Green Policy

BDCU is Carbon Neutral

As at 1st January 2008, BDCU made the commitment to become carbon neutral.

This has been achieved by purchasing monthly accredited carbon offsets whilst undergoing significant organisational change to reduce the emissions we create.

Green Force

BDCU is an organisation comprised of individuals who carry a shared sense of responsibility for the organisation’s impact on the environment. As such, BDCU is deeply committed to making its activities as green as possible for our communities, members, and the world.

This year, a group comprising of at least one staff member in each Centre or area formed Green Force.

The mission of Green Force is to identify opportunities for BDCU to become smarter with energy use to reduce greenhouse gases and waste.

More than thirty measures were suggested, one of which was to consult with experts in commercial sustainability to measure our environmental footprint and guide us through our greening process.

Our Footprint

The outcome of the sustainability report commissioned by the Todae Group found that:

• BDCU has a “moderate” footprint for a 50 staff organisation
• the central area of operations (Bong Bong Street, Bowral) is “fairly effi cient” as it is a modern refurbishment completed in October 2004
• There are plenty of areas for improvement, including a number of “low hanging fruit” opportunities for immediate change that will reduce emissions at no or minimal cost

BDCU’s carbon footprint is 240 tonnes per year – the equivalent of having 40 cars on the road for a year (at an average of 15,000 kilometres each)

Actions

We are either making, or planning, changes in each of the following areas:

Lighting

• removing unnecessary lights
• rewiring lighting ‘networks’ to enable some lights to be off while others are on 
• replacing fluorescent light tubes with energy efficient substitutes 
• installing pop switches in rooms where light is not needed all day
• eliminating outdoor lighting during daylight hours 
• increasing use of natural light wherever practical

Heating & Cooling

• introducing a thermostat range policy
• timers on devices
• sealing leaky vents and areas with heat escape
• repositioning of vents for better solar passive properties

Computers

• phasing out all remaining CRT monitors in favour of LCD screens 
• removing screen savers in favour of power savers 
• introducing computer full shutdown policy

Paper & Recycling

BDCU has already established a comprehensive recycling system for:

• all paper products,
• glass,
• aluminium,
• plastic
• computer hardware
• ink toners and cartridges

BDCU has also been transitioning toward recycled printed matter for office use including brochures, flyers, stationery and forms.

A system in which forms are printed ‘on demand’ only where necessary instead of having pre-printed stock, which can create waste, has already been implemented.

Printed matter will continue to be reduced if possible and expanded to recycled options where it remains necessary.

Buildings & Interiors

BDCU will seek advice from independent experts when embarking on refurbishments or renovations of its buildings.

We aim to increase our solar passive properties through

• use of fresh air
• natural light
• good design
• Suppliers & Policy

BDCU will encourage our suppliers to improve environmental and socially responsible practices. This includes but is not limited to:

• eliminating the use of toxic chemicals used in cleaning,
• transport efficiencies
• no longer purchasing promotional merchandise that is non-biodegradable, frivolous or may involve human
  rights violations in its production.