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| To reduce our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20% in 4 years; starting with 4% in 2009. |
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| Reduced by 24% in 2011 which means we are already exceeding our four-year goal. |
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| We believe that climate change is not just an environmental problem, but it’s also a fundamental economic issue posing various risks to business. That’s why Westpac is continuously building environmental sustainability into its every day business practices for staff, customers and the wider community. |
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| A carbon footprint is a measure of greenhouse emissions created by all sorts of activities such as burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation of people, goods and services. |
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| Westpac’s baseline carbon footprint was measured during the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008, giving us a good benchmark from where to start making reductions. Our total emissions for that period were 14,059 tonnes of CO2e. |
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| Our plan focuses on reducing our carbon emissions, not offsetting them - i.e. reducing our impact – not excusing it. So we’ve invested in a best practice carbon accounting and verification tool called CEMARS™ (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme). In 2008 Westpac was the first bank in the world to achieve CEMARS™ certification. |
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| > more information about our CEMARS certification |
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| You can make a difference today by making a few changes to reduce your carbon foot print at work and at home by |
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switching off your computer or putting it in sleep mode when you are not using it |
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car pooling or using public transport to work |
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using less hot water – install a low flow showerhead and wash your clothes in cold or warm water. |
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considering teleconferencing or video conferencing to minimise the need to travel - especially air travel to meetings |
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cutting down on printing electronic documents and adopting an efficient electronic filling method |
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wrapping the hot water cyclinder with an insulation wrapper and save around 5% on your energy bill or $60 per year.^ Lag (insulate) the pipes up to one metre from the cylinder and save around $20 per year^ |
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buying a fuel efficient, low polluting car – a smaller car is much more efficient. Have your car tuned. Regular maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces emissions |
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choosing energy efficient appliances when making new purchases and try to select products with minimal packaging |
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composting food scraps and garden trimmings – organic leftovers sent to landfill generate methane |
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Brainstorm more ideas and let us know about them. |
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| ^carbonzero programme website |
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| customer FAQs | feedback |
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| References to non Westpac websites are provided for convenience only and Westpac is not responsible for the availability or content as such of these websites. |
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