Science & Technology

Business Leaders Make Commitment to Environment

Edited by Joshua Smith - June 20th, 2001

Commonwealth Bank, Amcor, Arnott's and Qantas and 170 other 'forward-thinking' businesses have teamed up with the NSW Government's Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) to save energy, reduce costs and cut back on greenhouse emissions.

SEDA's Energy Smart Business Program was established three years ago to help businesses in NSW identify and implement energy efficiency initiatives. Since launching the program 170 businesses in NSW are currently saving more than $11.2 million in energy costs and 195,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas every year.

Mr. David Murray, the Commonwealth Bank Group's Managing Director said, "I am pleased to announce today the Commonwealth Bank has commissioned SEDA's Partner Support Manager and energy specialist Energetics, to roll out energy efficiency to its premises Australia-wide".

The Commonwealth Bank's heritage-listed Bank and office building at 48 Martin Place, for example, was built 73 years ago and recently received a 3-star accredited rating on the Building Greenhouse Rating Scheme after undergoing a major refurbishment with SEDA's assistance.

"The environment is the big winner, benefiting from the reduction of over 4,300 tonnes of harmfull greenhouse gases each year which is equivalent to permanently removing 950 cars from NSW roads" commented Mr. Murray.