Simulus and the Environment

Simulus is committed to achieving world class environmental performance. We have implemented a number of changes around the office to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our ecological footprint. We are participating in the Greenhouse Challenge Plus program administered by the Australian Greenhouse Office.

We are committed to:

• Reducing our consumption
• Reusing items where we can
• Recycling as much as possible
• Offsetting our emissions

Some of our key initiatives are:

• Taking advantage of natural light and reducing reliance on electric lighting
• Installation of tinting on windows to allow light in but not heat
• Switching everything off at night and on weekends
• Encouraging transport to work via public transport or by pedestrian means
• Recycling paper, glass, plastic, aluminium, toner cartridges and batteries
• Ensuring carbon offsets are included for work related travel

We are also committed to improving the energy efficiency of our clients and their operations. We are increasing our skills in cleaner production techniques and eco-efficiency and will be helping to benchmark the sustainability of major clients by using suitable sustainable development metrics. We are also planning to use simulation tools to assist clients in meeting their obligations under the Energy Efficiency Act.

Desert Cubes

Simulus and our office neighbour ESRI have reduced our water consumption significantly by adopting the use of Desert Cubes in men’s bathroom. Desert Cubes save up to 150,000 litres of water per year by replacing the water flush with microbial technology.

NaturalPower

Simulus is powered by NaturalPower, a renewable energy product in Western Australia.

Links
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Centre of Excellence in Cleaner Production

Simulus and the Community

The Simulus team understand the importance of community. This covers both our own Simulus community (social life) and the broader community and its needs. Simulus has implemented a corporate giving program structured to provide help in the areas of humanitarian aid, education and sustainable energy. We have selected recipients in these areas and contribute on a regular basis to all of them. 

Charity in Community

Each quarter Simulus donates a portion of profits to a cause chosen by a team member. Previous recipients have been:

Engineers Without Borders

Simulus is proud to be a corporate sponsor of Engineers Without Borders. Engineers Without Borders Australia works with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. EWB also runs education and awareness programs in Australia aimed to make us all better global citizens and to foster the development of appropriate and sustainable technology.

Education

Simulus is proud to sponsor the following educational programs:

• Bhumeshwor Middle School, Nepal
• Lotus Children’s Centre, Mongolia 
• Adopt a School, Bali
• Ndwedwe School, South Africa

Sustainable Energy

Simulus is saving up for some solar cells. These will either be installed for a charitable organisation in Perth or in conjunction with an established EWB project overseas.

Opportunity International

Simulus started life as a small business and we believe that business, rather than aid, is the best way to reduce poverty. Opportunity International is a leader in the field of microfinance, which involves making small loans to people to start their own business and work their way out of poverty. Then, as the loan is repaid, the money is reused to help others.

The Joyce Appeal, Rotary Club of Australia.

Funds supported the travel and accomodation for Joyce Mutale to travel from Africa to receive burns treament by Fiona Woods in Perth.

The Colmeia Foundation, Brazil

The Colmeia Foudation operates a small private community centre outside of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.  Brett Muller and Kelly Smith taught english lessons there whilst in Brazil.  Ten copies of Rosetta Stone English classes were purchased to allow English classes to continue after Brett and Kelly returned to Australia.

Salvation Army Christmas Appeal

Simulus donated funds to help the Salvation Army support those in need at Christmas. Funds assist with Community Support Services, Homeless Services, The Soup Run, Genesis Centre, Harry Hunter and Bridge House rehabilitation centres.