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BANKING Reducing your carbon footprint

Paul Modra Executive Manager Member Value and Distribution Police Credit Union

Australia has a target to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050 and, according to emissions projections in 2021, we’re already on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent – below 2005 levels – by 2030.

To help Australia reach its goal, there are small ways you can reduce your own emissions and save some money on bills.

Travel lighter

“Green” vehicles are now more of a consideration when purchasing a car. Some European and Asian countries aim to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

Green-vehicle emissions do not exceed 120 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre (g/km). This includes all hybrids (halfelectric, half-petrol engine), electric vehicles and some conventional vehicles.

Electric vehicles are currently quite expensive but cheaper models are on the way. This will likely mean more green vehicles on our roads over the next few years.

If you’re looking to buy a new car and want to reduce your environmental impact, consider a car loan with Police Credit Union. We’re about to launch an exciting product feature across all our car loans that will be good for your wallet and the environment.

Not only will you receive a competitively low rate, but we’ll offset the carbon emissions of the average vehicle for three years – at no extra cost to you with $0 package fees for Platinum members. *

We’re close to launching this new feature, so keep an eye on our website or get in touch with one of our friendly relationship managers.

Reduce your electricity use

When buying a new appliance, consider a high star-rated energysaving one. You can also update to LED lighting and turn off that second fridge you don’t regularly use.

Each degree by which you increase or decrease your home heating or cooling increases your energy use by up to 10 per cent.

Imagine if all Australia households increased their cooling temperature by one degree in summer and lowered their heating by a degree in winter. This would equate to a five per cent reduction in household electricity emissions.

Installing solar panels results in a sizeable portion of your energy being generated by the sun. On top of that, you could also feed renewable energy into the grid for others to use.

Police Credit Union offers a Solar Eco Loan. This market-leading variable personal loan has won awards in both the Mozo Expert Choice Awards and RateCity National Awards. It can assist you with purchasing solar energy products such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, home battery systems and solar water heaters.

The loan has no monthly or annual fees and $0 penalties for early repayment, along with a $0 package fee Imagine if all Australia households increased their cooling temperature by one degree in summer and lowered their heating by a degree in winter. This would equate to a five per cent reduction in household electricity emissions.

offer which will save all Platinum members an additional $195. (Visit policecu.com.au to find out more.)

Be water efficient

Cutting down your showers from eight minutes to four saves up to 350kg of CO2 each year. You can also install water-saving shower heads and taps to save, on average, 40 per cent of water usage, check your taps and repair any leaks, and add mulch or water-saving crystals to your garden.

Waste less

Put your food scraps in the green bin or compost. An average Australian household produces an average of 118kg of food waste contributing 250kg of greenhouse gas a year. Composting food results in only two to four per cent of the emissions it would produce in landfill.

Growing your own vegetables is also great for the environment. Consider what you’re purchasing at the supermarket, reduce your use of plastic, and recycle/ reuse your containers and bags.

Consider Police Credit Union to help reduce your environmental impact

As you’re a Platinum member, Police Credit Union can help you get the most out of its car loans, Solar Eco Loan and Platinum package, including personal oneon-one banking with our designated relationship managers across the state.