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Climate Protection

In 1999, Council set a target to reduce its corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions to a level of 20% below that of 1996.

We are now in the process of finalising our Greenhouse Action Plan to help review our progress and detail new actions to further reduce emissions. We are also initiating and participating in a range of programs to address climate change and actively reduce greenhouse emissions and energy use.

Cities for Climate Protection

In July 1999, Council made a commitment to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection™ Australia program (CCP™).

This program was set up by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) to assist local governments to lower their greenhouse gas emissions by identifying emission levels and setting greenhouse reduction targets. The CCP™ program follows a structured five step milestone program.

Council achieved all five milestones in June 2002 and we are now looking to participate in CCP™ Plus, which is a program for municipalities that have completed Milestone 5.

Milestone 1 (establish an inventory and forecast of emissions for the Boroondara community and Council sectors) was completed in November 1999.
The key findings were that in 1996 Boroondara's transport sector accounted for 39% of the City's greenhouse gas emissions, with 35% from residential, 15% from industrial and 11% from commercial areas.

Milestone 2 (setting an emission reduction goal) was achieved in October 2000 when Council set targets to reduce Council and community greenhouse gas emissions by 20% on 1996 levels by 2010.

Milestone 3 (developing and adopting a local greenhouse action plan to achieve the reduction goal) was achieved in June 2001 after Council adopted a Greenhouse Strategy following a period of community consultation.

Milestone 4 (demonstration of greenhouse emission reductions as a result of implementing energy saving actions) was achieved in October 2001 in recognition of the energy projects Council has completed.

Milestone 5 (monitoring and reporting local greenhouse gas emissions and implementation of actions and measures) was achieved when Council became one of only 16 councils nationally to complete this final milestone in June 2002.

The Council reassessed emissions produced by its own buildings and activities and reported on greenhouse gas reduction measures.

The report found that in 2001/2002 Council's actions saved 809 tonnes CO2. This is equivalent to removing 187 cars from the road. Implementation of building energy audit recommendations, a reduction in the size of Council's vehicle fleet and the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles provided the greatest savings.

Council Energy Saving Actions
Details a range of Council's energy saving actions.

Local Governments Sustainability Website
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) - Local Governments for Sustainability website.

Policy

Council adopted a Greenhouse Strategy in 2001.

To download a copy of the strategy, click on the link below.

Greenhouse Strategy PDF
Download a copy of Council's Greenhouse Strategy.

Toronto Declaration

Council endorsed the Toronto Declaration in December 2001.

This urges national governments to act on the commitments to reduce the threat of global climate change that were made by ratifying the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) in 1992.

It will send a message that local governments care about international greenhouse issues and are actively reducing emissions.

Toronto Declaration PDF
Download a copy of the Toronto Declaration.

5 Star Energy Rating for Homes

The new 5 Star rating for residential homes is a key feature of the Victorian government's environmental policy.

From July 2004, all new homes in Victoria must feature a range of energy efficiency and water saving measures that meet the 5 Star rating requirements.

Without these required elements, a building permit for a new house will not be issued

The integration of energy and water efficient designs into your new home will help you live more comfortably, save money on electricity, gas and water bills, and will help the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions and protecting our water resources.

Further information can be accessed via the links below.

Case Studies

Council has implemented a range of actions to reduce energy consumption, energy costs and greenhouse emissions associated with Council operations.

Click on the links below for case study examples of some of these initiatives.


Corporate Energy Audit and Implementation Program
Case study of this program.

Sustainability Case Study - Energy Monitoring
The Municipal Energy Management (MEM) tool is Council's principle energy management tool.

Sustainability Case Study - Energy Saving Actions
Details a range of Council's energy saving actions

Created: 20 September 2007
Last Update: 27 September 2007