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. 
 

Council’s target is to reduce corporate water use by 35% (160,817 kL) based on 2002 levels, 247,410 kL) by 2020. 

Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change, along with increased population that places greater demand on open space, sporting grounds and leisure facilities presents significant challenges to steadily reducing Council’s water use.

However, Whitehorse City Council has been working to reduce water consumption through a range of water conservation and alternate water source initiatives including:

• installation of water saving and harvesting equipment
• use of water sensitive design principles in capital works projects
• planting of sports fields with dry season grasses and improving irrigation systems
• ongoing investment in water efficiency initiatives for Council buildings
• Ongoing planting of drought tolerant plants in reserves and gardens
   

Whitehorse City Council is an active member of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA), along with eight other local Governments. EAGA's goal is to respond to the challenges of climate change by working collaboratively on regional programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate regional climate change adaptation. To find out more about Council’s work through EAGA, visit the EAGA website.

TAKE2 is the Victorian State Government collective climate change pledge initiative to reach the State target of zero net emissions greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and keep the global temperature rise under two degrees. 

By pledging its support to TAKE2, Whitehorse Council is promising to take action on climate change, demonstrating leadership to our local community and communicating the work that Council is already doing to address climate change.  View Council’s TAKE2 actions on the Whitehorse City Council TAKE2 webpage.

The State Government is calling on all Victorian individuals, business, government, educational and community organisations to take meaningful action to reduce climate change. Show your support by making a TAKE2 pledge for yourself, and encourage your organisation, community group or school to make a pledge too. Visit the TAKE2 website for more information.

Council aims to improve the environment, health and well-being of the community, and promote a sustainable local economy by increasing purchasing of green products to 10% of Council’s total purchasing expenditure.

Whitehorse City Council strongly believes in fair and ethical procurement for our organisation and has made a commitment to purchasing Fairtrade certified products. 

Fairtrade is about better prices, good working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. By requiring companies to pay fair prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the most vulnerable producers. With greater financial stability, producers can plan for the future and improve their livelihoods.

Council is recognised as a “Fairtrade Supporting Workplace” by Fairtrade Australia New Zealand. Council offers fairtrade products (such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate) to staff and visitors and procures Fair Trade t-shirts for Council’s annual Spring Festival event.

Find out how you can make a difference by switching to Fair Trade or how you can encourage your workplace to become a “Fairtrade Supporting Workplace” by visiting the Fairtrade Australia New Zealand.