Garry Baverstock (left)
is the Director of Ecotect-Architects. Garry is committed to designing buildings that use materials, energy and water resources efficiently. He has built more than 700 houses based on these principles in Western Australia.

“As an individual you have the power to make a difference. The challenge is to realise it and choose a role.
The best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to use less fossil fuel by energy conservation. Solar and renewable energy is now technically and economically able to provide this ‘green’ source of power.”

Greg Bourne (right) studied at the University of WA with a scholarship from BP Kwinana. He worked overseas before returning to Australia as BP Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand in 1999. BP is investing in cleaner fuels and greenhouse abatement initiatives, and is the largest solar company in the world.

“Climate change, caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, is one of the biggest issues facing us today. If we are serious about protecting this planet, we all have a role to play.
The journey will be a long one and not all of us in business are yet on the road. However, I believe that society is telling business, governments and institutions, it is time we got our act together.

FACTFILE
• There is strong evidence that most of the global warming recorded over the past fifty years is caused by human activities.
• About 75% of human-derived greenhouse gases is due to burning fossil fuels. The rest is mainly caused by land clearing.
• South West Western Australia will become hotter and drier in coming decades and the North will be hotter, wetter and have more cyclones
• Western Australia has new industries and technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.