NewsEDITION 20 | NOVEMBER 2012

IN THIS ISSUE• Introducing the new look Greenfleet

• Gifts with a difference

• Cardinia Creek, 12 months on

•  Greenfleet gives a push to the next generation

• Supporter news

• Tips to avoid and reduce emissions

2Sara Gipton, CEO Greenfleet

All of us at Greenfleet are delighted to introduce you to our newly evolved logo and branding look and feel.

We aimed to refresh Greenfleet’s image making it clearer and easier for everyone to understand what we do and why.

This new look reflects our commitment to engage more support from the community and the corporate world.

We think that this is great news for Greenfleet, for Australia, and for all of our existing supporters.

It means that Greenfleet will continue to apply our unique experience and know-how gained over the past 15 years to plant biodiverse native forests on a far more massive scale than ever before.

It means that Australian businesses will be able to choose a more ‘ecopositive’, sustainable way to invest in Australian Carbon Credit Units compared to the less sustainable, single-species forest options offered by others. This will ensure the growth of a vast pool of biodiverse forests that provide habitat for endangered species, whilst capturing carbon.

As an existing supporter, it also means that Greenfleet now offers a more attractive and professional “Proudly Supporting Greenfleet” mark, new car stickers, and a quick and easy online renewal process via our brand new website.

Our mission, however, remains to create a low carbon future for Australia by removing carbon and restoring forests.

We hope you agree that this promotes a really positive, fresh and professional impression about Greenfleet – something that many supporters have been asking for some time. Of course if you have any suggestions or other feedback, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

In August, the Minister for Climate Change & Energy Efficiency, Hon. Greg Combet announced that the Australian Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) will be linked with Europe from 2018. This means that European emitters may also be able to invest in Australian credits to meet their obligations from 2018 assuming all the arrangements between the two ETS can be met.

We welcome this initiative and the Government’s pledge to sign Kyoto 2, and feel this is a natural evolution in the carbon market.

Greenfleet is keen to show our supporters that we keep our promise to capture carbon in native forests. To that end, Greenfleet is actively preparing for participating in the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) - a Government-backed program that will allow independent verification of our forests:

  We are glad to announce that Greenfleet is officially a Recognised Offset Entity under the CFI.

  We have lodged our first projects for registration under the CFI.

  We have also submitted a methodology to ensure biodiverse forest carbon is given credit, that is due given we feel the existing models are either prohibitively expensive or conservative.

Introducing the new look Greenfleet

Carbon market update

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“Australian businesses will be able to choose a more ‘ecopositive’, sustainable way to invest in Australian Carbon

Credit Units compared to the less sustainable, single-species forest options offered by others.”

Sara Gipton, Greenfleet CEO

Under a crisp blue sky and a magnificent sunshine, a team from Telstra followed up the next week to plant 500 trees on the site.

Both groups enjoyed the opportunity to get out of the office, do their bit for the environment and bond with teammates in a different setting. They discovered more about Greenfleet’s mission, as well as the fantastic job done by Parks Victoria’s rangers at the sanctuary.

As they grow, the trees planted will largely benefit the native local wildlife, like the emus, kangaroos and Cape Barren geese we spotted on these days.

We also met up with Europcar volunteers at The Briars, on the Mornington Peninsula, to plant 550 native seedlings, ranging from Banksias and Sheoaks to Sweet Bursarias and native grasses.

After spending a big day making a difference, all participants had a big grin on their tired faces and said they’d do it again next year!

These words epitomise three fantastic days spent with staff volunteers from three major supporters, planting native seedlings at Serendip Sanctuary and The Briars last winter.

Each year, Greenfleet organises planting days for staff volunteers from a few of our corporate supporters. This year, these days took place between rain and sunshine; and once again, we were very impressed by the motivation and dedication of the participants who altogether, planted more than 2,000 native seedlings.

We kicked off the season at Serendip Sanctuary, 60 km south-west of Melbourne; where Greenfleet direct seeded 31.5 ha in 2008 and 2009. As some species did not germinate as well as others, we returned this year to complete the forest with key species like Yellow Gum and Drooping Sheoak.

Unhindered by gumboots and raincoats, volunteers from Suncorp Group, celebrated National Tree Day by planting an amazing 1,100 seedlings.

Smiles, mud and gumboots

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THE GIVING SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, AND YOU’RE PROBABLY LOOKING FOR SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CLIENTS OR STAFF.

