AN AMBITIOUS plan begins today to involve South Australians in changes to improve our environment. One Degree, News Limited's initiative to reduce the global impact of climate change, aims to inspire all Australians into taking action to prevent the catastrophic consequences of modern-day living.
Australians are the highest per-capita emitters of greenhouse gases in the developed world. The nation has to take some responsibility for global warming. One degree of change by everyone every day will make a difference to the environmental outlook. From today, The Advertiser will offer tips and tools to help readers reduce their carbon footprint.
A 10-part series, outlining the history and challenges of climate change and how readers can make a difference, will be published in coming weeks. As a company, News Limited already has reduced its emissions by 5.6 per cent since 2000 by adopting such environmental initiatives as reducing the engine size of the car fleet and implementing more efficient printing practices.
The home of The Advertiser , Keith Murdoch House, has a four-star environmental efficiency rating because of its water reuse facilities, solar power and thermal building design.
Nationally, News Limited has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent and become carbon neutral within three years at all its sites. This will be achieved by purchasing renewable energy for electricity to power print presses, using biofuel in company cars and improving efficiency in heating and cooling buildings. Where emissions cannot be eliminated or sourced from renewable energy, carbon credits will be purchased to offset the emissions.
The Advertiser Editor Melvin Mansell said the target to become carbon-neutral within three years was ambitious but achievable. "The Advertiser will play a role as a community leader to save the environment and we will be encouraging our readers to introduce actions at home and work to cut down our carbon emissions," he said.
CARA JENKIN
23 July 2007
The Advertiser