Hornsby Shire Council
Recognising that unless significant and sustainable global action is taken to forestall projected climate change trends, large-scale, irreversible damage is likely to occur across the planet. Taking this on board, we have taken a leadership role in implementing sustainable energy management initiatives across our services and the wider community. The environment is extremely fragile and as a community we have to do everything in our power to preserve it. This initiative may only be small in comparison to state-wide or nationwide strategies that could be implemented, but in order to achieve the big picture, we have to concentrate initially on the small picture.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
- Since 2005, Council has conducted a comprehensive program under the Earthwise branding addressing community understanding and uptake of energy and water initiatives. The evaluation of this program has showed emerging attitudinal change with regard to sustainability practices.
- Stage one of this program (2005) resulted in 68% of participants reporting an increased understanding of energy efficiency as a result of having taken part in the program.
- Stage two (2006) resulted in 79% of participants increasing their understanding of energy and water management in the home.
- Overall, 78% of participants reported that they were able to set their criteria for decision-making, evaluate options (behavioural and technological) and measure changes. 1600 water and energy kits and 230 home refit kits were distributed. The program is expected to save approximately 5,107 tonnes of greenhouse gases and 128 megalitres water per year.
- Council has worked with partners across the North Sydney region assisting seven schools with energy audits and aiding in the implementation of changes to reduce energy demand within the school boundaries.
- This year (2007-2008) the Earthwise at Home program is being extended to include workshops, a rebate program and the provision of in-home energy and water refits.
- The community is aware and an active partner with Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the Shire.
Travel
- Reduced emissions from Council's fleet have been achieved through the purchase of hybrid petrol/electric, LPG and four-cylinder vehicles.
- Council staff participate in annual Walk to Work Days, sponsored by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, by walking, car pooling, taking public transport or cycling to work.
- Council has engaged an external consultant to undertake a Sustainable Fleet Management Study to reduce costs and greenhouse emissions from Council's fleet.
- Council has developed a community Bike Map that shows local cycle routes and bicycle facilities.
Corporate
- In 2000, Council set targets to reduce 1996 greenhouse gas emission levels of both Council and community activities by 20% by 2010. This intent was outlined in Council's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy (2000). To date, Council has reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 27%.
- The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy (2000) has recently been revised and is now named the Sustainable Energy Strategy 2006-2010. This Strategy has revised greenhouse reduction targets of 30% by 2010 and 35% by 2012 for corporate emissions; 5% by 2010 and 10% by 2012 for community; and 60% by 2050 for both sectors.
- Council has also pioneered energy performance contracting in Australia with the largest local government Energy Performance Contract (EPC) involving energy and water savings at approximately 250 Council sites. The Cogeneration System at Hornsby Central Library was an Australian first, demonstrating innovative and environmentally friendly technology for the purpose of efficient power generation and air conditioning.
- Purchase of 10% Green Power for Councils major sites and streetlighting
- Replacement of a significant number of high energy consuming street lamps with more energy efficient ones as part of the South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) Street Lighting Improvement Program;
- Installations of energy efficient and solar public lighting in some parks;
- Replacement of old office equipment and computers with more efficient models (including Energystar-enabled monitors);
- Participation in a pilot CCP Plus Greenhouse Purchasing Project that aims to provide systems and tools for councils to accelerate greenhouse gas abatement through the purchasing of greenhouse preferable goods and services;
- Diversion of significant amounts of waste from landfill through collection & recycling of kerbside waste, recycling office paper and mulching and reuse of green waste from Council maintenance activities.
- In 2003 an Energy Management Review of Council was conducted to identify ways to overcome significant barriers to sustainable energy management and in 2006 an Energy Savings Action Plan was compiled to identify energy and management actions to reduce energy and greenhouse emissions.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- With 2010 in mind Council is extending its energy performance contract across further assets and implementing a sustainable energy policy that will assist in, and overcome the threat to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the anticipated increase in energy demand resulting from the increase in the number and size of Council assets.
More information
Contact: Adam Davis
Web Address: www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Updated: November 2007
CCP Facts
State: New South Wales
Date joined:
1999
Current Milestone:
CCP Plus
Cogeneration Air Conditioning System
Credit: Hornsby Shire Council
Solar Thermal Pool Heating
Credit: Hornsby Shire Council