Media Release
October 12, 2004
UniSA walks the environmental talk on greenhouse gas emissions
More than 480 trees will be planted each year to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of the University of South Australia’s vehicle fleet, following the signing of a new agreement with Greenfleet Australia.
As part of the agreement, Greenfleet will plant 17 trees – 17 trees being the amount required to provide a carbon-neutral outcome for the average vehicle – in the Murray Darling Basin each year for each of 30 UniSA vehicles.
Director of UniSA’s Services Unit, Neville Thiele, said the agreement was part of a broader push within the university towards environmental sustainability, with initiatives underway to reduce energy and water usage and increase recycling rates.
“UniSA signed up to the federal government’s Greenhouse Challenge Program in 2001, with a commitment to reduce our annual greenhouse gas emissions by 28 per cent or by 6801 tonnes of carbon dioxide – and we are well on the way to achieving that goal, thanks to various initiatives,” he said.
“Besides our Greenfleet involvement, we have a commitment to progressively replace our petrol sedans and station wagons with LPG vehicles where viable.”
“And as for energy consumption, overall we have reduced our yearly consumption of energy by 9.5 per cent since the year 2000 in spite of an increased number of equivalent full-time students, and a major capital works program.”
Greenfleet CEO Henry O’Clery commended UniSA on subscribing to the program, which is not-for-profit and places an emphasis on planting trees that are indigenous to the particular area.
“Transport is Australia’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, the primary cause of climate change and global warming,” said O’Clery.
“With climate change emerging as one of today’s most serious environmental threats, this is a wonderful initiative by UniSA. It sets an example, showing others how they can also reduce their vehicle’s impact on the environment.”
“By subscribing to Greenfleet people and organisations can reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time help tackle issues such as salinity, soil erosion and loss of habitat.”
Individual motorists and fleets can subscribe to Greenfleet for $40 (tax deductible) per vehicle. For more information or to sign up, visit www.greenfleet.com.au or phone 1800 032 999.
For more information on UniSA’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy and water consumption, visit the Go Green @ UniSA website at: www.unisa.edu.au/services/current/environment
Media contact
- Neville Thiele office (08) 8302 1648
- Henry O’Clery (contact Cathie Agg) mobile 0425 720 763
- Charlotte Knottenbelt office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0439 807 004 email charlotte.knottenbelt@unisa.edu.au