Council’s target is to reduce Council's corporate greenhouse emissions by 45% (12,828 tCO2e) by 2022 (from 2002 levels, 23.323 tCO2e) and to be carbon neutral by 2022.
We are already well on the way, having already achieved a 26.4% (6,159 tCO2e) reduction in corporate emissions in 2017/18 compared to the 2002 baseline year.
Solar electricity generation (PV) panels have been installed on 32 of our buildings, totalling over 230 kW generation capacity. These systems are located on various buildings including childcare centres and libraries. These not only produce energy, but also enable children, their families and other residents to see solar panels in action.
Since 2013, over 8,000 street lights along Council’s minor roads have been upgraded to LED technology. These new globes are up to 80% more energy efficient, require less maintenance and increase lighting quality. As of 2017/18, we have reduced electricity use from street lights by approximately 63.8% and cut our carbon emissions by over 5,386.5 tonnes per year. <right hand panel link to Assets street lighting upgrade page>
Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) helps ensure best practice in sustainable development from the design stage through to construction and operation. We ensure all new and renovated Council buildings include significant ESD features.