Property Board: Proposal 10
Executive Director of the Property Board Committee Sebert Ruddock proposed that the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania reduce their gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020 – initially by appointing a management committee to facilitate the task.

The goal of 20% was determined after an audit was conducted on the Synod’s energy consumption. The committee would work to identify: consistent approaches to the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions, opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, securing funding options to carry out this work and reporting progress of reduction to the Synod every three years.

Questions were raised regarding the exact amount of 20% given that this might be too hard to achieve, and that some congregations and schools are already making a large effort without the added pressure of reaching that benchmark. It was also raised that perhaps it should be monitored according to individual departments and not generalised across the whole Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

Mr Ruddock responded by explaining that it was important for the Synod as a whole to be collaborative in this goal as the government sees the Church as a whole. He also agreed that some areas shouldn’t be pressured to do even more, so those organisations would be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Cath James discussed the benchmark of 20%, explaining that it was found 15% was quiet achievable, so they wanted to challenge the church and then encourage the government to do the same.

Ms James also mentioned that the proposal was simply to seek the Synod’s permission to establish a framework which will allow them to carry out the work.

Another concern was whether BOMAR was going to be funding the whole initiative and Mr Ruddock assured it wouldn’t be the sole source of funding. “Part of the committee’s job will be to establish sources of funding, which there are many of including government ones.” he said.

It was also noted that the reduction in carbon emissions would reduce costs in general for the Synod.

There was overall consensus, with the exception of one man who felt costs in general should be reduced, not just greenhouse gas emissions. He agreed that his voice had been heard and the proposal was passed.