In 2009 we took several important steps toward becoming carbon neutral. During the year a full carbon lifecycle analysis was completed for all our businesses. This has allowed us to calculate our carbon footprint and identify the key areas where energy is used or embedded in the products and services we purchase. We also conducted an energy audit at the WFI offices at Bassendean (Western Australia) which is one of our largest sites. Lumley Australia rolled out an online employee awareness programme on climate change which demonstrated how individual choices can have an impact at home and work.

During the year our major safety initiative ISAFE focused on managing key safety risks and reducing workplace accidents. An occupational health and safety specialist was engaged to oversee programme implementation in our Australian businesses.

We were also involved in relief efforts following the tragic Victorian bushfires in February through providing on-the-ground support and emergency cash relief to our customers and donating to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. In addition we responded to this tragedy by immediately engaging our catastrophe plans. We paid out over $43 million in claims and expect to pay approximately $86 million by the time our clients have rebuilt.

We contributed $841,068 to a range of local community partnerships supporting initiatives such as farm safety, local community welfare organisations and education.

Our total energy consumption increased from 82,487 to 92,194 gigajoules and our carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) footprint decreased from 12,975 to 12,236 tonnes.