Gifts with a difference

Greenfleet Gift Certificate

When you purchase a Greenfleet Gift Certificate, Greenfleet will plant 17 native trees* on behalf of the recipient which will offset the equivalent of the emissions produced by an average sized medium car for one year.

We know you’ll want the option to make it special, so you can add a personal note on the certificate when you order; and Greenfleet will send the Gift Certificate to you, along with an explanatory letter, our latest newsletter and a vehicle sticker, so that you can give the gift personally.

Please place your order before December 13th to be sure it arrives on time**.

You care about the environment, you care about our future and you care about making a positive difference. We know this because you’ve been making a difference by supporting Greenfleet and planting native forests in Australia.

Show you care by giving a Greenfleet gift this year, a gift which makes a positive impact on our planet.

We’ve made it easy for you: choose between a Greenfleet Gift Certificate or a pre-paid VISA Gift Card, so you can feel good about offering a gift with genuine benefits to the environment.

‘Plant a Tree’ Gift Card

If you want something a little different, why not offer a ‘Plant a Tree’ Universal Gift Card. This pre-paid VISA Gift Card is the gift that gives twice – it helps you protect the environment by planting a native tree, in addition to allowing the recipient to buy whatever they want in any store, whenever they wish to shop.

For every card purchased, Greenfleet will plant one native tree on your behalf; re-establishing biodiverse forests to help restore habitat for native wildlife, and absorb greenhouse gas pollution.

Contact Universal Gift Cards on 1300 128 219 to order your ‘Plant a Tree’ cards***.

Find out more about these green gift ideas at www.greenfleet.com.au

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* This number of trees is a reasonable estimate of the number of trees required to be initially planted to sequester the total quantity of carbon purchased and takes into account that not all trees initially planted will survive due to the natural survival rate of trees. Accordingly, trees that do not survive following initial plantation may not necessarily be replanted. Greenfleet’s commitment to recapture carbon on behalf of our supporters involves the management of native forests across all our planting sites. Greenfleet’s forest pool is forecast to meet its overall carbon commitments to supporters.

** The $65 Greenfleet Gift Certificate includes a quality certificate, an introductory letter, a vehicle sticker, three newsletters per year, postage & handling.

*** A $10.95 premium is charged for the Plant a Tree card. This fee covers tree planting fee, carrier, message, postage & handling. Universal Prepaid VISA Gift Cards are issued by Heritage Bank Limited ABN 32 087 652 024 AFSL/ACL 240 984.

Revegetation is a long term endeavour, but Greenfleet knows that patience and persistence reap rewards. This is why we love heading back to sites and seeing the forest grow before our eyes.

As part of a four-year plan, Greenfleet is revegetating native bushland at Cardinia Creek Parklands. The park is managed by Parks Victoria and revegetation work is being carried out in accordance with a Future Direction Plan developed by Parks Victoria for the Cardinia Shire and City of Casey.

With the assistance of sponsors like Hyundai and funding from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Greenfleet kicked off the revegetation project on 2011’s World Environment Day with a big community planting day.

More than 12,000 native tree seedlings were planted at Cardinia Creek Parklands in 2011, with the help of the Berwick community and planting professionals.

At the project’s first scheduled inspection in January 2012 (six months after planting), a high survival rate of 85% was observed across the site and some trees were getting close to one metre tall – an excellent early result. The landscape design was good and the trees were looking very healthy.

In August this year, a further 12,600 understorey seedlings were planted with the assistance of Community Correctional Services, whereby low-risk offenders serving community sentences through Victoria’s Department of Justice helped with planting.

We are already seeing increases in biodiversity throughout the site. During planting activities in August 2012, Greenfleet Foresters have reported increased numbers of insects and spiders, and a resultant surge in bird numbers that feed on these species. These are promising early signs of a broader increase in species diversity at Cardinia Creek Parklands.

Overall, early progress has been very exciting and conditions look promising for the future of this native forest on Melbourne’s urban fringe.

We would like to thank the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation for their continued support with this project and Europcar for donating a vehicle to use throughout the 2012 planting activities.

And we are pleased to announce that the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has also given Greenfleet a grant to plant further understorey species in 2013 and 2014, which will extend the good work already completed.

Cardinia Creek, 12 months on

BRINGING BIODIVERSITY BACK

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“I have been impressed by the response of the community to this project. No matter their background and level of environmental awareness, everyome I have spoken to has

come away with something positive from their efforts.” Reece Sandwith, Greenfleet Forester

7The biodiverse forest at Cardinia Creek takes shape, 12 months after planting.

