FOCUS Sustainability
“ The engagement
from staff has been outstanding. It made people love coming to work here.
”
focused on their specific industries. “The biggest difference between Epco and Industrial customers is that industrial customers want the problem solved,” said Miley. “They are not particularly fussed about how the problem is solved; they want it solved. It’s a very different project management method from our Epco customers.” Engagement a fundamental focus of Hydroflux As part of its vision and mission, Hydroflux has always taken its climate responsibility seriously. In 2022, Hydroflux became Australia’s first water treatment and technology company to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its organisation and its products. It knows that partnering with customers and clients is the most significant impact it can have in its journey. Each stage of the product lifecycle has been assessed to ensure its products and services are climate safe. It involved a review of carbon emissions, identifying carbon reduction opportunities and a longterm commitment to addressing climate change challenges. To achieve this goal, there was engagement with their employees, which has led to significant positive change. “Engaging and communicating with our staff gave them another spring
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INSIDE WATER March/April 2023
in their step. It made the staff realise that we are serious about climate change,” said Koumoukelis. The engagement has seen several changes in behaviour and practice. The teams across Hydroflux have provided fantastic input and many ideas to improve and ensure the company keeps sustainability in mind. “This is evidenced by our coffee pod and office recycling program through to the establishment of a cross-functional diverse internal team focused on improving the sustainability of everything we deliver. Being carbon-neutral is a great starting point in that process,” said Miley. The future of Hydroflux Koumoukelis and Miley are excited about the future of Hydroflux and
Fast fact
Having a female CEO and CFO is another point of difference that impacts Hydroflux’s ability to recruit more women into the business. With Julia Seddon as the CEO, Hydroflux shows they are serious about diversity and inclusion.
Water is a scarce resource for everyone, and Hydroflux understands the importance of looking after what we have.
the impact it will have by striving for its sustainability and climate change goals. Another area that particularly motivates them is the shift in the mentality of their clients. “Many of our clients embrace resiliency as part of their business planning, both in the private and public sectors. It’s great to be part of that conversation and leading to expanded capabilities in terms of bioenergy, renewable energy, water reuse, and protecting natural waterways,” said Koumoukelis. Miley is enthused about the growth throughout the Pacific region. Hydroflux works with 28 water authorities throughout the region and is now involved in various bioenergy projects. He believes that is a massive opportunity. “The other side is that we love seeing a new generation of water engineers being developed at Hydroflux,” said Koumoukelis. “It’s great to see where the graduates wind up in ten years. It’s always a joy to see them take control of a project, make a difference, and grow in their career path. I’m excited to see the next generation of water engineers come through. We’ve mentored them and done everything possible to support them. It’s always rewarding seeing people grow professionally in this space.” For more information, visit www.hydroflux.au