2. Dude, where's my green car? Greenfleet supporter, what are your thoughts?
Greenfleet conducted a supporter study in June among both our individual and
corporate supporters. The survey was completed by 902 individual supporters and
113 corporate supporters, with the results offering some interesting insight into our
supporters and their thoughts.
Vehicle offsets are still the most popular emissions offset, with 99% of individual
supporters and 96% of corporate supporters offsetting their vehicle emissions.
Air travel emissions are offset by 19% of individuals and 14% of corporate
supporters, while 16% of individuals and 15% of corporate respondents offset their
gas, electricity, etc.
Our supporters understand that climate change should not be treated in isolation
of other environmental issues. While the main reason for individuals to offset their
emissions is to reduce their carbon footprint (68%), almost half (48%) are generally
concerned about climate change and 38% cited the revegetation benefits of
planting native forests.
The same trend was seen in the corporate survey, with 78% of respondents saying
While the Seoul Motor Show provided plenty of eye candy for visitors, the basic features of the vehicles
their organisation’s main reason for offsetting is to reduce their carbon footprint,
and their environmental credentials were notably absent. 49% saying their organisation is generally concerned about climate change and
33% citing the revegetation benefits of planting native forests. In addition 31% say
they hope to demonstrate their green credentials to customers and industry.
A visit to recent motor shows revealed that the car industry has a long way to go before
environmental considerations are more than just a marketing quirk. Most individuals and corporate supporters have taken our AVOID, REDUCE and
finally OFFSET message onboard, as 95% per cent of the individuals and 92% of
At the Seoul Motor Show in April (which I attended courtesy of Hyundai), visitors the corporate supporters say they are taking action to avoid and reduce emissions.
appeared more interested in pretty young models rather than the basic vehicle features,
let alone their environmental credentials. Turning off lights and appliances at the switch is the most popular way for
individuals to avoid and reduce emissions (84%), followed by waste reduction (80%)
Back home at the Melbourne International Motor show in March, the Greenfleet team and using less air conditioning and heating (68%).
discovered a general lack of knowledge about environmental features of vehicles
For organisations the methods are slightly different. Waste minimisation programs
by manufacturers’ representatives. Basic information about vehicle emissions was
(reduction and recycling) are the most popular method for corporate supporters
displayed on less than half the vehicles on show. A number of vehicle manufacturers
to avoid and reduce emissions (72%), while 59% are running behaviour change
tried promoting new concept cars as the ‘most efficient model’ on Australian roads, while
campaigns (ie. turn off lights when leaving room) and 54% have invested in more
using data from different tests from around the world as their grounds for comparison
efficient fleet vehicles.
– comparing apples with oranges as it were.
The majority of corporate respondents (71%) also say that their organisation is
So don’t be taken in by the glossy advertising, scratch a little below the surface and
encouraging staff to AVOID, REDUCE and OFFSET their emissions outside of work.
check out the environmental facts and figures. When you are looking for a new vehicle
remember the following vital points: More than half (56%) of the corporate supporters say they strongly agree that
organisations need to take action beyond the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
• Fuel economy is not the only contributor to greenhouse gas emissions when you
(CPRS) and further 43% agree with the above statement.
drive – fuel type is just as important. All vehicles sold in Australia must display a
sticker that details both fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions per kilometre, based on When asked if their organisation intends to take voluntary action beyond CPRS to
a standard Australian test. So emissions per kilometre travelled, shown as
reduce its carbon footprint, 39% of respondents strongly agreed and 56% agreed
g CO2-e/km, is the best way to compare the greenhouse performance of any
with the above statement.
vehicle (e.g. the best performer currently listed on the Green Vehicle Guide
generates 104 g CO2-e/km). The results show that our individual and corporate supporters share similar
motivations and commitment to taking action against climate change. In many
• Check out the federal government’s Green Vehicle Guide
(www.greenvehicle.gov.au) to take the hard work out of comparing vehicles’ cases individual supporters had extended their offset to their business and
environmental credentials. corporate supporters were also offsetting their personal emissions.
