Improving your sustainability ratings with Simply Cups
- Simply Cups
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Disposable coffee and paper cups are commonly used in workplaces and public spaces. For organisations aiming to boost sustainability ratings through NABERS Waste, Green Star, or IS Rating, this overlooked waste stream could be one of the factors you have not considered.
Why sustainability ratings matter
Track and validate environmental performance (energy, water, and waste)
Legitimise environmental claims
Boost asset value through better ESG credentials
Attract tenants, visitors, and investors
Improve long-term ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) outcomes
Improving sustainability ratings with Simply Cups
Most sustainability frameworks are built around the waste hierarchy, which prioritises reuse and recycling over landfill disposal. Unfortunately, disposable paper and coffee cups can’t be recycled via comingled recycling due to their size, weight and their waterproof lining. As a result, they often end up in landfill.
Simply Cups offers a smart, targeted solution: a specialised recycling program that collects and recycles these cups into new products, keeping them out of landfill and supporting circular economy principles
How Simply Cups supports sustainability ratings
Different sustainability rating systems have unique criteria and benchmarks, but they all share a common goal: reducing environmental impact through better waste management. Here’s how joining Simply Cups could help.
NABERS Waste
The NABERS Waste rating focuses on how effectively a building manages its waste, which includes how much is generated and how much is diverted from landfill. It encourages organisations to minimise waste through reuse and recycling programs and to report on specific waste streams beyond general waste.
How Simply Cups helps:
Targets an explicitly mentioned “optional waste stream” which is disposable coffee cups.
Supports better diversion rates by separating cups from general and comingled waste.
Improves data and reporting through measurable collection and recycling data provided by Simply Cups.
Aligns with the waste hierarchy by promoting reuse and recycling which is a key criteria under the NABERS framework.
IS Rating Scheme (Infrastructure Sustainability Council)
The IS Rating Scheme is widely used in infrastructure and construction, requiring comprehensive waste strategies for both construction and operations phases. It focuses on resource efficiency, innovation, and circular economy outcomes.
How Simply Cups helps:
Demonstrates an additional waste stream that is diverted from landfill and contributes to higher diversion rate.
Provides evidence for reporting through regular collection and recycling data provided by Simply Cups.
Green Star
Green Star, led by the Green Building Council of Australia, evaluates the sustainability of buildings across their life cycle. While the rating is design-heavy, it also emphasises operational waste management and supports circular economy initiatives.
How Simply Cups helps:
Enhances operational waste management through an additional stream, demonstrating a proactive waste reduction strategy in line with Green Star’s waste credits.
Supports education and behaviour change through promoting better waste behaviours among occupants.
Aligns with Green Star messaging: The emphasis on avoiding landfill and embedding sustainability into facility operations is directly supported by Simply Cups’ model.
Want to become a Cup Collector?
If you're ready to take action on waste, improve your sustainability credentials, and contribute to a circular economy—join Simply Cups as a Cup Collector.
It’s easy to get started, and we’ll support you with:
Collection infrastructure and signage
Ongoing cup collection and recycling
Reporting tools to help track your landfill diversion
Whether you're aiming to boost a sustainability rating or simply reduce your site’s environmental footprint, joining Simply Cups is a practical and effective step forward.
