Surf Life Saving Australia introduces carbon emission reduction program for clubs

A ground-breaking program to reduce energy use and carbon emissions is set to be implemented at Surf Life Saving clubs across Australia.

Launched at the Point Leo and North Bondi Surf Life Saving Clubs yesterday, the initiative, supported by emission reduction program Zero Positive, will soon expand to seven additional locations across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Funded by the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund, the program will allow Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) to reduce energy costs, redirecting funds towards our mission of saving lives across the country.

The energy and fuel use of the club will be assessed through digital metering, internal surveys, education, analysis and reporting. The North Bondi and Point Leo clubs will install a digital metre this week with Zero Positive to collate and analyse data received over the next month. This data will feed into an action plan to establish carbon emission reduction targets and activate cost-saving opportunities around the country.

An education program in carbon literacy will be rolled out for staff, volunteers and stakeholders to assist the clubs in reducing, certifying and offsetting its carbon emissions.

SLSA President John Baker says the drive to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint was led by the passion of the 190,000 Surf Life Saving Club members around the country.

Baker advised “we are proud to be initiating a carbon emission reduction project to reduce our organisation’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund for making this possible.”

Explaining that this is the third initiative funded by the newly established Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund, Baker added “the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund offers our valued community members the opportunity to contribute to the movement via innovative ideas to solve real problems.

“The Innovation Fund gives our donors specific projects where they can direct their donations, giving a clear picture of the difference their support is making.”

Click here for more information about the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund.

Image credit: Surf Life Saving Australia.