Bendigo Community Telco reducing greenhouse gas emissions
BENDIGO Community Telco is doing its bit to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Chief executive officer Phil Lazenby said it was important for the telecommunications provider to act now in response to the Bendigo community’s concern about climate change. “We are working on ways to reduce our footprint without compromising on productivity and service because that’s what our customers and shareholders have indicated is important to them,” he said. “These changes also make good business sense. By reducing the amount of energy and water we use and reducing the amount of waste we produce, we save money. “This means bigger profits for our shareholders and more money to spend on projects that are of direct benefit to the community.” BCT’s GoGreen Challenge involves a three week program where simple but effective energy, water and waste saving initiatives will be implemented. Challenge activities range from the simple installation of recycling bins in office kitchens to more complicated process reviews that will show where duplication and waste exist in everyday work. BCT’s initiatives will mean an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and will be integrated into the organisation’s everyday activities once the GoGreen challenge ends. “The three week challenge is going to be good for our business,” Mr Lazenby said. “We can feel good about what we’re doing because as we stop and think about it we see so many simple, no-cost initiatives we can take. They all make a difference.” The company also plans to follow through with a number of other strategies, including the off-set of business-crucial energy with Bendigo Bank’s Generation Green program. The bank’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs general manager Owen Davies said the carbon off-set program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing carbon from the atmosphere through revegetation programs. “The Bendigo Bank group has always been committed to sustainability,” he said. “Carbon offsetting is just one of the projects we’re working on to reduce our environmental impact. “We’re thrilled to see Bendigo Community Telco standing up to make a difference and we fully support them in their efforts.”
