Wyndham City is driving down greenhouse gas emissions and creating a sustainable future for residents through its Large-Scale Solar and Lighting the West programs.
The programs have resulted in Council exceeding its emissions reduction target for 2018/19 by 12%.
Council is now emitting 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, compared to 25,000 tonnes the year before (excluding emissions generated by the Refuse Disposal Facility).
Environment and Sustainability portfolio holder Cr Heather Marcus said while Council was pleased with this result, it wasn’t resting on its laurels.
“Having installed solar panels in 38 Council buildings already, Wyndham City is now turning its attention to the municipality’s non-profit and community organisations,” Cr Marcus said.
Over this financial year, Wyndham City plans to install solar panels on 14 buildings that are used by kindergartens, childcare providers and sports clubs. The panels on these 14 sites are estimated to save $2 million in power bills over their 20-year lifespan and all savings will be passed on in full to community groups.
In addition, through the Lighting the West Program Council is replacing 1,500 inefficient street lights with LEDs this year alone.
“With street lights and electricity output accounting for 82% of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions, these programs play an essential role in helping us reach our long-term goal of being carbon neutral,” Cr Marcus said.
“When it comes to sustainability, Wyndham City is one of the most proactive Councils in Australia. Council was recently awarded the 2019 Sustainable Council Award by Keep Victoria Beautiful, and with good reason,” Cr Marcus said.
“Wyndham City is not just planning for sustainability—we’re acting on and exceeding our green ambitions.”
The Lighting the West and Large-Scale Solar programs have been running for four and five years respectively.
Council has invested a total of $8.4 million in Lighting the West, in addition to $1.5 million in Federal Government funding.
The $3.5 million Large-Scale Solar Program is largely funded by a $3.1 million Federal Government grant, with Wyndham City investing $400,000.
Council will start installing the first of the panels and lights this week.
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