April 2011 June 2012

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Earlier this year we welcomed Guillaume Deletombe, a Masters student from the University of Libre, Brussels (Belgium). Guillaume is doing research on forests, with a particular focus on risk management. Our expertise here at Greenfleet helped Guillaume analyse the barriers for forest sinks in Europe, in comparison to the Australian model.

Catherine Bailey – second year Photography Studies College student – spent a few days with our foresters to capture “a day in the life of a Greenfleet forester” in image, to help us show you what goes on behind the scene.

Greenfleet has also received the assistance of two marketing students from La Trobe University, who worked on a fundraising project for Greenfleet as part of the School of Management Practicum Program. The objective of this project was to help our supporters use social fundraising to raise money for Greenfleet.

During the semester, Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton gave the students some insight into Greenfleet’s business strategy, giving them a real perspective about our program, carbon offsetting and some of the challenges and benefits.

This year, the prize went to Gerd Diegelmann who excelled in the 2011 Corporate Environmental Responsibility unit.

We’re now in the process of implementing the fundraising strategy. So next time you run a marathon, celebrate a birthday or organise a party, why not fundraise for Greenfleet?

Congratulations!

For the 5th year, Greenfleet has had the pleasure to sponsor the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Award as part of Monash University’s Department of Business Law and Taxation 2012 Student Awards Ceremony.

Greenfleet gives a push to the next generation

AT GREENFLEET WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE OUR 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, TO FOSTER “GREEN” BEHAVIOURS AND REWARD ACHIEVEMENTS.

Greenfleet’s Business Advisory Council

As you know, the Greenfleet team is guided by a Board of Directors and a National Advisory Council. Since 2011, we have also been assisted by a Business Advisory Council - a group of executives from a range of industries, helping to promote the Greenfleet program and ethos throughout their industries.

Roger Perry, Greenfleet Business Advisory Council Chairman and Bevington Group Managing Director said,

These positions are all voluntary and we thank all the members for sharing their valuable time and extensive experience with Greenfleet.

Visit our website to discover more about our Business Advisory Council members: www.greenfleet.com.au/AboutGreenfleet/WhoWeAre

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Welcome on board!

We would like to welcome Jack Holden to the Greenfleet Board.

Jack’s career has revolved around sustainability, particularly in food and natural resources since the 1990s. He is currently the Sustainability Strategy Manager for Fonterra Australia and has been a sustainability practitioner in industry, government & consulting across Australia, New-Zealand and SE Asia, with roles like Associate Director in KPMG’s Sustainability Practice, Carbon Specialist at Ecos and Senior Analyst for the Victorian Government’s Greenhouse Policy Unit.

Jack said,

the Greenfleet boards

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“I feel privileged to be part of Greenfleet’s Business Advisory Council in which a group of senior executives, from a broad range of sectors of our economy, work together to assist Greenfleet.

This is very early days for the Council however we believe that the years of experience and the extensive networks can be invaluable to Greenfleet’s future growth. The Council members passionately believe in Greenfleet’s mission and feel that senior executives can play an active role in supporting positive change for our environment.”

News from

“I have spent many years looking at ways of reducing carbon liability and restoring biodiversity at the same time. Greenfleet has come a long way since I first met them over 10 years ago. I think they are now well placed to make a real difference.”

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BIG SHOUT OUT TO CONNECTING UP

SYMBION ‘GET PUMPED’ ABOUT SUSTAINABLE DRIVING WITH GREENFLEET

LEASEPLAN INTERACTIVE

Greenfleet CEO, Sara Gipton and Greenfleet Director, David Lamb were once again invited to speak to fleet managers at LeasePlan Interactive, an annual event organised by Greenfleet’s foundation sponsor. It is the 5th year since 2006 that Greenfleet has taken part in this conference.

The event, organised for LeasePlan’s clients, included technical and industry information sessions addressing issues like changes to accounting standards for leases, salary packaging, fringe benefits tax, the transport industry, and more.

This year, along with Partner at Grant Thornton, Craig Boyhan and automotive journalist Ged Bulmer, Sara and David provided insight into the future of transport and the carbon market. The panel discussed the technical aspects of a carbon market, the implications for Australian business and compared Australia’s carbon market with other schemes overseas.

“Sara and David were an integral part of the very well received Carbon Economies panel discussion at the 2012 LeasePlan Interactive events,” said Paul Scully, National Marketing Communications Manager with LeasePlan. “Their independent expertise, genuine passion for the subject and engaging personalities were a great addition to the event and a key contributor to the very positive reactions to the panel that we have received from all attendees.”