• Choose the most efficient vehicle for the job – small cars and hybrids are likely Greenfleet is especially pleased to discover that our AVOID, REDUCE and OFFSET
to be good for stop-start city driving, while turbo-diesel models may be more message is reaching all our supporters and we encourage you to continue finding
appropriate for longer distances. new ways to take action on climate change. We welcome your feedback about our
program at anytime, simply email us at info@greenfleet.com.au
• LPG is often cheaper to run but only saves about 10% CO2-e compared to most
ULP vehicles when vehicle fuel efficiency is factored in.
And regardless of the car you choose:
• Drive efficiently, drive smoothly – gentle acceleration and braking; remove
unnecessary items from the car; keep the car well maintained; use the air- Contact Greenfleet
conditioning sparingly.
• Remember to offset any emissions you do create with Greenfleet. Postal address: Email: info@greenfleet.com.au
Greenfleet Web: www.greenfleet.com.au
PO Box 16011
Collins Street West VIC 8007
Sara Gipton Individual supporters and enquiries: 1800 032 999
Business supporters and enquiries: 03 9642 0570
CEO Greenfleet
2 GREENFLEET NEWS - EdITIoN 10

3. Greenfleet is turning back the clock at O’Sheas Crossing
A lot has happened at O’Sheas Crossing since Greenfleet first inspected the site in late 2003. Thanks to the selection of locally indigenous species, intensive site preparation and planting at
the optimum time, the seedlings had grown from an average height of 20cm in October 2007
The site, which belongs to Seqwater, is a part of the Brisbane River and the old Stanley River
to an average of 90cm tall when they were checked again in mid-December 2007.
catchments, upstream of Wivenhoe Dam structure, in south east Queensland.
Since then the growth rate has continued to be fantastic due to good rains and soil conditions
The 32 hectare site had been heavily grazed in the past, compacting soils and altering natural
on the site. In April 2008, the trees were in excellent condition, with approximate height of 1.5
runoff and water filtration processes. While the soil structure has always been good, the long
to 1.8 metres.
grazing period has prevented vegetation's natural regeneration.
The latest inspection took place in April 2009 and showed that O’Sheas Crossing is currently
The site was originally direct seeded in 2004. This planting style suited the site’s long history
one of the best sites that Greenfleet has planted in the recent years. The survival rate is greater
of low rainfall, but when the site suddenly experienced a period of high rainfall, along with
than 90% and the trees are in spectacular health with an average height around two metres.
the presence of highly competitive weeds, germination suffered. Pasture grasses, although
expected in the climate, meant that seedling establishment was difficult as these weeds Greenfleet plans to conduct an interim carbon measure on the site in the next few months and
competed for moisture, light and nutrients. will compare the modeled carbon yields with on-ground measurements.
In October 2007, Greenfleet replanted the site using seedlings and conventional site preparation
methods consisting of ripping, spraying, planting and follow-up weed maintenance. Seqwater
takes care of site maintenance, which includes plenty of weed management, but little watering
" The latest inspection took place in April
is needed due to very favourable rainfall conditions.
2009 and showed that O’Sheas Crossing
is currently one of the best sites that
The site was originally open forest with Black Tea-Tree and Forest Red Gum the dominant
species. Greenfleet returned these species to the area, along with a selection of less dominant
Greenfleet has planted in the recent years.
species to reflect the original species mix. The trees were also planted to mimic the original The survival rate is greater than 90% and
planting patterns. the trees are in spectacular health with an
average height around two metres.
"
Rising from the ashes
Victoria is slowly recovering from the aftermath of In total the fires affected three Greenfleet sites in
this year’s bushfires. While the affected communities Victoria: Bushfires – a natural part of the Australian bush
have started their road to recovery, so have the trees • 22 hectares in Barfold, planted in 2005; Bushfires have been part of the Australian landscape for millions of years.
that surround them.
