Another challenge is the perceived cost of carbon solutions, including technology. However, running a simple audit as a first step can be revealing, says Connor McCauley, head of sustainability, Australia and New Zealand, JLL.

“While energy prices and waste collection costs have gone up, the cost of an audit hasn't. It’s a small investment that helps you see where savings can be made," McCauley says speaking on the recent podcast.

Not carrying out an audit can be costly, McCauley adds, citing waste contractors that are still emptying commercial bins based on contracts drawn up pre-pandemic when offices were busier.

“People are working from home and there hasn’t been as much waste, yet the same number of bins are still being collected and businesses are paying the same price - sometimes for an empty bin."