| Newsletter 3 | September 2008 |
What Assures Consumers in Australia on Climate Change?
As climate change has become a mainstream issue in recent times, the question many businesses are asking themselves is what are the motivating factors behind the public’s purchasing decision? And how can they position themselves in the market to give that much needed competitive edge?
In August 2008, Net Balance Foundation and AccountAbility released their recently completed research, “What Assures Consumers in Australia on Climate Change?” in an attempt to answer these questions.
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New Australian Life Cycle Inventory database
All Australian industry sectors are being encouraged to contribute to the new Australian Life Cycle Inventory (AusLCI), a national database that will enable Life Cycle Assessments (including carbon footprint) to be done on a wide range of Australian products and services as well as provide additional comprehensive environmental information.
AusLCI is being developed by the CSIRO and the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS), and will become Australia’s contribution to a global initiative to promote sustainable consumption and production. It will capture basic energy, water and material sources using a methodology that is accepted by major national industries, government and NGO stakeholders.
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Money does grow on trees for mecu?
In what is believed to be a world first in conservation, Victoria's largest credit union, mecu, has launched a Conservation Landbank that will receive a percentage of annual profits to help build and preserve Australian native forest.
The Landbank will offset the carbon emissions associated with its goGreen Car loans, its operations and the loss of biodiversity associated with the building of new homes that mecu finances.
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Returnable plastic crates top 'green' research
Returnable plastic crates beat the environmental performance of materials such as corrugated fibreboard, waxed corrugated fibreboard and expanded polystyrene in a new research study of materials handling and packaging products commissioned by Coles Group Limited.
The study into the life cycle of returnable plastic crates (RPC), by international environmental engineering consultants Hyder Consulting, found that the plastic products outperformed their rivals when tested across seven fresh product lines.
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Environmentally friendly - or just 'greenwash'?
As Australians become more conscious of the need to reduce their environmental impact, 'eco-friendly' products can deliver a powerful market advantage to their manufacturers.
But the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a clear warning to companies about 'greenwashing' (making environmental claims that are not scientifically sound and properly substantiated), in the guide 'Green marketing and the Trade Practices Act'.
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Carbon Management: how to measure your emissions
While the rapid pace of climate change is putting increasing pressure on business to develop sound carbon management strategies, organisations often struggle to prioritise actions and decide on the approaches that will provide the best outcomes.
EPA Victoria's Carbon Management Principles, drawn up when EPA went carbon neutral, have guided many companies in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint. While the principles are designed to reduce emissions, improved business value is frequently achieved through reduced input costs and business risk. Market opportunity can be improved and reputation enhanced.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
CARBON INNOVATORS NETWORK
If you have stories to contribute to this newsletter that profile innovative actions in carbon management, we would love to hear them. Please email us at carbon.innovators@epa.vic.gov.au
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