?
Small actions across our workplaces can make a real difference:
Toolbox Talk - Climate Action
To support World Environment Day, a dedicated Toolbox Talk has been created and is now available on the Sustainability IMS. We encourage all teams to review and discuss this as part of your regular safety and team conversations.
ESG Case Studies available on IMS
The Sustainability team have also now introduced a new ESG Case Studies section within the Sustainability IMS, designed to highlight sustainability initiatives taking place across the business. This hub showcases examples from all divisions, including new technologies, innovations, and improvements that are driving positive ESG outcomes.
Each case study is developed collaboratively between operational teams and the Sustainability Team, helping bring visibility to the great work being delivered on the ground. The stories cover automatic mowers, paint recycling initiatives, welding fume reduction machines, battery recycling, Soap Aid programs, electric generators, and many more. These examples demonstrate how practical actions are contributing to better environmental and social outcomes across our operations.
New Battery Recycling Initiative - ShredX
PERSOL | Programmed has just partnered with ShredX to roll out Battery Recycling Boxes across key IT office locations in Australia - Melbourne (Docklands), Sydney (Parramatta), Perth (Burswood), and Brisbane (Oxley). These collection points allow for the safe recycling of household batteries through Ecocycle leading to the recovering valuable materials.
This initiative also helps reduce fire risks and prevents harmful substances from entering the environment. If your location doesn’t yet have a battery box, staff can utilise retail recycling options such as Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings, and ALDI. We look forward to expanding this program further in the future.
World Environment Day is a reminder that climate action starts with us - at work, on site, and in every decision we make. By working together, we can reduce our impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Let’s do our part to make a difference.
Sincerely,
The Sustainability Team
