WWF welcomes ANZ's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
03 May 2007
WWF-Australia welcomes the announcement today by ANZ to become carbon neutral by the end of 2009 for its Australian and New Zealand operations by purchasing 100 per cent renewable energy.
A commitment to be carbon neutral means that net greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to zero by eliminating or reducing emissions and by offsetting emissions using carbon credits where emissions cannot be avoided.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important because global emissions need to be reduced by 60-80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change.
Energy generation through burning of fossil fuels is Australia's single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of Australia's emissions. If Australia is to play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it must reduce the overall emissions arising from energy generation.
ANZ will be a 100 per cent renewable energy business by seeking tenders for renewable energy projects that meet its projected energy needs in 2009 and beyond.
ANZ will eliminate its greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing 100 per cent renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy sourced from wind, solar, biomass (including waste) and sustainable hydro.
"ANZ's decision to become carbon neutral is all the more significant because it will directly result in the expansion of Australia's renewable energy generating capacity," said Greg Bourne, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Australia.
By becoming carbon neutral ANZ will go from nearly 180,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year in Australia and New Zealand to zero, or the equivalent of taking nearly 36,000 cars off the road.
"Leading businesses are recognising that taking action to reduce their carbon footprint is good risk management and a prudent step in avoiding being stranded in a carbon constrained economy," said Mr Bourne.
"ANZ’s decision shows that it is practical and achievable for Australian businesses to transition to carbon neutral. WWF is urging other Australian businesses to do the same," said Mr Bourne.
Find out more
Angela Heck, Communications Manager Partnerships, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1268
Mobile: 0421 053 023
Email: aheck@wwf.org.au
Andrew Rouse, Resource Conservation Manager, WWF-Australia
Phone: 03 9669 1301
Mobile: 0424 750 406
Notes
As part of the package for Australia to transition to a low carbon future, WWF is calling on the Australian Government to set a renewable energy target of 25% of electricity generated by 2030.
WWF-Australia has a partnership with ANZ. The partnership seeks to improve ANZ’s environmental performance and to move ANZ to more sustainable lending practices.
