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RAC commits to greener motoring future for WA

22 February 2008

The RAC has taken up the climate change challenge, along with Australia's other motoring clubs, to ensure WA has a greener motoring future by reducing vehicle emissions.

The commitment comes as Australian Automobile Association (AAA) CEO Mike Harris and Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese released AAA's Climate Change statement in Canberra, which includes a package of measures to reduce vehicle emissions and provide practical, proactive solutions to the issue.

RAC Group Chief Executive Officer, Terry Agnew said the RAC was committed to effectively dealing with climate change and had begun many of the programs outlined in AAA statement.

"We know that eight out of 10 members are concerned about the impact of cars on the environment and we are taking the lead in responding to the growing concern about climate change among our members."

Mr Agnew said the RAC had already carried out an audit of its business to identify the organisation's carbon footprint and is now planning the actions to be taken to reduce those emissions.

The RAC is already offsetting its vehicle fleet's emissions through an audited and accredited carbon offset program and is looking at how to expand this to incorporate its contractors' vehicles," he said.

"In addition, sixty-three per cent of the RAC's Patrol fleet runs on LPG, which has lower emissions and is more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels such as petrol or diesel."

Mr Agnew said that the RAC had also looked at other ways to reduce emissions.

"In 2005 we moved into our new premises at 832 Wellington Street, which is has four star energy rating from the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating Scheme," he said.

According to Mr Agnew the AAA announcement also provided the impetus for clubs to investigate a range of options to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through reductions and offsetting.

"Motorists who are concerned about climate change will look to the RAC for impartial, expert advice on how to reduce or offset their vehicle's environmental impact and it is essential that we provide this information.

"Passenger vehicles generate eight per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions so educating motorists will be an important part of reducing emissions.

"Equally the RAC will be looking at ways to minimise the emissions generated by the products and services it provides to members with a view to making some of them carbon neutral in the future.

Mr Agnew said it would be calling on the governments to set an example by buying cleaner, greener cars, adopting policies that encourage the use of a wide mix of fuels and new vehicle technology, and using smart investment in infrastructure to cut traffic congestion.

"We will be putting pressure on the vehicle industry to meet its own new-car fuel consumption target of an 18 per cent improvement between 2003 an 2010.  Notably, Australia's targeted rate is less ambitious than the targets of Europe, Japan and China - this is an issue we will seek to correct."