Greenhouse Action Plan 2012-2017 - Eurobodalla Shire · IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IWCMS Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy kL Kilolitre is a unit of measurement

Greenhouse Action Plan

2012-2017

1 Glossary of terms and acronyms:

Glossary of terms and acronyms: BAU Business As Usual

CCP Cities for Climate Protection

CNG Compressed Natural Gas

CO₂e Equivalent tonnes of Carbon Dioxide

CSP Community Strategic Plan

GAP Greenhouse Action Plan

GHG Greenhouse gas

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IWCMS Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

kL Kilolitre is a unit of measurement equal to 1,000 litres.

kWh Kilowatt hours is a unit of energy equal to 1000 watt hours or 3.6

megajoules.

LED Light Emitting Diode

LPG Low Pressure Gas

LRET Large-scale Renewable Energy Target

ML Megalitre. 1 ML= 1,000kL

MWh Megawatt hours. 1MWh = 1,000 kWh

NGERs National Greenhouse and Emissions Reporting Act

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Ppm Parts per million

PV Photo-voltaic

UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

2 Greenhouse Action Plan 2012-2017

Contents Glossary of terms and acronyms: ............................................................... 1

List of Figures .............................................................................................. 3

List of Tables ............................................................................................... 3

1. Executive Summary ............................................................................. 4

2. Background ......................................................................................... 5

2.1 Climate Change - Issues and Impacts .......................................... 5

2.1.1 What is Climate Change ...................................................... 5

2.1.2 Climate Change Trends ....................................................... 5

2.1.3 Global impacts .................................................................... 8

2.1.4 Local Impacts ....................................................................... 9

2.2 Responding to climate change .................................................... 9

2.2.1 The International response ................................................. 9

2.2.2 The Australian response...................................................... 9

2.2.3 Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Response .............................. 10

3. Eurobodalla Shire Council greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory

………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

3.1 Corporate emissions profile ...................................................... 12

3.2 Business as usual (BAU) projections ......................................... 14

3.3 Community emissions ............................................................... 14

4. Progress to Date ................................................................................ 15

4.1 Climate Change Activities Completed to Date .......................... 15

5. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions .................................... 16

5.1 Council GHG Emission Reduction Target .................................. 16

5.2 Emission Reduction Opportunities............................................ 16

5.3 Prioritising action ...................................................................... 17

6. Greenhouse Action Plan .................................................................... 20

6.1 Community ................................................................................ 21

6.2 Sustainable Transport ............................................................... 23

6.3 Energy Efficiency – General ....................................................... 24

6.4 Energy Efficiency – Buildings ..................................................... 26

6.5 Energy Efficiency – Streetlighting .............................................. 29

6.6 Energy Efficiency – Water & Sewer ........................................... 30

6.7 Fleet ........................................................................................... 34

6.8 Leadership ................................................................................. 37

6.9 Planning ..................................................................................... 38

6.10 Renewable Energy ..................................................................... 40

6.11 Waste ........................................................................................ 42

7. Implementing the Greenhouse Action Plan ...................................... 45

7.1 What will this cost Council? ...................................................... 45

7.2 Risk management ...................................................................... 45

7.3 Resourcing and funding............................................................. 46

7.4 Monitoring and evaluation ....................................................... 46

Appendix 1 Emissions inventory methodology .................................... 47

3 List of Figures

Appendix 2 Actions taken to date ........................................................ 48

References ................................................................................................ 56

List of Figures

Figure 1 The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect ........................................... 5

Figure 2 Trend in Annual Total Rainfall 1970-2011 .............................. 6

Figure 3 Global Temperature Trends .................................................... 6

Figure 4 Trend in Mean Temperatures 1970-2011 ............................... 7

Figure 5 Global Mean Sea Level 1870-2007 .......................................... 7

Figure 6 Stabilisation levels and probability ranges for temperature

increases.................................................................................. 8

Figure 7 Council GHG Emissions Breakup (2010/11) .......................... 12

Figure 8 Council greenhouse gas emissions history ........................... 13

Figure 9 Business As Usual projections compared to the emissions

reductions target ................................................................... 14

Figure 10 Emissions reduction target ................................................... 16

Figure 11 Emission reduction opportunities ......................................... 16

Figure 12 GHG emissions Marginal Abatement Cost Curve ................. 18

Figure 13 Emissions from Council Buildings .......................................... 26

Figure 14 Actual and projected emissions from Council buildings ....... 26

Figure 15 Existing energy efficiency works at pools: solar hot water,

pool blankets, shower timers ................................................ 28

Figure 16 Energy intensity of water and sewer services ...................... 30

Figure 17 Water use per resident ......................................................... 31

Figure 18 Solar bee at Deep Creek Dam ............................................... 31

Figure 19 Fleet opportunities compared to 2020 BAU projections ...... 34

Figure 20 Existing electric-hybrid pool car ............................................ 34

Figure 21 Brou landfill emissions .......................................................... 42

Figure 22 Surfbeach landfill emissions .................................................. 42

List of Tables Table 1 Council 2010/11 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory ........... 12

Table 2 Emissions Costs by Activity Type (2010/11) .............................. 13

Table 3 Community Actions ................................................................... 21

Table 4 Sustainable Transport Actions .................................................. 23

Table 5 General Energy Efficiency Actions ............................................. 24

Table 6 Building Energy Efficiency Actions ............................................ 27

Table 7 Streetlighting Energy Efficiency Actions.................................... 29

Table 8 Water and Sewer Energy Efficiency .......................................... 32

Table 9 Fleet Actions .............................................................................. 35

Table 10 Leadership Actions ................................................................ 37

Table 11 Planning Actions .................................................................... 38

Table 12 Renewable Energy Actions .................................................... 40

Table 13 Waste Actions ....................................................................... 43

Table 14 Risk Management Matrix ...................................................... 45

Table 15 Completed actions ................................................................ 48


1. Executive Summary Council has determined that it must take a precautionary and risk based approach to climate change to ensure the protection of our communities for now and into the future. It is widely accepted that global climate change is occurring and that it is primarily human induced.i While there is still a degree of uncertainty about the exact nature of predicted impacts, the general trends are well understood. Given this knowledge, we cannot wait for greater certainty before acting, but have a responsibility to act now to protect the community and the natural environment. It is in the best interests of Council and the community to act immediately to reduce our impacts and prepare for the changes to come. Climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of our lives, from the health and integrity of natural systems, to economic prosperity and community health and well-being. Making the transition now to a low carbon economy will give the region a competitive advantage and help to avoid the worst of the future negative economic, environmental and social impacts. The 2012-2017 Eurobodalla Greenhouse Action Plan sets out the Council’s response to the issue of climate change. It builds on the work done in the previous iteration of the plan over the period 2007-2012. A corporate emissions reduction target of 25% by 2020 compared to the 2005/06 baseline has been set. Detailed actions have been developed which will help Council achieve the required emissions reductions. Steps to support the community in responding to the issues of climate change are also outlined in the Plan.

The overall costs and risks of climate change without taking action will be equivalent to losing at least 5-20% of global gross domestic product each year – now and forever. In contrast, the cost of reducing emissions and building climate resilience now to avoid the worst impacts of climate change can be limited to around 1-2% global gross domestic product per year.

Sir Nicholas Stern, January 2007. Author of the first global report on the economic impacts of climate change

5 2. Background

2. Background

2.1 Climate Change - Issues and Impacts

2.1.1 What is Climate Change

Climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. In this document, the term “climate change” is used to describe human– induced climate change resulting from increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Human induced climate change is caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap re-radiated heat and warms the planet. Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, land clearing, some industrial processes, fertiliser use and landfill have increased significantly since the industrial revolution. This has resulted in an enhanced greenhouse effect where more heat is retained on earth as illustrated in Figure 1. The 2011 Garnaut Review concludes that climate change is happening ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ and that Australia must do our fair share towards preventing the consequences of irreversible climate change. ii

Figure 1 The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

2.1.2 Climate Change Trends

The general trends of climate change include: increasing temperatures; reduced rainfall (though not in all locations); changes in rainfall seasonality; increasing ocean temperatures; changes to ocean currents and a greater number of extreme weather events such as storms, fires, droughts and floods.iii


Many of these trends are already being observed and climate change is now affecting communities in Australia and around the world. iv

Figure 2 Trend in Annual Total Rainfall 1970-2011

A relatively sudden increase in average global temperatures has been observed over the last century. The three most complete global temperature records available - from the UK Hadley Centre, NASA and the US National Climate Data Centre – all show a clear

upward trend in global average temperatures over the last 150 years in Figure 3.v

Figure 3 Global Temperature Trends

If no action is taken to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions the earth is forecast to experience a warming of 2.2°C to 5.0°C by 2070. If significant efforts are undertaken to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions it may be possible to limit global warming to 1.0°C to 2.5°C by 2070.vi

7 2. Background

Temperature trends in Australia have been observed to be rising as shown in Figure 4. vii

Figure 4 Trend in Mean Temperatures 1970-2011

Figure 5 Global Mean Sea Level 1870-2007

Figure 5 shows observations of sea levels rising. In accordance with the NSW Coastal Planning Guideline: Adapting to Sea Level Riseviii, Eurobodalla Shire Council is now planning to accommodate a projected sea level rise of 40cm by 2050 and 90cm by 2100 against the 1990 mean. Global Mean Sea Levels have been observed to have risen since the industrial revolutionix.


2.1.3 Global impacts

Figure 6 (taken from the Stern Review 2007x) summarises the scientific evidence of the links between concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the probability of different levels of global average temperature change, and the physical impacts expected for each level. The risks of serious, irreversible impacts of climate change increase strongly as concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rises. In 2011 CO2 concentrations reached 391.5ppm.xi Figure 6 illustrates the types of impacts that could be experienced as atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and temperatures increase. The top panel shows the range of projected at stabilisation levels between 400ppm and 750ppm CO2e at equilibrium. The solid horizontal lines indicate the 5-95% chance range based on climate sensitivity estimates from the IPCC 2001 and a Hadley Centre ensemble study. The vertical line indicates the mean of the 50th percentile point. The dashed lines show the 5-95% range based on eleven recent studies. The bottom panel illustrates the range of impacts expected at different levels of warming. The relationship between global average temperature changes and regional climate changes is very uncertain, especially with regards to precipitation. This figure shows potential changes based on current scientific literature.

Figure 6 Stabilisation levels and probability ranges for temperature increases

9 2. Background

2.1.4 Local Impacts

Some of the impacts of climate change on the Illawarra and NSW

South-East region include:xii xiii

Temperatures in the region are virtually certain to rise, with daily maximum and minimum figure projected to increase

by an average of 1.5C -3C by 2050.

Rainfall is likely to increase in summer and decrease in winter.

Droughts are likely to become more severe.

The frequency of very high to extreme fire risk days is likely to increase in the region.

Flooding is likely to increase.

Heat waves are predicted to become more frequent and more severe.

Sea level rise and storms are virtually certain to increase coastal inundation and erosion causing the erodible coastline to recede by 20-40m by 2050.

Sea level rise is likely to threaten some properties.

Increased bushfire frequency and intensity is very likely to cause major changes to ecosystems.

Sea level rise is likely to threaten some estuarine communities.

2.2 Responding to climate change

2.2.1 The International response

The issue of climate change has been on the international agenda since The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Since this time, climate

change has increasingly dominated international environmental negotiations, and is now widely recognised as the most serious environmental issue of our time. It is also an issue that will require a high degree of international cooperation to resolve. The international response to climate change is coordinated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and regulated by the Kyoto Protocol, which Australia ratified in 2007. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up by the United Nations Environment Program to conduct and communicate sound research on climate science. The IPCC released a report in 2007 stating that to put the world on track to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by at least half of 1990 levels by 2050, developed countries collectively need to cut their emissions to 25% to 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80% to 95% by 2050.xiv The next IPCC Assessment Report will be released in 2014. 90 countries have pledged to reduce their national emissions. These account for over 80% of global emissions and over 90% of the global economy.xv The UK Government recently committed to cutting emissions by 50% from 1990 levels by 2025.

2.2.2 The Australian response

The Australian government ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2007. Australia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 2000 levels by 2020, and 80% below 2000 levels by 2050. To assist in achieving this, the Federal Government has passed the Renewable Energy Target which commits to generating 20% of Australia’s electricity supply from renewable sources by 2020. The


Clean Energy Future bills were passed in 2011 which legislated the introduction of a Carbon Pricing Mechanism on July 1 2012, transitioning to an Emissions Trading Scheme in 2015. Although Australia only accounts for around 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, its per capita (per person) CO2 emissions is nearly twice the OECD average and more than four times the world average.xvi As a developed nation Australia has a responsibility to take meaningful steps towards climate change mitigation.

2.2.3 Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Response

Eurobodalla Shire Council joined the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) global program in 2005 to help reduce the corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions of the Shire. Since then Council has completed a number of milestones in the program.

1. Completed greenhouse gas inventory; 2. Set a 25% reduction target for reduced greenhouse gas

emissions by 2012; 3. Developed the 2007-2012 Greenhouse Action Plan; 4. Implemented the Greenhouse Action Plan; 5. Monitored and reviewed the progress of the Plan.

The 2012 emissions reduction target was not achieved, however substantial elements of the 2007-2012 Greenhouse Action Plan were achieved. This is discussed further in Section 4.1 and Appendix 2.

The Eurobodalla 2030 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the key guiding document for Council and was developed after extensive

community consultation. A number of objectives in the CSP are addressed through the implementation of the Greenhouse Action Plan. The main links are:

2.3 Enhance and make the best use of public facilities and transport.

4.1 Maintain the diversity of our plants and animals. 5.1 Plan for impacts of climate change. 5.3 Design principles recognise our local character,

accessibility and sustainability. 6.1 Develop a clean energy future. 6.2 Use our water wisely. 6.3 Reduce, reuse and recover waste. 9.2 Our services and infrastructure are efficient

11 3. Eurobodalla Shire Council greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory

3. Eurobodalla Shire Council greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions inventory

Background terms:

For the purpose of greenhouse gas reporting, GHG emissions are categorised into Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. The National Greenhouse Emissions Reporting (NGER) Act 2007 refers to the mandatory reporting of emissions from Scope 1 & 2, whereas Scope 3 is voluntary.

The previous 2007-2012 Greenhouse Action Plan reported principally on Council’s Scope 1 fleet and bottled gas emissions and Scope 2 & 3 electricity emissions. This report extends the GHG emissions inventory boundaries to include emissions from some other sources to more closely align Council’s practices with nationally recognised processes and best-practice methods. Definitions for each Scope and the Council emissions from these areas are outlined below.

Scope 1 Emissions: The direct emissions from an activity undertaken or controlled by the company.

Council managed landfill sites

Fugitive emissions from Sewer Treatment Plants

Bottled gas direct emissions

Fleet fuel (ULP, E10, diesel and LPG) direct emissions

Scope 2 Emissions: The emissions arising from electricity, heating, cooling or steam consumed by the company.

Electricity use from all Council owned facilities and streetlighting

Scope 3 Emissions: The emissions generated as a consequence of the activities of the company which occur outside of the facility.

Transmission and distribution emissions from Council electricity use

Extraction and supply emissions associated with fuel used for Council vehicles

Emissions that have been excluded include Scope 1 refrigerant hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) due to the difficulties in measuring these emissions. The remainder of Council’s Scope 3 emissions has also been excluded including business travel, consumable and contractors’ emissions. More information on the methodology used for calculating

emissions is provided in Appendix 1.


3.1 Corporate emissions profile Council is responsible for managing a number of sources of greenhouse

gas emissions. These GHG emissions are summarised in Table 1.

2010/11 Council GHG emissions inventory

Scope 1 2010/11 tCO₂e

Fuel (ULP, E10, Diesel, LPG) 2,426

Bottled gas 154

Waste: landfill methane emissions 19,827

Sewer: fugitive emissions 818

SUBTOTAL 23,225

Scope 2

Electricity 9,668

SUBTOTAL 9,668

Scope 3

Electricity transmission & distribution losses 1,847

Fuel production & transport 199

SUBTOTAL 2,046

TOTAL 34,939 Table 1 Council 2010/11 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Council has operational control over a relatively large volume of GHG emissions. Despite this, Council does not trigger any compliance thresholds under the Carbon Pricing Mechanism nor

the National Greenhouse and Emissions Reporting (NGER) Act. It is a real possibility that these thresholds will be lowered in future. An analysis of Council’s GHG emissions by the type of activity is revealing. It highlights the large contribution of landfill waste to Council’s emissions profile as illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 7 Council GHG Emissions Breakup (2010/11)

Buildings 9%

Water 9%

Sewer 12%

Waste - electricity

0%

Streetlighting 5%

Fleet 8%

Waste - landfill

57%

Council emissions breakup (tCO₂e)

13 3. Eurobodalla Shire Council greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory

Analysis of the energy costs associated with Councils emissions intensive activities in Table 2 highlights the large costs associated with these activities. Fuel costs have a disproportionately high share of the overall energy costs given their relatively small contribution to Councils GHG emissions. Energy costs clearly represent a large operating cost to Council and efforts to reduce the exposure to increased energy costs are essential.

Sector GHG tCO2-e % GHG Energy cost* $ Energy $ %

Buildings 3,094 9% $ 579,938 19%

Water 3,165 9% $ 483,010 16%

Sewer 4,202 12% $ 619,160 20%

Fuel 2,625 8% $ 1,116,009 36%

Streetlighting 1,770 5% $ 235,318 8%

Waste - landfill 19,827 57% $ 28,249 1%

TOTAL 34,683 $ 3,061,684

Table 2 Emissions Costs by Activity Type (2010/11)

* Energy costs includes electricity, gas, fuel (diesel, ULP, E10 & LPG)

Table 2 represents historical energy costs and it should be pointed out that since 2010/11 electricity (on non-contract sites) increased 18.1% on July 1st 2011 and a further 19.7% on July 1st 2012.

Waste emissions, despite being the single largest source of Council emissions, currently has very low costs associated with the emissions from this activity. At the moment both the Brou and Surfbeach landfills are well under the 25,000 tCO₂-e compliance threshold under the Carbon Pricing Mechanism. There is a real

possibility that the compliance threshold will be reduced to 10,000 tCO₂-e per site in the future. In this case the threshold would be exceeded at Surfbeach landfill and potentially Brou landfill as well if GHG emissions reductions are not addressed. If both council landfills become liable under the Carbon Pricing Mechanism in 2015 this is likely to cost Council between $300,000 and $520,000 a year.

Figure 8 Council greenhouse gas emissions history

2005/2006 has been chosen as the baseline year as it represents the earliest year in which reliable data can be verified.

34,196

35,440

34,389 34,184

35,094

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Council GHG Emissions history


3.2 Business as usual (BAU) projections

Without active intervention emissions are expected to continue rising into the future. As the population of the Shire rises and demand for services and facilities increase, emissions associated with these activities would result in an overall increase in Council emissions. The modelling conducted for this plan assumes an emissions growth rate of 1.1% per year for energy usage which is in line with forecasts by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.xvii Landfill GHG emissions forecasts are based on modelling conducted for Council for the Landfill Emissions Study.

Figure 9 Business As Usual projections compared to the emissions reductions

target

It is anticipated that during the life of this Greenhouse Action Plan additional facilities and activities will increase Council’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory. It will be necessary to consider the impacts of new developments on Council’s emissions reduction targets.

3.3 Community emissions

Council continues to support the reduction of community emissions through a number of strategies outlined in section 6.1 and 6.2. Although Council has limited resources or capacity to influence community efforts to address climate change, it can provide support through education programmes and in the structure of some community services such as waste and recycling. The ability to measure community emissions is currently limited due to difficulties in obtaining accurate and reliable data. However Council will continue to work with the community in attempting to better capture emissions data where possible and in reducing community emissions.

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25% emissions reduction target

Reduction of 9,392 tCO2-e to meet 25% by 2020 target

2005/06 baseline

15 4. Progress to Date

4. Progress to Date

4.1 Climate Change Activities Completed to Date

Council has completed a large number of activities and projects aimed at addressing climate change mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing and responding to a changing climate). These actions are summarised in Appendix 2. Council previously adopted the Eurobodalla Shire Council Greenhouse Action Plan 2007-2012. The majority of actions (85%) were completed, are underway or continue to be addressed in an ongoing fashion. Some activities include:

The continued development of cycle and foot paths and promotion of sustainable transport options.

3 solar power systems installed on community buildings.

Numerous energy and water efficiency measures have been completed or committed saving approximately $870,000/year at 2011/12 electricity prices.

All inefficient Mercury Vapour streetlights are due to be replaced in mid-2012 with more efficient alternatives reducing streetlighting consumption by 28%.

62% of Council's light vehicle fleet are now 4 cylinder vehicles, up from 26% in 2006.

Many resources are recovered, reused, recycled and diverted from landfill.

The implementation of the Interim Sea Level Rise Adaptation Policy.

Sustaining Our Towns (2010-2012) sustainability programmes for residential, business and community groups.

Business Treading Lightly (2008-2010) sustainable business program.

A number of actions were incomplete due to inadequate resourcing, changing circumstances and organisational priorities, or factors beyond the control of the organisation.

Despite progress towards completing the previous Greenhouse Action Plan previous reduction targets were not achieved. The 2011-12 emissions inventory is 0.2% lower than the 2005-06 baseline and 6.3% below the business as usual emissions forecast. The previous GAP did not refer to waste GHG emissions. The emissions targets were recognised as a ‘stretch’ and actions were not resourced or prioritised sufficiently to achieve ambitious goals. Much has been learnt from the process of implementing the first iteration of a Eurobodalla Shire Council Greenhouse Action Plan and many steps have been taken to improve the 2012-2017 plan. Much planning and research has now been completed under the first plan. This has enabled Council to understand and develop the steps required to achieve significant emission reductions and to translate the objectives of the plan into actions on the ground.


5. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions

5.1 Council GHG Emission Reduction Target

TARGET: Reduce total Council greenhouse gas emissions from the 2005/06 baseline by 25% by 2020.

Figure 10 Emissions reduction target

5.2 Emission Reduction Opportunities

The emissions reduction target can be achieved through advancing the actions outlined within the Greenhouse Action Plan. Modelling of Council’s emissions profile has been conducted in relation to the various strategies and opportunities available to reduce emissions.

A breakdown of the contribution of the various GAP activities towards the emissions reduction target is illustrated in Figure 11.

Figure 11 Emission reduction opportunities

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6.3 Energy efficiency -other

6.4 Energy efficiency -buidlings

6.5 Streetlighting

6.6 Water & Sewer

6.7 Fleet efficiency

6.10 Renewable energy

6.10 LRET

6.11 Waste

17 5. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions

The various GAP activities identified in Figure 11 are discussed in detail in their respective sections in Section 6: Greenhouse Action Plan. The opportunities identified above, when realised, would over deliver on the Council emissions reduction target with a small buffer.

5.3 Prioritising action

Actions identified in the GAP have been prioritised according to cost-effectiveness and potential impact. Accordingly the most cost-effective and high impact opportunities should be pursued first, before other less effective opportunities are implemented. Non waste opportunities that have been investigated by Council are illustrated in Figure 12. Opportunities for reducing waste emissions are discussed in Section 6.10.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=electricity+meter&um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=1016&tbm=isch&tbnid=zHfTV_p1HeP5tM:&imgrefurl=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthcomment/3534211/Smart-metering-is-essential-to-hit-2050-cardon-emission-targets.html&docid=W497_YZ-vpYZmM&imgurl=http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01123/electricity-meter-_1123210c.jpg&w=460&h=288&ei=vb-gT_rDFMrvmAXkpICcCA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=0&sig=100842580878729987452&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=208&start=0&ndsp=44&ved=1t:429,r:46,s:0,i:162&tx=103&ty=71




Figure 12 GHG emissions Marginal Abatement Cost Curve

Each box represents

one emissions

reduction opportunity

Estimated cost to reduce

emissions by 1 tCO2-e

with this opportunity

Annual GHG emissions

reduction potential in 2020

Council’s 25% by 2020 GHG

emission reduction target

(non-waste component)

19 5. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions

*Buildings Energy Efficiency accounts for opportunities already identified and in some cases underway. #LRET costs are based on Large scale Renewable Energy Target costs passed on to energy customers through electricity bills - based on projected electricity consumption between 2012 and 2020. These costs will be paid by all electricity consumers.

The GHG emissions Marginal Abatement Cost Curve summarises an estimate of the volume and costs of technical opportunities available to reduce GHG emissions at Eurobodalla Shire Council. The width of each column represents the GHG reduction potential of an opportunity. The height of each column represents the average cost for that activity of abating a tonne of CO2e in the specified year. All costs are in 2012 real Australian dollars (A$), and the graph is ordered left to right from the lowest cost to the highest cost opportunities. The graph includes only the lowest cost non-waste opportunities required to reduce GHG emissions by 25% below 2005/06 emissions and excludes opportunities with a high degree of speculation or technological uncertainty. Waste GHG emissions reduction activities have not been included in Figure 12 because the large mitigation potential of these opportunities would have significantly altered the graph scale and obscured the details on other opportunities. It is important to note that the LRET (Large scale Renewable Energy Target) comes at a slight cost, but that these costs are built into the electricity bills of every energy customer in Australia, so Council would be obliged to pay these costs anyway. Needless to say this

emissions reduction activity will proceed as the target has been legislated with bi-partisan support. If the low cost LRET and leaseback fleet offsets are accounted for the reductions will over deliver on the non-waste component of the 25% by 2020 target by 1,640 tCO2e. This significant buffer afforded Council in achieving the emissions reduction target allows Council to prioritise the more practical and feasible opportunities. Figure 12 demonstrates that the GHG emissions reduction target can be achieved at no net cost to Council. In fact implementing the opportunities identified in Figure 12 will in fact result in significant savings to Council. All the opportunities shown below the ‘0’ line in Figure 12 represents a cost saving to Council if realised. In order to achieve the non-waste component of the 25% by 2020 reduction target only the most cost effective activities need to be pursued. Therefore implementing the GAP mitigation activities will result in a significant net financial saving to Council.


6. Greenhouse Action Plan

The content of this Greenhouse Action Plan have been developed with input from Eurobodalla Shire Council staff and Councillors and the community. The actions contained in the GAP have been prioritised as practical and realistic actions that have the potential to achieve tangible results. They are grouped into the following categories:

Community

Sustainable Transport

Energy Efficiency – General

Energy Efficiency – Buildings

Energy Efficiency - Streetlighting

Energy Efficiency – Water and Sewer

Fleet

Leadership

Planning

Renewable Energy Waste

21 6. Greenhouse Action Plan

6.1 Community

Council has a role and responsibility in facilitating the community response to the issues associated with climate change.

Table 3 Community Actions

No: Action Description Principal

Responsibility

C.1 Maintain and annually review water conservation incentives schemes.

Council will continue to run or offer incentives schemes to encourage water conservation. Reducing demand for water reduces the emissions from water transport and treatment.

Infrastructure Services

C.2 Engage with and share information with neighbouring Council’s on regional climate change projects.

Council will collaborate with other Council’s and regional bodies to support efforts to address climate change issues.

Planning & Sustainability

C.3 Assist in providing climate change education and engagement programs in partnership with community, and government organisations.

Support and encourage climate change programs for residents, businesses, the community and staff. Where community groups or state or federal government programs provide such programs Council may assist in promoting and facilitating uptake of the program. If opportunities arise, Council may be in a position to deliver such programs.


C.4 Facilitate the development of emerging sustainable businesses and sectors in the Shire.

This could include: support for emerging sectors; facilitation of training (eg Green Skills courses); business incentives; support for establishment of community renewable energy ventures

Community & Corporate Outcomes

C.5 Support the development of local community renewable energy generation initiatives.

Council will provide in principle support to community managed renewable energy generation systems where they are deemed to be appropriate and feasible.


C.6 Provide information, education and support to landholders about efforts to preserve and increase local carbon farming activities.

Council will support and facilitate efforts by landholders and community groups to preserve existing bushland and plant more trees. Support and education may be provided to landholders interested in participating in other carbon farming initiatives that reduce on farm methane and nitrous oxide emissions or increase carbon stored in soil. These activities maintain and increase the amount of carbon stored in the environment.




Responsibility

C.7 Maintain an active role in supporting Emergency Services like the State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service.

The likely consequences of climate change will be more intensive and frequent bushfires, flooding and drought events. Council will work with other agencies to ensure the Shire is prepared for such events and capable of responding to these events.


C.8 Promote the uptake of incentive programs for sustainable technologies.

Council will encourage the community to adopt sustainable technologies by raising awareness about the availability of rebates and incentives offered by Local, State and Federal Governments or by community organisations.



6.2 Sustainable Transport

Council manages the network of roads, footpaths and cycle paths in the Shire. Council is well placed to support community efforts to reduce reliance on emissions intensive transport.

Table 4 Sustainable Transport Actions


Responsibility

ST.1 Continue to facilitate and support improved public transport linkages.

Council will continue to facilitate and support public transport linkages throughout the Shire. This action is supported by the Social Plan, the Disability Action Plan 2012-2017, and the 2030 Community Strategic Plan.


ST.2 Facilitate a public transport education program by June 2014. The Bus Assist program as part of the Active Living project, will provide a travel training program to assist targeted groups to learn how to make the most of public transport in the Shire.


ST.3 Develop an integrated network of bike lanes and shared paths as outlined in the 2010 Shared Pathway Strategy.

Continue the development of cycleways and footpaths. Pursue opportunities for grant funding. Continue to support community groups in their fundraising and building of pathways.


ST.4 Continue to support the development of local health services to reduce need to travel.

Council will work actively to advocate and lobby for the provision of local services. This includes health and other services that many Eurobodalla Residents currently travel out of the Shire to access many specific services.


ST.5 Promote the use of shared pathways to residents and visitors to the Shire.

The network of bike paths, shared pathways and tourist cycling routes will be promoted to residents and visitors to the Shire through free brochures; the eurobodalla.com.au website and in partnership with the RTA through the bicycle info website.



6.3 Energy Efficiency – General

Energy efficiency relies on the principle that the same service can be provided but with less energy, i.e. more efficiently. Embedding the principles of energy efficiency and energy management in Council processes will help ensure services are delivered more efficiently. A large number of energy efficiency measures have already been identified. Some of these actions have commenced and some will be completed during the implementation period of the 2012-2017 GAP. These identified measures will result in saving 1,450 tCO2e/year. Further energy efficiency measures are likely to be implemented and additional measures will become available during the period of the GAP due to a number of factors:

Existing technologies may become more cost-effective and practical to implement. Rising economies of scale will decrease costs. Rising electricity prices will improve the return on investment and make more opportunities cost-effective. Incentives driven by the Carbon Price and the NSW Energy Saving Scheme will also improve the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency actions.

New and emerging technologies will generate additional energy efficiency opportunities that are not available now.

The National Strategy on Energy Efficiency and the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) bill regulates the advancement and extension of Minimum Energy Performance Standards for many appliances used by Council. Inefficient products will be phased out and more efficient standards will be introduced during the life of the GAP. As Council routinely replaces old and broken appliances efficiencies in energy usage will be gained.

Table 5 General Energy Efficiency Actions


Responsibility

EE.1 Maintain and monitor an energy and emissions data management system for Council’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Ensure an accurate and consistent approach is used for measuring emissions and mitigation efforts. This data will inform decision making and help track progress on individual projects and towards corporate targets.


EE.2 Integrate energy and water efficient design and features into planned and other future Council developments.

The development or renovation of Council infrastructure will take into account lifetime costs of the asset and prioritise water, energy and resource efficient design.


EE.3 Implement energy efficiency upgrades that have a positive rate of return within an agreed timeframe.

Once cost-effective energy efficiency measures have been identified they will be implemented in a timely fashion.




Responsibility

EE.4 Install and review smart meter data of larger electricity accounts at least quarterly by November 2013.

Monitoring of a facility's energy use from smart meters provides a detailed insight to how energy is being used on larger sites. This allows for smarter management of energy use at sites and the earlier detection of faults or anomalies.


EE.5 Monitor and report on large increases in energy consumption at least quarterly.

Explanations for large (>$1,000/quarter) energy consumption anomalies where energy use increases significantly (>20%) more than the same period last year will be reviewed by facility managers and through the Sustainability Matrix Group.


EE.6 Engage and educate Council staff on sustainability in the workplace.

Provide information to staff and encourage participation from staff to reduce greenhouse emissions at work. Examples may include: energy conservation at work, sustainable procurement training, eco-driving practices, participating as a EuroTransport volunteer driver to help reduce community transport travel emissions.


EE.7 Review electricity contracts for all sites by 1/2/13 and seek competitive tariffs before the existing contract expires on 30/6/2013.

The large volume of electricity used by Council’s facilities has the capacity to attract competitive tariff rates. Reducing the costs paid for electricity allows more funding to be used for emissions reduction activities.


EE.8 Prioritise energy efficiency as a key criteria when renewing electrical equipment and evaluating whole of life costs.

Energy efficient equipment will be identified and evaluated compared to standard replacement options. Whole of life cost evaluations, which includes energy running costs, will be completed for power hungry items.



6.4 Energy Efficiency – Buildings

Council owns and manages over 100 facilities or buildings ranging in size from electrical barbeques in parks and public toilets through to sports pavilions, community halls and large facilities such as libraries, the Narooma Swimming Pool Centre, the Moruya Works Depot and the Moruya Administration Building. All of these facilities use energy which contributes to Council’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Figure 13 Emissions from Council Buildings

TARGET: Reduce total energy use by Council existing buildings by 25% by 2020, from the 2005/06 baseline.

Figure 14 Actual and projected emissions from Council buildings

As shown in the Figure 14 a 25% emissions reduction target is very achievable based on current and planned energy efficiency measures. If future building activities are managed carefully further emissions savings are possible.

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Table 6 Building Energy Efficiency Actions


Responsibility

B.1 Review and report on energy efficiency technology and operational measures identified and implemented on Council buildings each quarter.

Energy efficiency opportunities will be reviewed and reported to the Sustainability Matrix Group on a quarterly basis. As costs of emerging technologies decrease and new technologies become available new opportunities will continue to emerge and be investigated.

Planning & Sustainability Services

B.2 Upgrade all T8 fluorescent tubes to energy efficient alternatives on staffed facilities by December 2013.

Staffed facilities generally have longer operating hours when lights are on. Installing energy efficient lights such as LED or T5 fluorescent tubes will result in energy, emissions and financial savings.


B.3 Replace T8 fluorescent tubes with energy efficient alternatives on non-staffed sites at the end of their natural lamp life.

Non-staffed sites have variable operating hours and energy efficient lamp replacements do not always have a short payback period. When T8 fluorescent lamps fail and need replacing they will be replaced with energy efficient lamps, such as LED or T5 fluorescent lamps.


B.4 Upgrade all Mercury Vapour lamps to energy efficient alternatives by December 2013.

Mercury Vapour lamps are high-bay lights commonly found in warehouses or basketball stadiums in the Shire. Where energy efficient lamps can be installed directly into the existing lighting fitting, emissions reductions and financial savings can be achieved.


B.5 Replace electric hot water systems at the end of their natural life with solar hot water systems on sites where practical.

Where peak hot water demand is suitable and a good solar aspect is available solar hot water systems will be installed on Council facilities. If not practical other energy efficient hot water systems will be used (such as instant gas or heat pump).


B.6 Audit all air conditioned Council facilities for air leaks and insulation gaps by June 2013.

Thermal leaks in a building (through gaps in doors, windows or a lack of insulation) that is air-conditioned results in the need for extra energy to re-cool or heat the space. Thermal imaging equipment will




Responsibility

be used to find thermal leaks in buildings.

B.7 Ensure all air-conditioned spaces have sealed thermal leaks (if practical) by December 2014.

If practical thermal leaks will be addressed through the use of door and window seals, insulation, glazing, tinting and/or exterior shading.


B.8 Upgrade all Exit lights in Council facilities to energy efficient LEDs by June 2014.

LED Exit lights can be up to 80% more efficient than standard Exit lights and can achieve emission reductions and financial savings.


Figure 15 Existing energy efficiency works at pools: solar hot water, pool blankets, shower timers


6.5 Energy Efficiency – Streetlighting

In the Eurobodalla Shire streetlighting services are maintained by the electricity network provider: Essential Energy. Eurobodalla Shire Council pays an operations and maintenance charge to the network provider for the provision of the service. Council also purchases electricity for street-lighting from an energy retailer, selected through a competitive tender process. Streetlighting is an

essential service that is necessary for improving the safety on roads and other public spaces. A bulk energy efficient lamp replacement is due to be completed in mid-2012 involving the replacement of inefficient Mercury Vapour lamps with more efficient alternatives. This is expected to result in a 28% decrease of streetlighting energy use.

Table 7 Streetlighting Energy Efficiency Actions

Number Action Description Principal

Responsibility

S.1 Trial the use solar public lighting. Research will be undertaken to establish options and costs for future use of solar lighting that is installed and operated by Council in suitable situations including: Council tourist facilities; isolated locations; Council parks; Council facilities such as playing fields and outside toilet blocks.


S.2 Specify that the most energy efficient street lighting be installed in all new subdivisions and redeveloped urban areas.

Council will work with developers and the electricity network provider to ensure energy efficient lighting that complies with AS1158 is installed in all new streetlighting installations.


S.3 Review and specify energy efficient street lighting technology prior to bulk lamp replacements.

The next major bulk lamp replacement is scheduled for early 2015. Prior to this date an energy saving and financial analysis will be undertaken to determine if more efficient lighting technology can be practically installed.



6.6 Energy Efficiency – Water & Sewer

The provision of water and sewer services for the Shire is managed by Council. The region does not have a large upstream dam and therefore cannot on rely on gravity to transport water around the region. For this reason the water and sewer system is quite energy intensive as it relies on a lot of pumping to move the water around the Shire. Water and sewer operations account for about 2/3 of the Council’s electricity usage. TARGET: Reduce the energy intensity of (kWh/ML) of the water

supply to less than 750 kWh/ML and for sewer services <1,000

kWh/ML by 2016.

Water and Sewer is an essential service that must respond to growing demands and fluctuating water inflows, hence the need for a responsive intensity target. New assets have recently been built such as the Northern and Southern Water Treatment Plants; and an upgrade is being completed to the Batemans Bay Sewer Treatment Works. In anticipation of the additional energy usage of the Northern Water Treatment Plant an equivalent volume of solar electricity will be built to offset the emissions from this site. This project is detailed in section 6.10 Renewable Energy.

Figure 16 Energy intensity of water and sewer services


TARGET: Maintain the demand for total water use in the Shire at

<90kL/resident/year.

Reducing the demand for water also reduces the water and sewer transport and treatment emissions. Significant reductions in water use have already been achieved in the Shire. Water use per resident in the Eurobodalla Shire is already benchmarked as among the most water efficient in the State. These efforts need to be maintained into the future through continued water demand management practices.

Figure 17 Water use per resident

Figure 18 Solar bee at Deep Creek Dam

115

101

114

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20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

kL/R

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NSW State Average 2009/10: 141kL/resident/year


Table 8 Water and Sewer Energy Efficiency


Responsibility

WS.1 Routinely review and report on energy efficiency technology and operational measures identified on water and sewer infrastructure each quarter.

Energy efficiency opportunities will be reviewed and reported on to the Sustainability Matrix Group on a quarterly basis. As new technologies become available and the costs of emerging technologies decrease and the costs of electricity increases new opportunities will continue to emerge.


WS.2 Implement cost-effective water and sewer efficiency measures identified in the 2010 energy audits by December 2013.

Energy audits of water and sewer facilities were completed in 2010. This identified a range of opportunities that will reduce energy used and also reviewed possibilities for renewable energy generation.


WS.3 Conduct an energy audit of high consumption water and sewer facilities by December 2015.

An energy audit on water and sewer sites was completed in 2010. As new technologies emerge and electricity prices increase efficiency measures should be re-examined.


WS.4 Implement cost-effective water and sewer efficiency measures identified in energy audits and energy efficiency reviews within 18 months of identification where resources are available.

Cost-effective measures identified for water and sewer infrastructure through energy efficiency reviews and audits will be implemented in a timely manner. Where an additional budget needs to be made available or more preparation is needed for larger projects a longer timeframe will be required.


WS.5 Continue water demand management strategies to ensure cost effective demand reduction is achieved in line with ongoing demand forecasts and future infrastructure plans.

Reducing demand for water reduces the pumping and treatment requirements and therefore reduces greenhouse emissions.


WS.6 Continue sewer relining program to prevent stormwater and groundwater flowing into sewer pipes. and review the need to increase the program

Stormwater and groundwater flowing into sewer pipes results in extra pumping and treatment requirements. Relining sewer pipes will save energy costs and reduce emissions. It also means there is less chance of sewer treatment plants becoming full to overflowing during storm events. An ongoing sewer relining program is planned. A review of the need to increase the sewer relining program will be undertaken by June 2013.




