The Benchmarque Group Environmental Sustainability Plan
“The transition to a carbon-free economy is eminently achievable because we have all the technology we need to do it. It is only a lack of understanding and the pessimism and confusion generated by interest groups that is stopping us from going forward.”Tim Flannery, Australian of The Year 2007. Extract from The Weather makers.
In 2008, The Benchmarque Group is committing itself to environmental best practice and the prevention of pollution in office management and general business operations.
Through a process of continual improvement we aim to be leaders in the private training sector in efficient and effective environmental practices.
As part of our commitment, we have implemented the following Environmental Sustainability Plan:
1. Our behaviour:
An assurance that all staff, trainers and contractors accept responsibility for our current energy use; reduce, reuse, recycle where possible, and offset the carbon emitted as a result of operating an efficient business, such as travel and transport of our personnel and the delivery of courses.
2. Our Culture:
Working in partnership with our stakeholders, clients and the broader training sector to create a carbon positive environment where we accept responsibility for the energy used to develop and deliver training nationally.
This includes offsetting course delivery through the purchase of carbon credits and a long term plan for the purchase of goods and services from energy wise suppliers.
3. Our Business:
Implementation of our Environmental Sustainability Plan is aimed at changing The Benchmarque Group into a Carbon Neutral business by March 1st 2008.
Simply living our lives in Melbourne; watching television; turning on a computer; travelling long distances for business or pleasure; catching a train; cooking dinner; or participating in training, we can’t help but use energy. The quantity and sources of energy we access for these ordinary activities emits carbon gases that contribute to climate change.
In the last 12 months, we estimate that The Benchmarque Group has released 39.93 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. We acknowledge that this has contributed to atmospheric conditions which in turn, create climate change.
The audit of carbon production identified the following:
| Staff Travel | 0.83 tonnes | Electricity | 5.43 tonnes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising | 5.15 tonnes | Course Equipment | 4.28 tonnes |
| Catering | 2.40 tonnes | Printing | 10.25 tonnes |
| Travel | 3.27 tonnes | Staff Commuting | 4.30 tonnes |
Our response is an immediate and ongoing commitment to becoming environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral.
We have developed a long term plan which will involve substantial changes to the way our business operates.
We now ask you, our clients, suppliers and strategic partners to engage in this sustainability enterprise.
Practically this means the following:
- We have established a green purchasing policy and already buy green power, source green products, produce our marketing materials in an electronic format or if printing is required, print on recycled paper and print with soya-based inks.
- We offset the carbon usage of all domestic and international flights taken by staff and trainers.
- We encourage all staff and trainers to choose sustainable transport options. The Benchmarque Group reimburses the cost of public transport to all staff and trainers.
- We have implemented a range of office based initiatives including recycling, maximising the use of natural light and reducing the use of office heating and cooling.
- We have set ourselves a target to use no more than one (1) ream of paper per month for our entire organisations printing requirements.
From July 1st 2008, we will be introducing a carbon offset charge on all courses delivered in Australia. We will be charging $5.50 per course delivered.
The funds collected through this scheme will be invested into only the highest quality offset programs nationally and internationally. We have engaged The Australian Carbon Reduction Institute to assist us through the audit process in measuring, offsetting and reporting on our efforts throughout 2008 and beyond.