20 Mar 2007
Origin Energy (Origin), one of Australia’s leading energy companies, has launched a new Carbon Reduction Scheme offering Australian businesses an effective, efficient and flexible approach to reduce their carbon footprint.
Origin, one of the founding members of the Business Roundtable on Climate Change, sees this scheme as a proactive way of helping companies to focus on and effectively manage the reduction and offset of greenhouse gas emissions.
Origin’s Managing Director Mr Grant King said, “There is a heightened awareness that companies need to take action now to universally reduce our greenhouse gas impact. Origin has the expertise, experience and products to enable us to advise companies on improving energy efficiency, the effective use of lower emission energy and the management of offsets.
“The Carbon Reduction Scheme design is based on five key principles; credibility, transparency, affordability, flexibility and effectiveness. It draws on and extends existing mandatory and voluntary frameworks to ensure that participants can use one framework and apply it to national and international operations. Importantly, the scheme is cost effective, transparent and externally verified.
“This scheme also allows business to purchase carbon offsets that are sourced from abatement activities overseas. This is particularly attractive to companies with international operations.”
In developing the Carbon Reduction Scheme, Origin sought advice from the Australian Conservation Foundation, St James Ethics Centre and Energetics Pty Ltd.
The range of companies already supporting Origin’s Carbon Reduction Scheme demonstrates its flexibility and appeal. These companies include the National Australia Bank, Transurban, Lend Lease, Insurance Australian Group, Australian Football League, STA Travel and Intrepid Travel.
Mr King said: “Our foundation partners have committed to significantly reducing their carbon impact. I commend them for their action and commitment and we encourage other companies to consider how they can similarly reduce their carbon impact. Together, Australian business can make a truly significant contribution to our nation’s carbon reduction targets.”
The Carbon Reduction Scheme specifically allows for:
- verification of voluntary carbon offset products and credits, allowing businesses to participate on both sides of the carbon market;
- the offset of emissions from electricity, natural gas and LPG consumption, fleet emissions and air travel;
- businesses to monetise their carbon reductions;
- businesses to create innovative products and services by developing and delivering a wide range of “carbon offset” products for their customers; and
- extending the reach and impact of reduction opportunities by providing products and services for participating businesses’ staff.
It also provides customers with the certainty that all products on offer meet published and verified standards, particularly in ensuring that carbon credits are retired and cannot be used again.
Origin’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Karen Moses said: “We can offer Australian business advice, products and services complemented by our expertise in managing the trading, accreditation and compliance aspects of mandatory carbon schemes. We see this as a significant step in encouraging Australian business towards broad-based voluntary carbon reduction.”
“We encourage all organisations and individuals to think about what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint. As Australia’s leading green energy provider, we are always looking for new ways to work together for a sustainable future.” Mrs Moses said.
Media contact:
Tony Wood
General Manager Public and Government Affairs
Telephone: 03 9652 5506
Mobile 0419 642 098
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