MEDIA RELEASE

No excuse not to comply with the New Emission Trading Scheme

MELBOURNE, April  7, 2009 – While mining giants weigh in on the debate against the Federal Government’s emissions trading scheme (ETS), Connex has partnered with Business Intelligence firm Prima Consulting on a new carbon tracking innovation for a greener rail service.

As Australia’s largest private commuter transport operator, Connex is leading the way in to the new low carbon economy. Connex required a comprehensive framework to streamline its carbon reporting and forecast the outcome of CO2 reduction initiatives.  Richard Mason, Environmental Sustainability Manager for Connex is an Environmental Scientist, previously working as a climate change consultant in Melbourne. Connex hired Mr Mason nine months ago to execute and broaden the scope of its sustainability policies and projects. 

“Connex considers the environment and sustainability when starting any new project.  It is our policy to take into account the environmental and social costs of a product or services” Mr Mason said. “People travelling with Connex can be confident that the impact they are having on the environment is a positive one”. Connex already undertakes recycling, has installed white lights on many of its stations and is running the iconic Flinders Street Station on green power. 

Prima Consulting Carbon Management Platform - Sustainability sCO2recard captures vital carbon and financial data across all emission components. The sCO2recard simplifies the requirements reporting models including the new National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act (NGERS) legislation.

“Prima has spent two years building the Sustainability sCO2recard because we could see the need for Prima’s clients to carry out environmental audits and monitoring to make firm decisions on corrective actions and avoid the hefty non compliance penalties” said Prima Consulting Managing Director Rob Riegert. “The Federal Governments’ Emission Trading Scheme comes into effect in 2010. Get it wrong and it will have a major impact on their balance sheet. Early adapters can gain a commercial advantage and potentially open up a new revenue stream. Alternatively positive brand association and attracting the new league of green capital investors can be a huge advantage”.

Furthermore the Sustainability sCO2recard fosters business road mapping by providing dynamic business scenarios for maximum profit. Connex said that the responsible management of sustainability is an integral component of providing Melbournians with a safe, efficient, clean and reliable travel experience.

Microsoft recently announced Prima's Sustainability SCO2recard solution as the sustainability solution award winner for 2008.

In addition the Sustainability sCO2recard can provide reports for Environment and Resource Efficiency Plan (EREP) and Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) in one snap shot view.  “Prima Consulting stood out amongst the 6 other competing options because of the depth of awareness on the issue. The Sustainability sCO2recard streamlines the entire process. This Carbon emissions subject matter is constantly evolving. Prima experience was a real advantage. It was the end to end package” said Mr Mason. 

“Carbon equals dollars and reporting compliance is going to hit hard and soon. Action is required to put organisations ahead of the game now that the New Carbon Economy has come into play” Rob Riegert said.

NGERS established a national system for reporting greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and production by corporations from 1 July 2008. Corporations will need to submit a report for the 2008-2009 financial year if they emit 125 kilotonnes or more of greenhouse gases.

Prima’s complete Carbon Management Solution applies 15 years of extensive experience in large scale Business Intelligence Reporting and Strategy Mapping to lowering carbon. Setting annual targets against which continuous improvement can only be done with effective reporting and monitored. There is a new Carbon Economy coming and the time to act is now. Pima Consulting existing customer base includes Telstra, Foodworks, BHP Billiton, Sensis, Transurban and ANZ Bank.

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