Looking for a carbon expert for your next event? We’d be happy to share some of our 15 years of experience with you. Contact your Greenfleet Business Relationship Manager or email: info@greenfleet.com.au

Greenfleet teamed up with Symbion, one of Australia’s largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, to deliver a presentation to their head office staff on the key benefits of sustainable driving.

Greenfleet presenters spoke to Symbion staff about the many ways they can change their driving behaviour to ensure a more environmentally sustainable future.

We emphasised the importance of maintaining the correct air pressure in car tyres. With the recommended amount of air pressure, tyres will last longer, save fuel, improve steering control and prevent accidents. In contrast, incorrect air pressure results in reduced petrol mileage and tyre endurance, bad control and potential vehicle overloading.

Along with best practice tips, a Symbion tyre gauge was presented to each attendee as a take home gift to encourage regular tyre pressure checks.

“The response from Symbion employees was fantastic and as a result, the Greenfleet-Symbion sustainable driving program will now be rolled out across all state locations over the next few months,” said Symbion’s (ECHO) Environmental Team Co-ordinator, Caroline Barlow.

We just wanted to say a big thank-you to the team at Connecting Up who is behind the DonorTec Program.

Connecting Up is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the not-for-profit and community sector in Australia by providing a variety of information, products, resources and programs.

The DonorTec program provides donated and discounted technology products and services from companies such as Microsoft to eligible income tax exempt Australian not-for-profit groups like Greenfleet.

Thanks to DonorTec and Microsoft, we have been able to update our old server which had literally run out of space, and address compatibility issues with the rollout of Microsoft Office 2010.

Michelle Sheehan, Greenfleet’s General Manager said, “The upgrades have been useful for all of the staff. We have a couple of major projects on the go, and at times we were unable to even open documents and now we have Microsoft Project software which has helped to substantially improve internal and external communications, and has been brilliant in tracking resources and timelines. It really has made it so much easier.”

Thank you!

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WE’D LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR OFFSETTING WITH GREENFLEET

FOUNDATION SPONSOR:

Visit greenfleet.com.au for more supporters.

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tipsHOW TO AVOID AND REDUCE EMISSIONS

CONTACT GREENFLEETPostal address: PO Box 16011 Collins Street West VIC 8007

Email: info@greenfleet.com.au

Web: www.greenfleet.com.au

Phone: 1800 032 999

Keep up to date

Thank you to Fishprint for donating the printing of this newsletter, using waterless offset technology and non-genetically modified soy ink, on 100% post-consumer recycled paper donated by B.J. Ball Papers.

www.fishprint.com.au www.bjball.com.au

We all know that walking, cycling and catching public transport is a great way to avoid emissions, but sometimes we still need to use the car. There are still things you can do to reduce your impact.

Keeping your car in good running order is the best way to reduce its fuel consumption and enhance its performance.

Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure your vehicle is operating in tip top condition.

  Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service requirements. Be sure to use a qualified service technician who understands the modern motor vehicle. Untuneds cars use more fuel.

  Use the proper grade motor oil and change it at regular intervals. Engine oil is a major part of the intricate balance of the modern engine, after time it thickens and becomes contaminated. An incorrect grade of oil, or oil that has passed its used by date, can have a detrimental effect on fuel economy.

  Ensure that the engine can breathe properly. Dirty or clogged air filters restrict air flow to the engine causing an inefficient ‘burn’ of the fuel, creating more pollutants than the optimum.

  Check tyre pressures regularly. Manufacturers devote a lot of time to providing the optimum tyre pressure

specifications for ride comfort but also rolling efficiency. The easier a car rolls along the road the less fuel it uses. Low tyre pressures increase friction and diminish an efficient roll.

  Have your technician complete a diagnostics check. The intricate balance of the engine management system relies on messages from a web of sensors located throughout the vehicle. If one of these sensors is relaying the wrong messages the vehicle’s fuel consumption can increase dramatically.

  Have your cooling system checked regularly. An engine is designed to run at an optimum temperature. Running too hot or too cold can negatively impact on how efficient a vehicle is.

  Exhaust systems play a critical role in keeping the air clean by trapping particulate matter and converting environmentally harmful gases to natural by products. An exhaust system in good working order is a pre-requisite for driving down vehicle pollution.

  Manufacturers occasionally update the settings of their engine management systems. Therefore, it is important to have your vehicle checked by a properly equipped workshop to ensure that the latest programs and settings have been installed.

Source: Bernard Murray, General Manager Membership & Technical at the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC)