Goldman Sachs understands the importance of reducing our impact on the environment. In 2007, we were the first financial services company to become carbon neutral and we are proud to announce that we received carbon neutral status again for 2008. The results for the 2009 calendar year will be announced in 2010. We continue to monitor our emissions and where we can, reduce our carbon footprint further.

Our Carbon Champions

Dedicated Carbon Champions have been appointed across our firm to lead by example and encourage energy efficient behaviour. These Carbon Champions are continuously monitoring and scrutinising energy usage in their immediate teams.

Turning down the lights

Energy efficient light fittings, sensor lighting and turning off non-essential lighting during the day and computers and lights each night significantly reduces our electricity consumption.

Making our base building energy efficient

Efficient base building energy, incorporating electricity and gas, has helped to reduce electricity and gas consumption at our major offices.

Reducing our air travel

Increasing video conferencing coupled with the firm’s strict non-essential travel policy has seen a sharp reduction in our air travel emissions.

Reducing our hotel stays

With less people travelling interstate and overseas we have lowered the number of hotel stays, which has also made a significant contribution to our carbon emissions reduction.

Innovation in paper and waste recycling

We continue to significantly reduce our paper usage across the firm through our commitment to recycling, discouraging non-essential printing and making double sided printing commonplace across our offices. Our attention to detail with recycling in all kitchen areas has also seen a sharp fall in our waste to landfill and we continue to implement new and innovative ways to minimise our waste output.

Reducing our e-waste

Desktop hardware including PCs, monitors, keyboards, mice and cables that are in an operational state are donated to charities, associations or schools. Non-operational equipment is collected by Mission Australia and e-Recycled.

Our Travel Pass Loan Scheme

In April 2007 the firm introduced the Travel Pass Loan Scheme – an interest-free loan that allows staff to purchase annual, half yearly and quarterly public transport travel cards for commuting to work.

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