Australia's small and medium businesses are set to receive a helping hand to ‘green up', thanks to a new free business book to be launched by Sensis called Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth.

As part of its commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Australia's small and medium businesses, Sensis engaged renowned environmentalist and 2010 NSW Australian of the Year Jon Dee, to author the book.

The book has been developed to provide Australia's two million-plus SMEs with practical information and tips on how to improve their bottom line while also reducing their impact on the environment.

Commenting on the launch of Small Business Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth, Bruce Akhurst, Sensis Chief Executive Officer said, "Sustainability continues to be integral to the success of our business, as does the growth and prosperity of the SME sector.

"We wanted to support this sector in a very practical way that would not only help small businesses save money, but also provide easy ways to improve their operational efficiencies that will ultimately reduce their environmental footprint.

"Sensis has a proud history of sustainable practices. Earlier this year we announced that our Yellow Pages® and White Pages® print and online directories have been certified carbon neutral through the Australian Government's Greenhouse Friendly^TM program.

"We will achieve this by offsetting the carbon emissions of the directories through Greenhouse Friendly^TM accredited providers and projects in Australia. We also announced our target to reduce our operational greenhouse gas footprint by 5% year-on-year .

"The launch of Small Business Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth adds to our sustainability commitments and is something we're really pleased with given its ability to help Australia's small and medium businesses make a positive difference to the environment and at the same time enhance their bottom line," says Akhurst.

According to author Jon Dee, some small businesses think reducing their impact on the environment is a luxury they can't afford.

"Many small businesses think that looking after the environment will have a negative impact on their bottom line. Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth challenges this view," he says.

"For example, many larger companies are now starting to make their supply chains more sustainable. Those SMEs who are well prepared for this could find themselves with a major competitive advantage over less ‘green' competitors," Dee said.

Buzz terms such as ‘Sustainable Procurement', ‘Green Power', ‘Emissions Trading' and ‘Energy Performance Contracts' are explained in the book in an easy to understand way. There are also sections covering what climate change is and why it's not a fad, why SMEs should care and how they can communicate their commitment to sustainability.

"For the modern and efficient SME, it's not a case of having a successful business OR a healthy environment. It's about combining both," states Dee.

Jaye Radisich, Chief Executive at the Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has reviewed the book and says, "Sustainable Growth illustrates how some of the best in the business have achieved their sustainability goals - and highlights how small businesses can take this experience and apply it to achieve real dollar savings and a competitive market edge.

"This book is a must read for small business operators who want to achieve sustainable growth in their business," she said.

Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth is the second free book Sensis has produced for the SME sector. It follows the successful advertising and marketing guide written in conjunction with Rob Hartnett.

Click here to order your FREE copy of "Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth".