Wyndham council will aim for new council buildings to be gas free as part of a commitment to transition to a zero-carbon community by 2040.
Council’s Resilient Wyndham Strategy 2021-025 outlines targets for council operations to be carbon neutral by 2023.
Wyndham council acting director, city design and liveability, Peter McKinnon said the gas free target will be enforced where appropriate electrical solutions exist.
“Currently, a major source of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions is the use of natural gas,” Mr McKinnon said.
“Electrifying Council facilities will increase the demand for renewable energy and directly support a clean energy transition.
“By taking advantage of solar energy produced on site or purchased via our existing renewable energy supply contracts, a reduction in utility charges and operating costs can be achieved,” he said.
To support council’s transition to a zero-carbon community, Wyndham is a member of the Council Alliance for Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), an alliance involving multiple councils across Victoria.
“CASBE councils represent a significant portion of the local government sector working towards new buildings that protect the natural environment, reduce resource consumption and support the health and wellbeing of residents,” Mr McKinnon said.
“The elevating targets project will allow for innovation and flexibility in the design for new buildings, with the overall aim to ensure that new developments will be zero carbon.”
MrMcKinnon said a total of 31 of CASBE’s member councils led the project and undertook innovative research to advocate for a net zero carbon future.
“So far, 13 councils – not including Wyndham city – have agreed to move onto the next stage of this project, which is focused on seeking a planning scheme amendment.”
“These councils are working to bring about change in our planning system and want planning to empower a clean energy future. They strongly support the recent state government parliamentary committee that recommended a review of laws that require gas connections.”
