greenfleet news - 2010 winter
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Greenfleet newsletter, Winter 2010 includes 5 minutes with Dr Ruth Beilin, forests and farms in harmony at Wagga Wagga, green awards, planting trees but managing carbonTRANSCRIPT
Your sustainable transport guide 5 minutes with Dr Ruth Beilin Forests and farms in harmony in Wagga Wagga 54 opportunities to build a low-carbon economy Supporter news Tips to avoid and reduce emissions
In this issue:
News #13
Supporters always ask us for practical tips to help avoid and reduce
their transport emissions, so we decided to write a practical “how to”
guide showcasing the simple things you can do to reduce your transport
footprint.
Eighteen months, and a lot of hard work later, Greenfleet and the Net
Balance Foundation launched a guide to help reduce businesses’
emissions associated with commuting to and from work, business
meetings, freight and other transport.
The guide offers practical insights from many of our business supporters
who shared their experiences of implementing sustainable transport
solutions in their own workplace.
Feedback from people who have used it already is that the guide has some
straightforward and great solutions that any workplace, big or small, could
implement to reduce their transport footprint.
Transport is often one of the biggest offenders a business has to face
in evaluating their carbon emissions, with emissions from transport
accounting for approximately 15% of Australia’s greenhouse gas
emissions. This guide outlines carbon reducing transport options and
shows, from the experience of others, that it is achievable – so now every
business can make conscious decisions to reduce their carbon footprint.
Here are some simple examples that could be implemented in your workplace:
Install video, web or tele-conferencing
Allow staff to work from home or offer flexible working hours
Install shower and change room facilities
Move the business to a location with good public transport access
Start a car pooling program
Alter freight delivery times and adjust freight loads
Undertake a vehicle needs analysis and make sure vehicle maintenance
is up-to-date
‘Green’ the fleet and teach staff about eco driving
By taking up more sustainable transport options in your business you can
help reduce Australia’s overall transport footprint, benefit your bottom line
and make the workforce healthier.
To help your organisation reduce its transport footprint, download the guide
from greenfleet.com.au and start a conversation about what you can do.
Your sustainable transport guide Driving better transport decisions for your business
Just remember - while you may not be able to do everything, you have to start somewhere. You can download the guide from the Researchers section of our website.
2
Sara Gipton
CEO Greenfleet
Dr Ruth Beilin is an Associate Professor in the
Melbourne School of Land and Environment at
the University of Melbourne. Dr Beilin is also
Deputy Director of the Office for Environmental
Programs at the University.
She has more than 20 years experience within
the amalgamated institution, with a teaching
and research position within the Department
of Resource Management and Geography as a
Landscape Sociologist. The focus of her work
to date is on everyday landscapes and ‘ordinary’
people - policy frameworks, planning institutions,
resource use - in a landscape context centred on
human interaction with ‘space’ and ‘place’.
Dr Beilin has been a member of Greenfleet’s
National Advisory Council for one year and prior
to that she was a member of the Greenfleet
Board for 4 years.
1. What attracted you to offer your support to Greenfleet?
Initially I just wanted to offset my car use. Then
I joined the Board of Directors because I wanted
to be part of the discussion to talk about tree
planting as part of a bigger landscape change.
2. Are more people studying the environment at the University of Melbourne?
Undergraduate numbers have dramatically
increased to just over 800 students a year,
because we now have a new Bachelor of
Environments undergraduate degree. Students
choose from 11 different majors all incorporating
ideas about environmental change and shifting
our way of engaging with the environment to
interact in more sustainable ways.
At a postgraduate level the Masters of
Environments, which engages all the University’s
faculties in its programs, has more than 270
mainly part-time students enrolled. The level
of engagement and activity is intense, creating
momentum both in their daytime work places
and across the University.
I think these programs indicate a recognition
within the University, and from students and
society in general, that the way forward needs to
be significantly different than what we have been
doing. These are exciting times academically
and bode well, I think, for the future.