Responsibility

WS.7 The review of the Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCMS) will commence in 2012, and key recommendations will be implemented.

Through the IWCMS process, greenhouse gas emissions are incorporated into a triple bottom line assessment on potential future options for providing water supply and sewerage services.


WS.8 Continue mains water leak detection program. Identifying and fixing leaks in the water mains water delivery system reduces pumping requirements and greenhouse emissions through reduced energy use.



6.7 Fleet

The Council fleet includes passenger vehicles, as well as light commercial vehicles, trucks and heavy roadwork machinery. Road travel is essential for undertaking many Council duties in a large Shire that covers 3,400 square kilometres. TARGET: Reduce fuel emissions by 25% by 2020 compared to the

2005/06 baseline.

Figure 19 Fleet opportunities compared to 2020 BAU projections

A range of practical activities are available to manage the greenhouse gas emissions of the Council fleet. The activities presented in Figure 19 would result in a 48% reduction compared to the 2020 business as usual forecast and a 66% reduction compared to the 2005/06 baseline. Strategically targeting the more achievable opportunities will comfortably deliver the 25% emissions reduction target. Achieving this target is estimated to result in cost savings of about $400,000/year in fuel.

Figure 20 Existing electric-hybrid pool car

Fleet Emission reduction opportunities

Eco-driving

Fuel efficient vehicles

Reduced travel

Lower emissions fuels

Carbon offset leaseback

Remaining emissions


Table 9 Fleet Actions


Responsibility

F.1 Prioritise low emissions and fuel-efficiency when purchasing fit for purpose vehicles and evaluating whole of life costs.

Low emissions vehicles will be identified and evaluated compared to standard replacement options. Whole of life cost evaluations, which includes fuel running costs, will be considered and quantified when purchasing vehicles. If other purchasing criteria are met preference will be given to low-emissions vehicles.


F.2 Implement driver education, awareness and incentives for fuel efficient driving for the drivers of high consumption vehicles by June 2013.

Eco-driving courses will educate drivers of high consumption vehicles. Information will be provided to other drivers about fuel efficient driving techniques. Incentives will be considered to encourage drivers to maintain fuel efficient driving habits.


F.3 Make suitable technologies available for non-travel meeting options (telephone & video conferencing) at all Council depots and offices and encourage the use of it by June 2014.

Telephone and video-conferencing facilities will be made available at all staffed Council offices. Where appropriate information and training will be provided to staff in the use of this technology.


F.4 Specify low-emissions vehicle standards for all vehicle and plant tenders.

EURO5 standards will be specified for truck and heavy vehicle tenders. The most efficient relevant standards will be specified for other vehicle and plant tenders.


F.5 Continue to investigate and trial the use of alternative technology vehicles and fuels.

Emerging and proven low emissions technologies will be trialled. This could include: Hybrid vehicles; Bio-fuels; CNG/LPG; Electric.


F.6 Provide information to drivers of high consumption vehicles about fuel usage and fuel-efficiency using new fleet management software by June 2013.

Fuel efficiency information will be provided to drivers of high-consumption vehicles to help monitor, educate and improve efficient driving habits.


F.7 Address sustainability in the Fleet Management Manual. The Fleet Management Manual is currently being drafted and will address issues of fuel-efficiency, low emissions vehicles and fuels.


F.8 Review the efficiency of Council staff travel requirements. Council will examine the travel requirements of staff to determine if there are opportunities for reducing the need for excess work travel. Opportunities may include increased electronic communications, smart computer and phone applications, increased localised service delivery, or the use of courier services. The advantages include savings on staff travel time, fuel, vehicle maintenance and




Responsibility

depreciation.

F.9 Review the leaseback vehicle structure to determine opportunities to reduce fuel emissions.

Council will conduct a review of the broader leaseback structure and fee schedules. Opportunities for reducing fleet emissions include: offering incentives for staff to select fuel-efficient vehicles; structuring the fee schedule to greater reflect whole of life costs; offering incentives for drivers to reduce kilometres travelled; offsetting carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets.



6.8 Leadership

A key platform of this strategy is creating and building the capacity, awareness and commitment to energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse emissions within the Council and community. Integrating the Greenhouse Action Plan with other areas of Council operations is essential.

Table 10 Leadership Actions


Responsibility

L.1 Review Council’s Procurement Policy and develop Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines.

A review of Council's Procurement Policy will ensure it supports the intentions of the Greenhouse Action Plan. The consideration and prioritisation of efficient and low-emissions products will be emphasised.


L.2 Identify and pursue external funding opportunities for Greenhouse Action Plan projects.

Opportunities for securing external funding will be actively pursued. A range of opportunities may be useful including grant funding; power purchase agreements; energy performance contracts; Build Own Operate Transfer.


L.3 Include climate change and sustainability in staff induction training by June 2013.

New Council staff will receive information and training about climate change and sustainability as it relates to Council and their job functions.


L.4 Maintain the Sustainability Matrix Group with representation from all divisions with at least quarterly meetings.

The Sustainability Matrix Group will oversee progress towards the implementation of the Greenhouse Action Plan.


L.5 Priority actions within the Greenhouse Action Plan that cannot be funded within existing budgets will be reviewed annually and budgeted subject to review by Council.

Where possible existing resources and budgets will be used to implement priority actions of the Greenhouse Action Plan. Actions that cannot be funded will be prioritised and presented to Council for review and funding.



6.9 Planning The physical effects of climate change are expected to have real and serious implications for land use planning. It is essential that Council is well prepared

to anticipate and manage the likely impacts of climate change on the region. This section also includes actions on integrating and planning for the

Greenhouse Action Plan in Council’s operations.

Table 11 Planning Actions


Responsibility

P.1 Support and facilitate local climate change research partnerships. Council will encourage local climate change research by a range of stakeholders including universities, research institutions and government departments. Research subjects could include: anticipated local climate changes; local climate impacts (eg local agricultural industry impacts); identifying opportunities relating to climate change (eg emerging industry opportunities); future training and capacity building needs; social and economic impacts; governance and legal adaptation options; health and lifestyle impacts.


P.2 Adapt to local climate risks and opportunities resulting from climate change.

Use best practice and research into local climate impacts, risks and opportunities to inform appropriate Council adaptation across planning and management activities. Including: water and food security; infrastructure planning; land use planning; risk and liability assessment; tourism and business development opportunities; protection of ecological communities.


P.3 Raise awareness about climate change adaptation through community related planning and programs.

This is a broad action that requires consideration of climate related issues when undertaking a range of community related activities including: land use planning; development standards; risk management; development/ implementation of programs and initiatives relating to things like future transport, food and water security.




Responsibility

P.4 Greenhouse Action Plan actions are reviewed annually and integrated into work plans and operational plans.

Relevant and incomplete actions will be incorporated into work plans and operational plans each year. The appropriate staff will be responsible for reporting on progress to date.


P.5 Continue planning for urban consolidation within existing settlements.

