Environment and Energy Efficiency

As a significant contributor to the agricultural sector, GrainCorp recognises that the adoption of sound environmental management practices, and sustainable business operations are important.

Sustainability is one of GrainCorp’s core company values and one that all staff are encouraged to actively participate in. As part of a commitment to conduct business in an ethical and sustainable way, GrainCorp is a registered participant in, and complies with, the following:

• the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program administered by the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism www.energyefficiencyopportunities.gov.au
• the National Energy and Greenhouse Reporting Scheme including the requirement to publically report greenhouse gas emissions under the National Greenhouse & Energy Reporting Act 2007;
• the international Sustainable Agriculture Initiative; and
• Environment Protection Licences across various jurisdictions.

Companies that participate in programs like the EEO aim to meet energy-use thresholds, undertake energy use assessments and aim to identify energy efficiency opportunities. GrainCorp believes the EEO Program should deliver long term benefits to the Company through operational cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

GrainCorp met the energy use thresholds during the 2006-07 financial year, having consumed a baseline energy use of 0.53 Petajoules.

As the majority owner of Allied Mills, GrainCorp has elected to act as that organisations “controlling corporation” for the purposes of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 2006. This means GrainCorp and Allied Mills are joint participants in the EEO Program.

The GrainCorp Executive and Senior Management team ensure environment and energy impacts are considered when making business decisions. GrainCorp also supports its staff taking part in small and large scale sustainability initiatives both within the company and in the broader community.