• 18 hectares in Kyneton, planted in 2008;
• 3 hectares in Baynton, planted in 2008; and Indigenous people used fire to their benefit to manage the land and as a
Since the last flames were put out in March,
hunting aid, but the pattern of bushfires has been altered enormously by the
Greenfleet has been actively assessing planting sites • 5 hectares in Labertouche, planted in 2005.
influx of immigrants into Australia.
to determine the impact of the bushfires on our
forests. The sites have been monitored over the winter
Nowadays bushfires are considered a tremendous threat to local
months and will be replanted in early spring if they
communities, and it is easy to forget that the effects on plant life can actually
Our initial assessments indicated that less than 1% don't show adequate signs of recovery.
be more beneficial than detrimental in some instances.
(or 50 hectares) of Greenfleet forests were impacted
by fire. Further assessments have been undertaken We will continue to give you updates on monitoring
Much of Australia’s vegetation has evolved with fire and curiously, like the
and we can now confirm that the fire-affected area is and recovery processes and we wish all the best to
vegetation in other harsh dry environments, it has developed characteristics
limited to 48 hectares. the people in the affected communities who are now
that promote the spread of fire. In addition, many Australian plants have
working hard to rebuild their lives.
evolved to survive the effects of a bushfire and some plants actually benefit
from it.
Wattle, banksia, eucalypts and the grass tree are amongst common
Australian plants that have some ability to adapt to or benefit from fires for
future regeneration. Some plants have reserve shoots which grow after fire
and others have seeds which are either fire-resistant or triggered by fire.
Many eucalypts have a substance called kino in their bark which aids in the
resistance to heat penetration and ensures their survival – even after very
intense fires. Moreover, following the recovery of tree crowns, eucalypts may
grow, for a number of years, more vigorously than they did before the fire.
Cover image: The cover image was taken by Greenfleet CEO Sara Gipton at the King Lake
National Park on June 20th, almost three months after the bushfires swept through the area.
At the end of April, one month after the last fires were put out, the first signs of recovery were clearly visible against the blackened ground at Labertouche.
SPRING 2009 3

4. Sustainable transport - are we there yet?
Australians are still among
the least sustainable transport
users, according to the latest
Greendex study.
National Geographic and the international polling firm GlobeScan
conducted their second annual Greendex study in January this year,
measuring and monitoring consumer progress toward environmentally
sustainable consumption in 17 countries around the world.
The transportation sub-index of the study measures things such as the
ownership and driving of motorised vehicles, frequency of air travel, use
of public transport, and the frequency of walking or cycling as one’s
primary means of transportation.
In 2008 Australian consumers were 13th out of 14 countries and this
year’s ranking leaves us at 15th out of 17. The list was topped by
Chinese, Argentineans and Indians indicating their transport choices are
the most environmentally sustainable, while Canadians and Americans
joined Australians at the bottom of the list.
Our unsustainable transport practices are also reflected in Australia’s
latest National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which shows that emissions
from transport grew 27% between 1990 and 2007, and contribute
almost 15% of Australia’s total greenhouse emissions.
When measuring the frequency of driver-only vehicle trips, Australians
rank third-worst, after only the French and Americans, with 54% driving
alone every day or most days and 21% doing so at least once a week.
While there’s a 7-point drop this year in the percentage of Australians
driving alone daily, the number is still alarmingly high and could
easily be reduced by making a conscious effort to take other forms of
transport, car pooling, and better planning of any unavoidable trips by
combining tasks.
Only 8% of Australians use public transport every day or most days,
putting us near the bottom of the list, ahead of only Canadians and
Americans. This number has dropped by three points since last year,
along with the percentage of people who use public transport at least
once a week (now at just 7%) – we know you'll agree with the team
at Greenfleet, that this trend is alarming and needs to be reversed
immediately.
Almost half (45%) of Germans opt to reach their destination by walking
or cycling ‘all the time, compared to just 21% of Australians. While this
is an improvement of 4 points over last year’s figures,this increase does
not balance out the trend away from public transport.
The survey suggests the biggest obstacle for people using public
transport is the lack of availability, which sends a clear message to
transport planners all over Australia - the available services aren’t
meeting consumer demands. Whether this is perception or reality, there
is much work to be done by public transport operators and planners
to improve the appeal of public transport over the convenience of car
travel.
Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/greendex for more information about
the Greendex and to calculate your own Greendex score.
Better still, dust off that old bike and get fit while you get where you're
going. Page 5 is dedicated to pedal power and highlights plenty of
great initiatives to make cycling more appealing for your daily commute.
4 GREENFLEET NEWS - EdITIoN 10

5. Cycle friendly workplaces Ride to Work on Wednesday 14 October
Cycling is good for the environment, as well as for the body If you have been eyeing your bicycle with a guilty conscience
and soul. More and more workplaces are now encouraging lately, here’s a good reason to dust it off and enjoy a different
staff to switch the mind numbing peak-hour traffic jam to a kind of trip to work.
breezy ride to work.
With National Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 14 October
Cycle-friendly workplaces boast higher morale, lower rolling around quickly, it’s time to get your registration in for
absenteeism and greater productivity. They also enjoy this fun and friendly event.
reduced operating costs and demonstrate environmental
responsibility. So it is easy to see why the two-wheel The aim of National Ride to Work Day is to ‘encourage new
commute is becoming more and more popular. riders to discover the many benefits of riding to work and
motivate regular riders to increase their frequency of riding.’
While people make their own decision whether or not to ride While the primary motivation for people to ride to work is
to work, the workplace has a significant role in making the exercise, the event also shows the significance that cycling Human bicycle at Ride to Work breakfast in Hyde Park, Sydney.
decision a bit easier. Whether your organisation employs has on preventing carbon emissions. Last year an estimated 110,000 people and 3,700 workplaces
two people or 2,000, there are three easy and cost-effective participated in National Ride to Work Day and the organisers
steps to make the workplace cycle-friendly. Last year’s National Ride to Work Day participants (who
are hoping even more people will join in this year. But don’t
indicated that they would otherwise have travelled by car)
Step 1: Build the culture just get on your bike; remember to register as well, as this
saved 73 tonnes of CO2 equivalent on the day.
assists the organisers when working with employers, councils
Live by example. Regular cyclists are your best resource Get your workplace involved in National Ride to Work Day and and state governments for better facilities and infrastructure
when it comes to creating a cycle-friendly culture as they put on a breakfast for your hungry cyclists to celebrate their for bike riders.
can provide valuable information and tips to new riders. achievements.
Seeing your boss cycle to work is not going to hurt either.
Register as an individual or a workplace at: www.ridetowork.com.au and find all the information you need to participate on 14 October.
Relaxing your organisation’s dress code, especially on
Fridays, can encourage staff to cycle. Flexible working
hours can also be an incentive for employees to walk, cycle
Brisbane makes riding to work easy
or use public transport to get to work. Celebrating its first birthday recently, the King George Square clean towel is provided each time you visit.
Step 2: Improve facilities Cycle Centre opened its doors in June 2008, providing
facilities for 420 cyclists right in the heart of Brisbane's While you pay for the service, it is cheaper than public
If your workplace doesn’t already have bicycle facilities, CBD and making commuter cycling easy, convenient and transport or driving and you can save on a gym membership
it’s worth conducting a survey among staff to map out comfortable. because you're exercising during your daily commute. There
your needs. Even if you already have bicycle facilities, you are membership options to suit everyone from everyday users,
might learn that the storage area that catered for all your Features of the centre include secure electronic swipe card to casual one-off visitors.
cycling staff five years ago is now struggling with double access; double-decker bike racks; shower, change room and
locker facilities for 150 females and 270 males; and even a Find out more about the King George Square Cycle Centre
the demand. and join up at www.cycle2city.com.au
Secure bicycle parking is one of the most important
elements of encouraging riding to work. There are many Pedal Power
parking devices available that are space efficient and allow
cyclists to lock bicycles at ground or wall level. As a part of the Melbourne Earth Hour Concert in March, the Earth Hour concert used 44.61 kWh and the leftover energy
Future Spark Team Challenge called on schools, community was used to help power the restaurants and lighting at
Good-quality changing rooms and shower facilities are a teams and companies in Melbourne to generate ‘pedal- Melbourne’s Federation Square.
must for cycling staff. These facilities should be secure, powered’ energy for the concert during the week leading up
lockable and located in well-lit locations close to bicycle to the event. Each team was allocated an hour to generate as Visit www.futurespark.com.au for more information.
storage areas. They should also include toilets and non- much energy as possible, by pedalling four bicycles hooked
slip floor surfaces. Alternatively, you could negotiate with up to custom made electricity generators.
an adjoining building or a nearby gym or club for your
employees to use their facilities. Greenfleet took part in the challenge and, with the help of
some friends, contributed 463Wh for the event.
Step 3: Consolidate & innovate
A total of 132 teams took part in the challenge, generating
There are many ways to strengthen the cycling culture at 62.25 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy for the concert. The
your workplace.
Create an information pack for staff that includes details Get on your bike - or someone else's!
on bicycle facilities at work and nearby cycling routes. If
some staff members are not confident about riding to work, Bike sharing - European cities have been doing it for a while The bicycles have been so popular that Darwin City Council is
organise on-site training workshops for cycle proficiency now and it's just becoming popular in Australia. Here are a now considering increasing the number of bicycles available.
and bicycle maintenance. couple of the programs around:
Monash University is offering a bike share program to Halls
Provide incentives such as frequent rider programs, Darwin City Council workers now have the option of riding of Residence students at its Clayton Campus. The scheme
reimbursements, salary packaging or interest free loans to bicycles to meetings instead of driving council vehicles. As a has been developed to encourage use of sustainable transport
help staff buy or upgrade their bicycle; or buy a pool-bicycle part of promoting the Activate NT program, the council has options and allows students living in accommodation in the
or a fleet of bicycles for local trips within 5km for work purchased six bicycles that are available for staff to use for north-east corner of the campus to ride to classes or activities.
purposes. work and travelling to meetings. The council also encourages
staff members to take the bicycles for a spin during their The recycled bikes have been fitted with a locking system
For more cycling tips, visit www.ridetowork.com.au and similar to those used on shopping trolleys and students
lunch break to get some fresh air and exercise.
www.cyclingpromotion.com.au involved in the scheme receive a free helmet, lock key, lights
“These simple things like riding a bike across the city helps and parking map to get them started.
This article has been adapted from Bicycle Victoria’s The
the environment, reduces congestion and is a healthier
Cycle-Friendly Workplace guide (updated in July 2008). For more information on sustainability initiatives at Monash
alternative to the problem of getting from A to B,” Lord Mayor,
Visit www.ridetowork.com.au to access the full guide. visit the Facilities and Services website at
Graeme Sawyer said.
www.fsd.monash.edu.au/green
SPRING 2009 5

6. Supporter news
Time and money impede greening at home Green hopes for the future
The inaugural Green Home and Motoring Index found that time, money and ignorance are the Monash University’s Department of Business Law and Taxation celebrated their students’
major barriers to Australians doing more at home to reduce their environmental impact. outstanding academic results with an awards ceremony in May.
The environmental impact study, commissioned by AAMI in conjunction with Greenfleet, shows For the second consecutive year Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton, handed out the Greenfleet
that Australians don’t mind reducing their greenhouse gases as long as it doesn’t cost them Prize for the top student in Corporate Environmental Responsibility. Greenfleet is pleased
anything. to sponsor this award and hopes that students completing this subject will become
According to the results, 37% of householders will only reduce their environmental impact if it champions and leaders for radically improving the environmental performance of
doesn’t cost anything, 12% will only do so if it doesn’t take too much time and 5% are not at business, government and non-government sectors in Australia.
all concerned about their impact on the environment. This year’s prize winner was Ms Leonie Goodwin, who has just completed a double
However, there are some households who are willing to take extra steps in order live a more Masters – MBA / Masters of Corporate Environment and Sustainability Management.
environmentally friendly life as 28% of householders will go to ‘any length’ to reduce their “My background is in the arts; however the environment and corporate social
environmental impact. responsibility are areas I've been deeply interested in for many years”, Leonie said.
“While uncertainty about household finances has clearly impacted some people’s enthusiasm
“It got to a point where I felt I needed to do something more than I was, and I felt the best
for being environmentally friendly, our research shows most Australians are taking significant
way to do that was to improve my education and build skills in respect to sustainability
action to reduce their environmental impact,” AAMI Corporate Affairs Manager Mike Sopinski
issues and business so that I could better understand the issue from a corporate
said.
perspective.”
The study shows the importance of educating people on how to reduce their environmental
Despite the initial challenges combining full-time work and studying, Leonie is thoroughly
footprint, as 18% of householders say they would like to reduce their environmental impact,
enjoying the decision she made.
but don’t know how.
“Working with and learning from lecturers and industry practitioners who are really
“Household efforts appear concentrated on reducing water and energy consumption, which
passionate about sustainability has been fantastic”, she said.
has been made possible through widespread use of more efficient appliances, and through
a basic change in attitude and behaviour that is seeing us using less of our resources,” Mr In June Greenfleet harnessed Leonie’s experience for a Monash University Green Steps
Sopinski said. project that involved comparing different carbon standards for forestry providers around
Up to 65% of Australian householders have installed water-saving showerheads, 24% have the world.
installed a rainwater tank, 11% have installed a grey water system and 31% only use grey Leonie has now left Australia to undertake an internship at the UNEP Finance Initiative
water on their garden. in Geneva, Switzerland. In the future she’s hoping put her skills into practise to help
In looking for ways to reduce emissions, householders are benefiting from hip-pocket savings corporations integrate and improve their sustainability performance.
through lower bills and running costs of more efficient appliances. Three in five (64%)
Australians limit heating and air conditioning use, 62% limit use of clothes dryers and 61% Greenfleet CEO Sara Gipton (left) with Leonie Goodwin, who received the 2009 Greenfleet
Prize for the top student in Corporate Environmental Responsibility.
use energy efficient appliances.
Greenfleet CEO Sara Gipton said most of the barriers identified in the AAMI Green Home and
Motoring Index could be easily overcome.
“Australians clearly want to do the right thing, but many don’t know where to start, or think it
will cost too much to reduce their environmental impact,” Ms Gipton said.
“There are many quick, easy, cost-effective things that can immediately reduce greenhouse
emissions and energy bills such as keeping heating and cooling on a moderate setting and
turning appliances off at the wall.
“Blocking draughts with inexpensive tape and using curtains and external blinds will help
maintain a more constant indoor temperature and reduce a household’s artificial heating
and cooling needs. Insulation has a massive impact – not only does it make a home more
comfortable year-round, for many it will attract a government rebate.
“These simple actions will quickly become the norm and you’ll wonder why you didn’t always
do things this way.”
The full AAMI Green Home Index is available at www.aami.com.au. And, remember to visit
Greenfleet’s new website at www.greenfleet.com.au for further emissions-reducing tips and
offsets.
Spot the prius
LeasePlan is the proud Foundation Supporter of Greenfleet, Prius has more than enough internal space to accommodate all
having supported the organisation since it was founded in our promotional materials.
1997.
And we can’t forget the environmental benefits either: the
As a part of the sponsorship deal, LeasePlan provides two Toyota Prius is still one of the leaders on the Green Vehicle
vehicles for Greenfleet staff. One of our foresters is driving a Guide with a fuel consumption rate of 4.4 litres per 100
2008 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD (diesel) – perfect for rough and kilometres and emissions of 106 g CO2-e/km.
non-existent roads on site visits – while a 2006 Toyota Prius is
reserved for more city-based driving. We also thoroughly enjoy the undivided attention we attract
while sitting at traffic lights in the Prius. Adorned with full body
The Prius has been especially handy for attending community art, depicting the shadow of a majestic tree cast across the
fairs and other events across Melbourne. Transporting odd- panels, along with LeasePlan and Greenfleet logos, the car is
shaped, bulky display materials can potentially be tricky, but the very hard to miss.
6 GREENFLEET NEWS - EdITIoN 10

7. We'd like to thank the Foundation sponsor:
following organisations for
supporting Greenfleet
Visit greenfleet.com.au for more supporters.
Green printing by Fishprint
Thank you to Fishprint for donating the printing of this newsletter, using waterless offset technology, non-genetically modified soy ink Graphic Design
and 100% recycled Re-Art paper donated by Focus Paper. Subgreen Design
www.subgreendesign.com.au
Printing
Fishprint
www.fishprint.com.au
Paper Supplier
Focus Paper
www.focuspaper.com.au
SPRING 2009 7

8. Telstra strides towards greener communications
Waste and resources
The use of resources is one of the key environmental issues Telstra faces. The company is
a major user of materials ranging from network equipment and construction materials, such
as pits, pipe and cable, to stationery and office paper. The environmental impact of these
includes the consumption of natural resources and generating waste that requires disposal.
To minimise paper use internally, Telstra has moved from primarily paper-based systems to
online systems for providing internal information to employees. Telstra also offers customers
the choice of online billing, including the ability to send bills to mobile phones.
In 2007/08 consumption of office paper was reduced by approximately 35,900 reams - a
14% reduction from 2006/07. Over the last six years, annual paper consumption has
decreased from 10.3 reams per employee in 2002/03 to 6.5 in 2007/08.
Telstra’s environmental impact relating to water use is relatively low. Water is primarily used
for staff amenities such as kitchens, toilets and showers and for cooling towers in offices, line
depots and exchanges. In the last 18 months Telstra has installed waterless urinals, placed
Image: Telstra
flow restriction devices on taps, upgraded toilet cisterns and replaced some water-cooled
cooling towers with air-cooling units.
Telstra has conducted extensive research on the environmental impacts of its products and
services: http://www.nowwearetalking.com.au/carbon/research
We all know Telstra as a provider of telecommunications services across Australia,
but in delivering these services the company has not forgotten their environmental
responsibility. Engaging Employees
Telstra’s environmental efforts start from a simple notion – efficient use and conservation According to a 2008 employee engagement survey, 78% of employees believe Telstra is
of resources allows business to reduce environmental impact and reduce operating costs an environmentally responsible company. The survey’s aim was to engage employees on
at the same time. environmental issues to determine their concerns and interests, encourage their active role in
public policy, keep them abreast of emerging issues, and ensure ongoing consideration of the
The nature of Telstra’s operations means that their greenhouse gas emissions come environment at every level of the business.
from:
The information gained from the survey helped develop the new green office program,
• he use of electricity and gas for lighting, heating and air conditioning in office and
t
GreenChallenge@Telstra, which was launched on World Environment Day in June 2008.
network buildings and electricity to operate the network (92%);
The program aims to:
• he use of fuel (LPG, petrol, diesel) for vehicles and standby generators (7%); and
t
• y-products of organic waste decomposition (such as paper, cardboard, timber, food
b • aise staff awareness of the environmental impacts that result from daily office activities
r
scraps) that goes to landfill (1%). and practices;
• educate staff on how to reduce their carbon footprint;
Improving energy efficiency • enable staff to make informed decisions about how they commute to work;
• ncourage staff to use Telstra’s conferencing technology to reduce business air and taxi
e
Telstra’s total measured energy consumption for the financial year 2007/08 was travel to cut greenhouse gas emissions; and
6,064,687 GJ. Energy management programs help to improve energy efficiency in
Telstra’s network, buildings and offices, saving 31,924 GJ of energy in 2007/08, or • engage staff in environmental management and decision-making.
9,605 tonnes CO2-e. This is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from around
680 average Australian homes for an entire year. Using ICT as a driver of your Sustainability Strategy
In June 2008, Telstra screensavers were removed from around 36,000 computers across Telstra believes that any leading Australian organisation determined to have a long-term,
the company, and replaced with a black screensaver. This simple initiative reduced successful future should be focused on improving sustainability. Organisations should
energy consumption by an estimated 646 tonnes of CO2-e annually – comparable to the recognise that it is now time to take responsible action and provide solutions that improve
annual greenhouse gas emissions of 46 average Australian households. three key things: operational resilience, commercial sustainability and environmental
sustainability.
Telstra purchases LPG and diesel vehicles as a means of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions from their fleet. The company has installed GPS systems in technicians’ No organisation, however, would be interested in introducing sustainable solutions without
vehicles to improve route efficiency and productivity. In addition, 2007/08 saw the being able to quantify the environmental, commercial and social benefits.
number of fleet vehicles reduced by 17%.
Organisations can reduce energy use and greenhouse gases by adopting information
In 2007/08, Telstra used 42,855kL of fuel (LPG, petrol and diesel) and produced and communication technologies (ICT) such as video conferencing, teleworking, web
105,736 tonnes CO2-e: a reduction of 16.7% in volume and 21% less greenhouse gas contact centres and fleet and field-force management solutions. Telstra’s Group Manager
emissions than in 2006/07. This decrease in transport greenhouse gas emissions was Environment, Dr Turlough Guerin, firmly advocates that “Work should be something you do, not
due primarily to the reduction in vehicle numbers and consequent fuel consumption. somewhere you go.”
As part of a salary sacrifice package for employees, a payment is made to Greenfleet The joint Telstra-WWF white paper ‘Using ICT to drive your sustainability strategy’ explores the
for each vehicle. Telstra has been offsetting its vehicle fleet in this way since 2003 and commercial, environmental and societal benefits ICT tools. Find a copy of the white paper at
during that time has helped Greenfleet to plant over 676,000 trees. www.telstraenterprise.com/researchinsights/Pages/Sustainability.aspx
Bicycle Winners
Since cycling instead of driving is such a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we’d ‘Living for our Future’ Expo and she was very excited when she found out she would get to take
like to acknowledge the generosity of St Kilda Cycles which allowed us to reward two Greenfleet the first bicycle home.
supporters with some brand new wheels.
Rachel Alway, who recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne, discovered her survey feedback
Everyone who signed up to offset their personal car with Greenfleet at either at the Boroondara was very valuable indeed, as she was rewarded with the second bicycle.
‘Living for our Future’ Expo or the Whitehorse 'Sustainable Transport Expo' in March
automatically went into a draw to win one of the bikes on offer. Congratulations to you both, we hope the bikes get lots of use and help you to reduce your
greenhouse gas emissions.
The second bike was offered as an incentive for individual supporters to provide feedback about
Greenfleet’s program through an online survey in June. Thanks again to St Kilda Cycles for donating the bikes and helping us to spread the word about
avoiding and reducing emissions. Check them out at
Andrea Lomdahl from Glen Iris, Victoria, signed up to support Greenfleet at the Boroondara www.stkildacycles.com.au if you’re thinking about buying a new bike.