Rio Tinto Iron Ore employees take the Nature Challenge

Minimising the environmental impact of day-to-day business activities has been a focus for Rio Tinto Iron Ore's Corporate Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) team based in Perth, Western Australia.

The team has taken on two projects - the Suzuki Nature Challenge and offsetting emissions from flights. While both are only making a small difference in reducing the world's contribution to rising global greenhouse gas emissions, they are sending a strong message to other areas of Rio Tinto to follow their lead.

Nature Challenge

Spurred on by an inspiring presentation given by world renowned environmentalist David Suzuki, the team signed on to the Suzuki Nature Challenge.

The Nature Challenge lists the most effective ways to help minimise the impact of home and workplace activities on the environment.

Energy conservation, reduction of waste materials and water conservation are the primary focus and the following workplace programmes have been put in place:

• Turning off computers and computer screens when not in use for periods such as night, weekends or during annual leave.
• Selecting the powersave option instead of a screen saver on computer screens.
• Turning off lights in meeting rooms after the meeting is finished.
• Turning on/off office lighting as needed.
• Reducing water wastage.
• Wherever possible, electronically reviewing documents instead of printing.
• Participating in paper recycling and other recycling programmes.
• Encourage walking, bike riding or taking public transport to regular destinations such as work and supporting alternatives to the car.
• Choosing energy efficient appliances when purchasing new or replacement items.

Staff who support the activities are rewarded in small ways and friendly reminders are sent to those who do not comply. Individuals can sign up online to Dr Suzuki's Nature Challenge website and will receive a monthly online newsletter providing handy tips on how to integrate the Nature Challenge into their lives.
The HSE Corporate Suzuki Nature Challenge Team meet once a month to measure and report on the progress of activities, agree on trials for new controls and share ideas and information.

Offsetting emissions from flights

Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2006, the HSE Corporate team neutralised the carbon emissions for all flights that department had taken during the year through a carbon offset programme run by Carbon Neutral.

Carbon Neutral calculated that the team's flights during 2006 equated to 792 tonnes of carbon emissions and the cost to offset those flights was $9580 or 3835 trees. This amount was donated to Carbon Neutral to purchase the trees and in April 2007, the HSE Corporate team and their families were invited to plant the trees in Quairading, a farming town 160 kilometres from Perth.