3. Can education significantly reduce climate change?
I absolutely think that environmental education
assists with understanding what is meant by
climate change. More importantly it helps us
to be climate adaptive in the way we conceive
of and build our houses, in the role we play as
consumers of `products’ and in the changing of
social norms, so that we live in more sustainable
ways and consider our role in managing
resources for future generations.
4. What actions do you take at home to reduce emissions?
We are very lucky we live on a 2 hectare block
in the Dandenongs, giving us a lot more options
about how to live. Our water is supplied from
rain tanks, we have no mains water. We have
composting toilets upstairs and down and the
compost that eventuates every couple of years
goes into my terraced vegetable garden - which
has amazingly productive outcomes. We also
carpool to the train station to commute to and
from work.
5. In the workplace?
We recycle our paper in all the offices. I turn
out lights or don’t put them on if it is a sunny
day. I never buy a plastic water bottle. I use a
jug and glasses in my office to provide water to
visitors and students. We have a new system
in the Student Union where you can opt for real
china plates to avoid plastic and then help with
the cleanup.
6. What are your hopes for the future?
My hope is that we can rethink how we do
things here - let’s start by conserving agricultural
land races and understanding ourselves as part
of nature and not separate to it. Greenfleet
supporters are taking the first steps towards
a self-conscious reappraisal of how they live
and the resources they expend. We need to
support that kind of thinking so that real change
is understood to require individual commitment,
as well as being linked to governmental
determination to lead in this area.
For the full interview visit: www.greenfleet.com.au/Global/Researchers/Expert_opinion
5 minutes with Dr Ruth Beilin
3
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)
Research Centre, just outside the regional NSW town of Wagga
Wagga, offers a hands-on approach to studying land-based industries
and issues. The 200 ha research site hosts many forestry research
projects - from biodiverse native forests for carbon capture and
habitat creation, to native and pine plantations where growth rates
are monitored for timber production.
In August 2001, Greenfleet planted 14,320 native trees across 20 ha
of the property. At the time, this region was experiencing extremely
dry weather conditions and intensive site preparation was carried
out to maximise survival of the trees. Rip lines were oriented to
maximise soil moisture availability and minimise soil erosion on steep
areas, and weed control was carried out pre and post-planting. Like
all Greenfleet plantings, locally indigenous species were selected and
planted at the optimum time. Plants included various native shrubs,
Acacias, and Eucalypts.
When we visited in May 2010, the forest was looking very healthy,
with the trees now approximately 8-10m tall. Overall the planting
is in excellent condition, even though the site has been exposed to
many years of drought.
In addition to monitoring the condition of the trees, Greenfleet forestry
contractor, Greg Abel was lucky enough to observe one of the other
benefits of this particular forest. Greg arrived just 20 minutes before
this lamb (right) was born. This reinforces that native forests do more
than just take carbon from the atmosphere to tackle climate change.
They also protect livestock and native animals from the threat of cold
and wind, providing windbreaks and shelter. This forest will help to
secure a healthy and happy future for this new arrival.
“We’ve been exceptionally happy with the survival and growth rate of
the trees, because they were planted in one of the harshest droughts
and cold weather periods this region has seen. Their survival is
due to the excellent land preparation undertaken in partnership with
Greenfleet and the grazing management in partnership with TAFE
NSW to maintain groundcover but minimise competition from the
understorey grasses,” said DECCW Senior Natural Resource Officer,
Dr Greg Summerell.
“The Greenfleet trees have created a corridor to connect existing
isolated patches of native bush. We are seeing Superb Parrots (listed
as a “vulnerable” species in NSW), using the trees as a resting place
on their long flights inland for food. The Superb Parrot is confined
to a relatively small area from the NSW/Victorian border through to
the NSW/Queensland border. Previously their main travelling corridor
around the research centre was limited to a set of forested hills over
1km away. We believe the corridor we have created has improved
the local habitat for the Superb Parrot, hopefully supporting the
population,” said Dr Summerell.
“With the dry and cold climate, the trees have also become invaluable
for windbreaks and frost protection for our livestock.
“In addition, the trees were planted to address salinity recharge;
our salt scald has completely dried up now, beyond levels which we
would have expected from drought conditions alone.”
Forests and farms in harmony in Wagga Wagga
The trees have also become invaluable for windbreaks and frost protection for our livestock.
4
Dec 2007 Jun 2009
May 2010 May 2010
6
Earlier this year, ClimateWorks launched
a Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia.
The plan is an economy-wide blueprint
for Australia to achieve ambitious (25%)
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by
2020 - at low cost, while building a growing
low-carbon economy.
The Plan was developed by ClimateWorks
Australia - a non-profit partnership between
the Monash Sustainability Institute and the
Myer Foundation - in conjunction with global
business consultants McKinsey & Company.
ClimateWorks have identified 54 separate
opportunities - across all sectors - that
together can achieve a reduction in
emissions of 249 Mt CO2-e (million tonnes
of carbon dioxide equivalent), or 25% below
2000 levels.
While there are many challenges and
barriers to reach a low-carbon economy,
many of the opportunities can be made at
low cost or with a net economic benefit
to society. This includes energy efficiency
improvements in buildings, industry and
transport.
The plan urges that we act promptly against
climate change, as delaying action will
mean some low cost opportunities are
lost, meaning greater cost to society and
business in the long run.
To help bring about change, ClimateWorks
are working with policymakers, business
leaders and the community to support this
program of practical action.
To read the Low Carbon Growth Plan for
Australia go to ClimateWorks Australia
website at www.climateworks.com.au.
Key findings:
The 249 Mt target is achievable using
technologies available today, at a cost of
just $185 per household in 2020. That’s
around $4 per week, or the cost of just
one take-away coffee!
22% of the reduction opportunities are
already profitable from an investor’s
perspective - before a price on carbon.
Once there is a price on carbon, more
opportunities will become profitable.
54 opportunities to build a low-carbon economy
Greenfleet lends a hand to support green awards At Greenfleet we think it’s important for people to be recognised for their “green” achievements. This year we have sponsored the ECO-Buy Awards for
Excellence in Green Purchasing and the top 2009 student in the subject, Corporate Environmental Responsibility in the Department of Business Law & Taxation
at Monash University.
ECO-Buy Awards for Excellence in Green PurchasingIt’s not uncommon for business purchases to be based on price alone. However, many businesses and the government have
begun to make green purchasing a priority in their pursuit to be better corporate citizens and make every dollar count on the
triple-bottom line level.
As a big supporter of green purchasing, Greenfleet was thrilled to be a sponsor of this year’s ECO-Buy Awards for Excellence in
Green Purchasing. Greenfleet would like to congratulate all of the winners and especially the Darebin City Council who won the
Local Government Energy Saving Award presented by Greenfleet.
By recognising the achievements of leaders in this area it helps to reinforce their purchasing practices as good business practice
and leads to adoption of these principles across the wider community reducing the creation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Monash student wins Corporate Environmental Responsibility awardEducation in environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices is integral to Greenfleet’s Avoid, Reduce and Offset program. Monash University’s
Corporate Environmental Responsibility unit equips students with the knowledge and skills to be the ‘Green Lights’ in their future or current career paths.
‘Green Lights’ is a term our Business Offsets team has coined to name the environmental champions in companies. We see these people as the environmental
movers and shakers. They help their organisation reduce GHG emissions, often saving money in the long term.
Suraj Rajapakse was delighted to collect the prize for the top 2009 student in the Corporate Environmental
Responsibility subject, at the Annual Student Awards Evening.
During the semester, students have been inspired by presentations about the Greenfleet business strategy by our
CEO Sara Gipton, giving them a real perspective about our program, carbon offsetting and some of the challenges
and benefits.
Biodiversity and climate changeWe’ve also recently been congratulated for some of our work. Greenfleet, along with project partner Biolinking Australia,
was recently recognised as a finalist for the DSE Biodiversity Award in the 2010 UNAA World Environment Awards.
While we didn’t win the award, it was an honour to be named as a finalist - particularly during the
UN International Year of Biodiversity - demonstrating that action on climate change can also bring
about significant benefits for the Australian landscape.
7
Enviroweek is on again in 2010 from 12-18 September, following a
successful launch in 2009, raising more than $58,000 for Australian
environmental organisations.
This year Cool Australia has set a target of $200,000 and Greenfleet is
pleased to be participating for the first time.
While we know everyone is busy, Enviroweek is a week to really take stock
and think about the simple things we can do as individuals to reduce our
CO2-e footprint.
So challenge yourself, change behaviours and help raise funds for
Greenfleet.
Here are some ideas of things you could pledge to do for Enviroweek:
Give up the car for a week - walk, cycle or use public transport instead
Pull your bike out of the shed, get it serviced and get cycling - everywhere
Plant a vegetable garden
Start a worm farm or compost bin
Only use natural temperature controls - use clothing and windows to regulate temperature, no air-conditioning or heaters
Change all the lightbulbs over to energy efficient ones
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It’s easy being green
Sept 12-18, 2010Register now It’s easy being green
Sept 12-18, 2010Register now
Looking for a good read this winter? The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook aims to answer the question posed by an eight year old boy to a
panel of Australian energy experts: “What can I do?”
This is a book for ordinary people who want to tackle climate change in their everyday lives, rather than
leaving it up to politicians, scientists and policy makers.
It contains a guide for assessing your CO2-e, as well as information for garden designs, shopping choices,
renewable power, transport options, carbon offsetting and much, much more.
This book is a great practical guide for anyone who wants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and
their impact on climate change. It’s even printed on carbon neutral paper* - saving 1.2kg (or 12 garbage
bags) of CO2-e per copy.
Pick up a copy for just $29.99 (RRP) from Big W, Dymocks, Borders, Angus and Robertson and all good
bookstores.
Make sure you turn to page 194 to see one of Greenfleet’s planting sites.
The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook. Written by John Wright, Peter Osman and Peta AshworthPan Macmillan Australia
* Printed on ENVI Carbon Neutral Paper, an Australian Government certified Greenhouse FriendlyTM product.
For more information and to register for Enviroweek go to: www.enviroweek.org
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Planting trees – managing carbonYou’ve probably noticed that Greenfleet talks more about carbon and less
about trees these days, we thought we should tell you why.
Greenfleet plants native trees to establish self-sustaining carbon forests.
While we often refer to numbers of trees to describe what we do, ultimately
it is the carbon that is important.
Our commitment to offset greenhouse gas emissions is met by planting
sufficient trees to establish a self-sustaining forest. As the forest grows it
stores carbon from the atmosphere. The forest naturally ‘thins’ as it grows
to maturity, meaning that not all trees survive, but we make allowances for
the natural ‘thinning’ process at the time of initial planting. Further, as the
trees mature they drop seed and some natural regeneration also occurs.
We manage our carbon commitment to supporters across all of the native
forests we create. Some sites and species grow faster and capture carbon
faster, others slower - but the entire forest pool is forecast to meet the
carbon commitments to our supporters.
The graph below shows projected carbon yields for Greenfleet forests. The
red line shows our carbon commitment to supporters (20 years after the
trees are pledged) - while the coloured areas show the projected carbon
store at any given time.
Based on Australian Government’s National Carbon Accounting Toolbox
default values for carbon capture by native forests, this model shows that
our forests are expected to exceed our carbon commitments to supporters.
Look at all that lush green carbon!
We’d like to thank Europcar Australia for their intensive 8 week Green
Campaign, which raised enough funds to plant 8,044 trees - successfully
meeting the campaign’s target of 8,000 trees.
The Green Campaign aimed to boost donations to the Greenfleet program,
which Europcar Australia has proudly supported since 2006. As part of the
program, customers could choose to donate $3 to Greenfleet when booking
their rental.
Customer donations were combined with partner donations from Škoda,
White Pages, emitch, Victoria Electricity, Kia Motors, Direct Connect,
Hyundai, Subaru, PMA Solutions and 3AW.
‘Thanks to generous contributions from Europcar, its customers and partners, we will plant native forests in order to absorb 2,156 tonnes of CO2 - that’s like
taking 539 vehicles off the road for a year’
Greenfleet CEO, Ms Sara Gipton
Europcar Australia Managing Director Mr Ron Santiago said, ‘The Green
Campaign has re-established Europcar’s commitment to environmentally
conscious processes and procedures within Australian operations. Our
customers have yet another reason to choose Europcar and take the road
to a more sustainable future.’
Read more about the Europcar Green Campaign at: www.europcar.com.au/carbon-footprint-reduction.aspx
10
Europcar’s Green Campaign raises funds to plant 8,044 trees in 8 weeks
Health insurance company nib also offer travel insurance to cover you while
you’re away. And with every travel insurance policy sold, they’ll plant a tree
through Greenfleet.
nib chose Greenfleet due to their commitment to take local level action on
climate change, the added benefits from planting biodiverse native forests
and confidence in our methodology (as a former government accredited
offset provider).
The idea for the campaign stemmed from the common link and strong
contributing factor of travel to carbon emissions. When you book an air
fare these days you have the option of offsetting. So why not take this
further and build it into a travel insurance product. This provides nib with
a point of differentiation and helps to demonstrate nib’s commitment to the
environment.
Call 13 14 63 or visit: www.nib.com.au for more information.
Be a little bit green next time you travel
11
We'd like to thank the following organisations for supporting Greenfleet
Visit greenfleet.com.au for more supporters.
Foundation sponsor:
With Enviroweek coming up in September, we thought we’d give you some more tips to help you Avoid and Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take action on climate change.
DietAll food contains embedded energy, which is the energy that has been consumed to grow, process, package, transport and store your food before it reaches you.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Reducing your consumption of highly processed foods reduces the demand for all the energy consumed along the food production chain, not to mention the health benefits. Think about buying a good vegetarian cookbook for recipe ideas.
Cut down on meat. Livestock accounted for 69.3% of all agriculture emissions in 2007, or more than 10% of Australia’s total emissions.
Don’t cook or buy more than you need. Throwing out excess food wastes money and creates greenhouse emissions.
WaterWhile we try to use less water because of drought, have you ever thought about how using water from the kitchen tap or your long hot shower creates greenhouse gas emissions?
Insulate the pipes between your water heater and the outlets (taps and showers), so you don’t lose energy (heat) from the water as it is moved around your house.
Install water efficient products - taps, showerheads, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. Look out for the star rating systems for water and energy efficiency. This shows you at a glance how efficient each product is.
Wash clothes in full loads. While washing machines may have adjustable water levels, they use almost as much electricity when washing a small load as a large one.
While not strictly related to water use, only fill your kettle with enough water to make your current cuppa. Boiling a full kettle takes more energy than boiling just the water you need now – then the extra energy is lost as the excess water cools.
Tips to avoid and reduce emissions
Contact GreenfleetEmail: [email protected] Web: www.greenfleet.com.au Individual supporters and enquiries: 1800 032 999 Business supporters and enquiries: 03 9642 0570
Postal address: GreenfleetPO Box 16011Collins Street West VIC 8007
Keep up-to-date on:
Thank you to Fishprint for donating the printing of this newsletter, using waterless offset technology, non-genetically modified soy ink and 100% recycled paper donated by Focus Paper. Graphic design by Subgreen Design.
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