By Esther Lauaki
Wyndham council has stepped up its efforts to be more sustainable.
The council has been working to drive down greenhouse gas emissions across Wyndham through its Large-scale Solar program, by installing solar panels on council buildings, and Lighting the West program by replacing street lights with energy-saving LEDs.
Both programs resulted in a 12 per cent emissions reduction compared to a year ago.
The 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 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, [the council] is now turning its attention to the municipality’s non-profit and community organisations,” Cr Marcus said.
“Over this financial year, Wyndham City will install solar panels on 14 buildings that are used by kindergartens, childcare providers and sports clubs.
“These 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 our Lighting the West Program we are replacing 1500 inefficient street lights with LEDs this year alone.
“With street lights and electricity output accounting for 82 per cent of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions, these programs play an essential role in helping us reach our long-term goal of being carbon neutral.”
The $8.4 million Lighting the West program is mostly funded by the council in addition to $1.5 million in federal funding.
The $3.5 million Large-Scale Solar program is largely funded by a Federal Government grant, with Wyndham council chipping in $400,000.
