One degree
Queensland Newspapers is the publisher of the daily The Courier-Mail, Brisbane’s largest circulating newspaper The Sunday Mail, mX and the Brisbane News. It also operates a major modern print centre in Murarrie.
In the year to June 2007, Queensland Newspapers had a carbon footprint of 21,564 tonnes.
Through One Degree, Queensland Newspapers’ is aiming to provide a platform for positive and sustainable change through leadership, education, consultation and participation. In early 2007, The Courier-Mail ran a successful in paper series titled ‘Green Earth’ (www.1degree.com.au/resources/bookshelf) which helped engage the community and raise awareness.
Other programs aimed at staff have included staff participation through MAYDAY program (‘Make Your Day a Different Way’) to encourage alternative transport arrangements and the harnessing of State and National initiatives to drive personal commitment to change eg. ‘National Ride to Work Day’.
Both major sites have been audited since the launch of One Degree to identify energy saving opportunities. Major energy improvements are being generated from new chillers at both major sites, and through the installation of building management software at Bowen Hills. Queensland Newspapers has already been able to save 125,000 kwh/annum through air conditioning modifications and an additional 30,000 kwh/annum through lighting modifications. An active approach to good housekeeping across the entire business is addressing emissions from additional areas such as water heating, IT and transport.
Over the next four years, all company vehicles will be replaced with lower emission vehicles and the relocation of the Bowen Hills building will be undertaken in accordance with green building standards to maximise energy efficiency.
The Cairns Post is published six days a week and is part of a group that also includes the Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette, Cairns Sun, Tablelands Advertiser and a print centre in Portsmith. In the year to June 2007, the Cairns Post group had a carbon footprint of 2,126 tonnes.
The Cairns Post has been actively promoting One Degree within the far north Queensland community, thorough the introduction of a weekly Environment page and the regular use of One Degree assets. In-paper features have centered around broad sustainability issues focusing on waste reduction, energy consumption and water reduction.
An in-paper survey to assess environmental concerns in the community received The Post’s second largest survey response ever (575 respondents); with 91% indicating they were concerned or very concerned about our impact on the environment.
The Cairns Post has also formed a strategic partnership with key businesses (Cairns City Council and Ergon Energy) to promote sustainability across the community
The Cairns Post Administration and Print Centre sites were both audited for energy efficiency in 2007. Improvements to lighting, air conditioning and power management have been the focus of energy saving initiatives to date, with the audits both identifying further areas where substantial savings could be made. Technologies such as infra-red paint on the roof of the Admin building and the installation of VSDs on air handler unit fans are being trialed. Further improvements in these areas are planned, along with wake-on-LAN technology for desktop computers, reductions in computer room power and air conditioning loads, bio-diesel for generators and more energy efficient air compressors. The Cairns Post purchased one of the first hybrid vehicles for the company, a Toyota Prius, and a Honda Civic hybrid has been ordered.
Gold Coast Publications publishes The Gold Coast Bulletin, the largest daily regional newspaper in Queensland, and Sun Community Newspapers from its head office and print centre on the Gold Coast.
In the year to June 2007, Gold Coast Publications had a carbon footprint of 5,000 tonnes.
Energy efficiency initiatives already introduced prior to One Degree have been re-focused by a recently conducted energy audit of The Bulletin’s premises with 70% of lighting now operating at high energy efficiency. Lighting presence sensors have already been installed in Print Centre Store Rooms and washrooms, and are planned to be rolled out across other areas of the business. Plans are underway to improve the efficiency of IT use and generators, and carbon reduction through the use of green power is also being investigated.
Rapid closing roller doors have been installed at the Print Centre and smaller more efficient compressors have been commissioned to prevent the use of larger energy intensive units.
The Gold Coast Bulletin has an ‘Active Engagement Program’ where quarterly events that seek employee participation though carbon friendly incentives are held. Events so far have included luncheons with prominent environmental speakers and ‘win your electricity bills for a year’ reward challenges. Staff are encouraged to car pool/walk/ride/public transport to work and once a quarter breakfast is provided to staff who take up these initiatives.
North Queensland Newspapers publishes the Townsville Bulletin, The Sun, The Tablelander, Herbert River Express, Bowen Independent, The Northern Miner, Innisfail Advocate and The Advocate. The newspapers are printed at a press centre in Townsville.
In the year to June 2007, North Queensland Newspapers had a carbon footprint of 3,279 tonnes.
The completion of an energy audit in early 2008 builds on actions already in place to increase the use of ambient light through skylights, install more efficient air conditioning and reduce IT energy use. A computer LCD screen rollout is now 65% complete and will be 100% complete within 12 months. Solar and wind power energy are being investigated along with greater use of video-conferencing to reduce travel, and incentives for employees using bicycles and hybrid cars. Suppliers will be required to provide evidence of their environmental performance and policies as part of future tenders and contracts.
During Christmas 2007, the lights on the Townsville Bulletin Christmas Tree at the centre of town were powered by 100% GreenPower. Community awareness is also being raised by staff wearing One Degree shirts in local sporting competitions.
Quest Newspapers publishes 18 newspapers which reach nearly one million people each week across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Ipswich. The newspapers are printed at Murarrie.
In the year to June 2007, Quest Newspapers had a carbon footprint of 1,337 tonnes of CO2 eq.
Quest has already started to reduce its own emissions by setting timers on outdoor lights. Further lighting improvements are planned and timers will also be installed on air-conditioning. Video-conferencing to reduce travel is being investigated, along with powering-down software to reduce the use of stand-by power on IT equipment.
A turn-off-monitors program has proved successful with individual monitors not complying being tagged. Mapping of light switches to ensure only required lighting is turned on has also begun.
In 2007, Quest launched the Business Achiever water challenge. This exciting program saw Quest Newspapers working with the University of Queensland to use Quest as a site for trials into development of solar hot water technology.
One Degree branded hybrid car at The Cairns Post
North Queensland Newspapers Triathlon Team
One Degree team from The Gold Coast Bulletin
