One degree

The Fiji Times is published daily in Suva and is Fiji’s oldest still operating newspaper, first established in 1869. The newspaper’s carbon footprint was 328 tonnes in the year to June 2007.

The Fiji Times has embraced One Degree both in improving the energy efficiency of its own operations and by inspiring other individuals and organisations to take action against climate change in the islands.

Following the popular launch of One Degree in Fiji in January 2008, The Fiji Times began exploring whether the program could include measures for the business community. Consultations with business leaders led to the creation of coolfiji.biz – a not-for-profit company now being registered to empower the private sector to act on climate change.

Once established, the coolfiji.biz will become a secretariat for businesses that commit to reducing their carbon footprint in Fiji. The coolfiji.biz program will set up of hundreds of ‘cool.teams’ in member companies across Fiji – all of which will be trained to measure their organisation’s carbon footprint, generate and implement best practice energy-saving measures and teach others about climate change.

Fiji’s Department of Environment director Epeli Nasome hailed the initiative as one that could engineer a new era in government-private sector partnerships on climate change. So far 11 companies - from sectors as diverse as insurance, media, utilities, finance, retail and investment - have agreed to put their seals towards the incorporation of coolfiji.biz. The program will then be rolled out to any company that wants to come on board – and there are many already on the waiting list.
The Fiji Times is negotiating seed capital for coolfiji.biz and is already in talks with international donors such as the UNDP and the World Conservation Union.

Interestingly, coolfiji.biz has also generated a push for a “Fiji First” scheme to enable members to offset locally through mangrove and forest regeneration projects in the country.

The Fiji Times is also looking at reducing energy in its own operations. The Times has conducted a power correction audit and has begun replacing CRT screen with lower-energy monitors. Fluorescent tubes are being replaced and multi-function peripherals are being installed to replace stand-alone printers, faxes and copiers.

Lighting timers and green cars are being investigated for the future, with planning underway for a range of initiatives to inspire community interest in reducing carbon emissions – including sponsorship of the Fiji Rugby 7’s, an electricity challenge for staff, sponsorship of the ‘One Degree’ Fiji fun cycle and the ‘One Degree’ staff blackout challenge.

Staff at The Fiji Times

The Post-Courieris the largest selling national newspaper in Papua New Guinea, with an audited daily circulation of 26,262 and is published Monday to Friday in English. The group also includes the Island Post, the Highlands Post and the Mamose Post.
A report on The Post-Courier’s carbon footprint and energy reduction initiatives is being prepared.