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Council on track to achieve greenhouse reduction targets
Friday, 11 June 2010
11:44 AM
Media Releases
The City of Greater Geelong had, as at December 2009, reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 12 per cent and is on track to achieve its target of 30 per cent fewer emissions than it produced in the 2005-2006 financial year.
Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability and Climate Change Cr John Doull said the City had achieved greenhouse reductions through a multi-pronged strategy known as the Greenhouse Response.
“The City’s Greenhouse Response details numerous actions to reduce emissions and enlists numerous methods including energy conservation, the substitution of non-renewable energy sources for renewable energy, carbon offset and adaptation,” said Cr Doull.
“Prior to 2005-2006 the City’s greenhouse emissions were increasing but we’ve now reversed this trend and have managed to make a meaningful reduction which is a significant achievement given the size of Council’s operations,” Cr Doull said.
“Our commitment is to achieve 30 per cent reduction on 2005-2006 levels by 2010-2011 and at this stage we remain on track to meet this ambitious target,” he said.
“One of the areas we have concentrated on is Council owned buildings in recognition that this area is responsible for 43 per cent of our organisations total greenhouse emissions.
“Solar arrays at City Hall and the National Wool Museum have been effective in reducing these two buildings’ energy consumption and emissions and we’ve reduced the energy consumption of our lighting at our Anakie Road depot by 62 per cent through the installation of an energy efficient lighting system,” said Cr Doull.
A 12 kilowatt solar array is currently being installed at the Anakie Road depot.
Other initiatives include the conversion of the City’s vehicle fleet to more fuel efficient vehicles including LPG, diesel and hybrid vehicles and the introduction of a bicycle fleet for staff making short journeys.
Actions from the Greenhouse Response undertaken to date fall within seven categories:
Data Collection – this includes energy tracking software, smart meters, building audits and staff energy monitors.
Planning and Policy – this includes revision of the planning scheme and new policy and management practices.
Operational Practices – including regular greenhouse reporting, the purchase of energy efficient equipment, alternative fuel types and incentives to promote sustainable transport.
Education and Awareness – including staff training and a corporate Greenhouse Challenge known as EcoChallenge to encourage staff to adopt sustainable practices in their daily work tasks
New Technology – this includes the installation of solar panels, hydro and wind turbines and solar lights.
Community Promotion – Council has supported other government programs that promote energy sufficiency and is a participant in the annual Earth Hour campaign.
Offsets – the City has purchased 3000 Megawatts of accredited GreenPower and has earmarked an area near Balyang Sanctuary for a carbon offset planting site.
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