Australian Ecosystems Pty Ltd

Becoming Climate Positive in August 2006, Australian Ecosystems offset carbon emissions with accredited emission reduction projects, with additional investment in the Strzelecki Ranges replanting site.

Australian Ecosystems began a formal process of reducing its carbon footprint in May 2005, employing a consultant to audit the amount of greenhouse gas emissions across the business. The consultant quantified the amount of CO2 generated, and made some recommendations for reducing the emissions.

On the basis of that report, and the identification of areas for savings by Australian Ecosystems staff, the following steps have been taken to reduce their carbon footprint.

Undertakings to reduce carbon footprint

• Greenhouse circulation fans put onto a timer.
• Solar hot water system installed at the Nursery.
• Recycle plastic pots, containers and trays (oil based product) using recycled water.
• Greenhouse 'hotbed' hotwater pump and pipes fully insulated and enclosed.
• Seed drying room humidity fan on sensor.
• Low wattage lighting installed in Nursery office and seed drying room.
• Switched to renewable 'green' electricity with Origin Energy 100% wind option.
• Human resource manager matches work teams to the closest planting projects to their homes to avoid unnecessary travel, and coordinates a car pooling system for employees.
• Provide healthy vegetarian lunches to eliminate travel from sites to shops.> Support staff in setting up remote workstations at their homes to avoid unnecessary travel.
• Albert Park office set up on renewable 'green' electricity with Origin Energy 100% wind option.

In May 2005, Australian Ecosystems employed a consultant to audit the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced across the business