Brisbane office reduces environmental footprint

A climate change initiative has helped reduce waste and energy use at Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Brisbane head office.

Energy Advisor Mick Davis said during May the office block at 410 Ann Street recycled an extra three tonnes and reduced non-recyclable waste by almost one tonne.

Rio Tinto Coal Australia's offices, which occupy six floors of the building, cut monthly electricity use by 10,000 kilowatt-hours compared to 2007's monthly average thanks to more efficient use of the lighting system.

This saved nine tonnes of carbon dioxide in one month, about the same amount of electricity a household would use in 12 months.

"Our climate change action plan includes raising awareness of climate change and becoming more energy efficient by making changes to the way we work," Mick said.

"We identified the Brisbane office as a place where we could make some simple but effective changes to help minimise our environmental footprint."

These changes have included:

Placing general recycling bins in lunch rooms and kitchens
Providing each employee with a paper recycling box to keep at their desk
Switching to 100 per cent recycled office paper
Working with employees, office management and cleaning teams to ensure lights are only on when necessary
Placing posters around the office to raise awareness about energy saving and recycling

"Recycling in the month of May has been the equivalent to saving 31 trees, 7,535 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 7.3 cubic metres of landfill," Mick said.

"Our people and the team that manages the office have played a significant role in achieving these great results.

"It's all about engaging people in the process and providing the necessary facilities and information to help them make better choices."

External Relations General Manger and Climate Change Champion Fiona Nicholls: "Rio Tinto Coal Australia is committed to ensuring that the people and products of our business form part of the solution to climate change.

"Programmes like this demonstrate small changes by each of us add up, and are helping to create a more sustainable business."

Pictured: Mick Davis uses the recycling system in the Brisbane office.