The Australian Parliament in Canberra has been the latest entity to sign on for the Do Something – 10% challenge. The challenge involves cutting carbon emissions by 10%, a small development with the ability to dramatically cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Not only are the parliament members dedicated to cutting their own emissions, the move to take up the challenge is an enormous reinforcement of this country’s commitment to decreasing our carbon footprint.
The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) welcomed the news that government members would be making a conscious effort, and example, in cutting their carbon impact.
In a media release regarding the matter, GBCA Chief Executive Romily Madew praised the government’s support of a more eco-friendly parliament, slating it as a vital step in moving towards a sustainable country.
“The GBCA has established five green building priorities which will support Australia’s green building practices to transition from ‘voluntary’ to ‘vital’. The first of these is ‘visionary government leadership’, and our political leaders are certainly demonstrating this,” Ms. Madew said.
Parliament House is not the only major entity taking up the challenge to cut carbon. Renown companies such as Beacon lighting and Linfox have both committed to the 10% cut. In fact the latter company has cut their “greenhouse gas emissions by 28% since 2006/2007″ according to a case study undertaken by Do Something.
They are now moving forward with a view to cut their overall carbon emissions 50% by 2015. This initiative is set to save more than the environment.
In addition to the carbon emissions being saved through an energy reduction scheme, those in support of the movement have been strongly emphasising the money saving component of the challenge. The Linfox case study went on to suggest that millions of dollars in operating costs have and will be saved through their affirmative actions. Ms. Madew said the same kind of savings could be made my Parliament House by reducing their carbon footprint.
“The energy bill for Parliament House is more than $3 million each year. A 10 per cent reduction in energy consumption will reduce Parliament’s greenhouse gas emissions and save tax payers an estimated $300,000 a year,” said Ms. Madew.
Synonymous with the GBCA’s view of the government carbon cuts, this venture is one of the strongest affirmative initiatives that Parliament House has undertaken since the announcement of the carbon tax. For the first time, affirmative action is being taken by those who are pushing for a greener Australia, leading by example and communicating the positive aspects in a strong and genuine manner.
