One degree

Australians are the highest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases in the developed world

And while some sectors of public opinion remain divided about the causes and repercussions of climate change, there is little doubt in the scientific community that these gases are contributing to the warming of the planet.

It makes sense to reduce these greenhouse gas emissions - to give the planet the benefit of the doubt.

One Degree is about the changes everyone can make to help change the future of the planet

In June 2007, News Limited launched One Degree – an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our business and to raise awareness of climate change among our staff and the broader community.

One Degree builds on the company’s environmental program established 21 years ago, which to date has led to the introduction of cleaner printing, reduced waste and contributed to Australia's success as the world's leading recycler of newsprint . Our company’s environment policy has initiated ongoing environmental improvements to every News Limited business.

Our number one priority was to get our own house in order

In the year to June 2006, News Limited generated 147,302 tonnes of carbon dioxide (or carbon dioxide equivalents*). To June 2010, our annual emissions were 134,880 tCO2eq.

In 2007, we pledged to reduce these emissions by 20% by the end of 2010, half through efficiency gains and half through the use of renewable energy certificates, saving over 29,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases – a figure that is equivalent to taking around 7,500 cars permanently off the road.

News Limited, as part of News Corporation, committed to becoming carbon neutral in the same timeframe.

We are no longer a company that contributes to global warming

Find out how we did it here.

Energy efficiency

Through energy efficiency, News Limited has reduced its carbon emissions by 8.4% to June 2010, from our base year of 20005/6.

Being more efficient with electricity and gas usage is a major part of this success. But air travel has also been reduced by 22% with the aid of video and teleconferencing facilities. Our car fleet has achieved a total 29.5% reduction in emissions, and since the beginning of One Degree, more than 24% of the vehicles purchased for our car fleet have been low emission vehicles.

Since June 2007, we have conducted 25 energy audits, covering 87% of News Limited’s carbon footprint, identifying 179 carbon reduction projects. Some 89% of these (that’s 155 projects) have been completed, are underway or are being investigated. The projects go much further than required under the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiencies Opportunities (EEO) Act, demonstrating that One Degree continues to be a priority for News Limited despite economic challenges.

The cost of implementing all of these projects is significant; however the projects with potential will pay for themselves in terms of reduced energy consumption.

Download a PDF copy of News Limited’s EEO public report here.

Renewable Energy

News Limited has purchased GoldPower™ renewable energy certificates representing 10% of our total emissions. GoldPower™ renewable energy projects are accredited to The Gold Standard, which is the highest standard globally for carbon and community benefits. With GoldPower™, News Limited is meeting its commitment to achieve half of its 20% emissions reduction target with renewable energy.

Our people have helped us to reach our 20% target by making small changes in their daily lives

They are recycling more, powering-down their computers at the end of the day, turning off the lights, ditching disposable cups and using more efficient transport. As a result of these efforts, News Limited is carbon neutral, and our overall footprint is falling.

News Limited is acting to do what it can to reduce carbon emissions

At the same time, the company is uniquely placed to encourage other Australians to make a difference to address the threat of global warming.

As well as reducing our own carbon footprint, we are inspiring our readers to take action. We have published information about climate change, tips and tools on the small changes individuals can make, and offered giveaways and incentives to encourage everyone to make a difference.

Find out what you can do here: Start with one.

[1] *As measured by Clear Carbon using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol established by the World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Verified by Cventure LLC.

News Limited CEO John Hartigan launches One Degree