Greenpeace activists target Optus in Re-energise campaign

GREENPEACE activists on the Central Coast dialled up the pressure on Optus on February 27, urging the telco giant to commit to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025.

A group of Greenpeace supporters rallied outside the Optus store at Erina Fair surveying staff and customers and urging the installation of solar panels.

Armed with cardboard solar panels and hi-vis vests, activists conducted a COVID-safe action calling on the company to follow brands such as Telstra, Woolworths and Bunnings and commit to sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2025.

Spokesperson, Simone Cooper, said that it was time for Optus, as a major energy user, to reduce its climate impact.

“Optus is one of Australia’s biggest electricity users, and we’re making the call – it’s time for Australia’s second-largest telco to go 100 per cent renewable,” she said.

“Telstra committed to 100 per cent renewable electricity last year, but Optus is still not receiving the signal.

“That’s why we dialed up the pressure and turned up to Optus Erina Fair.

“We also talked to Optus staff and shoppers to find out their views on how choosing to buy products and services from companies that have committed to clean energy is an important way that shoppers can stand up for our climate.

“Renewable energy is cheaper, cleaner and better for business.”

Activists also called for the Federal Government to stop all fossil fuel projects, including gas projects, and commit to 100 per cent renewable electricity projects from the wind and sun.

“Gas is not the solution to tackling the climate emergency,” Cooper said.

“According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the release of methane, which is the primary component of gas, is 86 times stronger than CO2 at trapping heat over a 20 year period and 34 times stronger than CO2 at trapping heat over a 100 year period.

“Many Australian states and companies are already embracing renewable energy; they have realised the potential from an economical as well as an environmental point of view.

“It just makes good business sense.

“But we need all companies to commit to 100 per cent renewable energy sooner rather than later, and that’s why Greenpeace has the REenergise campaign where we target the top companies who are the highest energy users to get that commitment from them.”

A spokesperson for Optus said the company was “passionate about the environment” and was “taking a positive, scientifically-backed approach to decreasing the impact of our operations”.

“We care about providing the best, most reliable and sustainable services for our customers and strive to deliver this while minimising our environmental footprint,” the spokesperson said.

Source:
Media release, Mar2
Greenpeace