Eurobodalla's land use planning strategies, structure plans and Local Environmental Plan will continue to focus new development in and around existing town and village centres throughout the Shire thereby reducing expansion and sprawl. This reduces the resources (roads, streetlighting, water & sewer) and emissions needed to service these areas and helps reduce transport emissions.


P.6 Relevant Policies, Reports and Codes of Practice and contracts are aligned with the Greenhouse Action Plan and targets.

When Council policies, reports, Codes of Practice and contracts are reviewed or developed they will be aligned with and/or reference the Greenhouse Action Plan targets and priorities where appropriate. Examples include: Council reports; Purchasing Policy; Asset Management Policy; Infrastructure Development policies; Infrastructure development fund criteria; Contracts for management of significant assets.



6.10 Renewable Energy

Renewable energy will play a key role in the transition to a low carbon economy. Council is committed to supporting the use of suitable renewable energy technologies. Council already has a number of solar photovoltaic panels installed on community facilities. A series of large installations of up to 600kW in total are planned during the life of the GAP. These activities offer the potential to save 945 tCO2e/year. TARGET: 25% of electricity used by Council facilities will be

sourced from renewable energy by 2020 compared to 2005/06.

Subject to the implementation of the Large-Scale Renewable Energy Target, Council commits to ensuring 25% of electricity used by Council is sourced from renewable energy sources. The Australian Government has committed to ensuring that 20 % of Australia's electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2020. That means that by 2020, 20% of the energy Council purchases from an energy retailer will come from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. This will reduce the emissions intensity of all activities that use electricity.

Table 12 Renewable Energy Actions


Responsibility

R.1 Investigate and install proven renewable energy technologies that demonstrate a positive rate of return.

Some renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biomass) are commercially proven and will be installed provided they generate a positive rate of return. Emerging renewable technologies (wave, tidal, concentrated solar for example) will be investigated and analysed under the same criteria as they become commercially viable.


R.2 Undertake a feasibility study into the use of renewable energy by Council facilities by December 2015.

A review of suitable renewable energy resources and technologies for use by Council has been conducted in 2011. As the renewable energy landscape rapidly evolves new opportunities will be investigated as they emerge. A detailed study will be conducted by 2015 if opportunities have not been reviewed as they arise.


R.3 Install solar electricity systems on eight Council facilities by June 2013.

Subject to a smooth tendering process 325kW of solar Photo Voltaic panels will be installed across 8 sites including: Moruya, Tomakin, Bingie and Kianga Sewer Treatment Plants; Deep Creek Dam Water Pumping Station; Moruya Administration Building; Moruya Depot & the Batemans Bay Beach Resort. This is considered Stage 1 of the proposed solar farm.




Responsibility

R.4 Monitor and review performance of the solar electricity systems for 12 months of operations and undertake a financial assessment of the project by November 2014.

The performance of the solar will be closely monitored. The energy and income generated and the maintenance costs will be evaluated and presented to Council after 12 months of operations.


R.5 Subject to the performance and analysis of the operating solar power systems install large solar electricity systems on three additional sites by November 2015.

If the performance of the solar farm after 12 months of operations is satisfactory and subject to Council approval, Stage 2 of the solar farm will proceed. This will involve an additional 270kW of solar PV installed across 3 sites including: the Northern and Southern Water Treatment Plants and the Batemans Bay Sewer Treatment Station.


R.6 Investigate the purchase of certified Green Power or carbon offsets to meet emissions reduction targets.

Green Power and carbon offsets are valid ways to reduce greenhouse emissions. Should further emissions reductions be necessary or desirable then they should be considered as an easy way to reduce emissions.



6.11 Waste

Council manages the waste from the residential, commercial and

industrial sectors within the Shire. Council operates two landfill

sites: Brou Landfill & Surfbeach Landfill, as well as the Moruya

Transfer Station. Contractors for the residential waste collection

service also operate the Moruya Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).

The methane emissions associated with the breakdown of organic

materials in landfill sites are a significant contribution to Council’s

GHG emissions inventory.

TARGET: Reduce greenhouse emissions from waste to landfill by 25% by

2020 compared to the 2005/06 baseline.

Figure 21 Brou landfill emissions

Adopting some of the options recommended in the Eurobodalla Waste Strategy 2011-2018, will facilitate a higher diversion of organics waste from landfill. This can result in an estimated 11% to 33% reduction in GHG emissions from the 2005/06 baseline and a saving of 2,200 to 6,390 tCO₂e/ year. The GHG emissions associated with one scenario involving a 95% reduction in vegetation waste going to landfill is illustrated in Figures 21 and 22.

Figure 22 Surfbeach landfill emissions

Table 13 highlights other strategies that will support the reduction of waste GHG emissions over the life of the GAP.


Table 13 Waste Actions


Responsibility

W.1 Continue to increase the recovery of construction and demolition material from the waste stream.

Where possible construction and demolition waste will be recovered from the waste stream and used on site and if possible in suitable projects off site. The recovery of any organic materials such as timber and cardboard from landfill results in reduced methane emissions. Methane has a global warming potential 21 times greater than CO2.


W.2 Develop systems to divert household organics and commercial food and vegetation waste from landfill.

Options to increase the diversion of organic waste have been considered in the 2011-2018 Waste Strategy. Removing organics from landfill results in reduced associated methane emissions.


W.3 Continue with community waste and recycling education Waste and recycling education will help to increase recycling rates, reduce contamination levels, increase home composting and worm farming, waste avoidance and build awareness and understanding of the greenhouse implications of waste and landfills. When the Sustainability Education Officer position has been filled education activities are likely to include: targeted advertising; home letter box drops; information with rates notices; inclusions in the Shire newsletter; National Recycling Week activities and more.


W.4 Undertake a feasibility study into methane recovery from landfill for energy generation or flaring.

The quality and quantity of methane gas from landfill sites must be studied before investing in methane capture infrastructure for flaring or energy generation. The combustion of methane greatly reduces the global warming potential of methane which is 21 times greater than CO2.


W.5 Implement key recommendations of methane recovery feasibility study.

The findings of the methane recovery feasibility study will be implemented if they result in significant emission reductions and/or cost savings.




Responsibility

W.6 Account for and redeem carbon credits generated by methane capture at landfill sites (if feasible).

Methane capture at landfill sites will be eligible to generate Accredited Carbon Credits under the national Carbon Farming Initiative. Generating carbon credits will assist in improving the financial case for methane capture at landfill.


W.7 Calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions from Council landfill sites.

Landfill greenhouse emissions are considered an essential and large part of Council's emissions inventory. These emissions will be calculated for reporting purposes and to prepare for the possibility that Council may need to comply with National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act legislation or Clean Energy Future legislation.


W.8 Optimise resource recovery from Council works activities and the use of recycled and recovered materials in Council works.

Continue to increase the recovery of construction and demolition material from the waste stream. Council works activities will continue to recover and use recovered and recycled products that meet Current General Exemption under the Protection of the Environment (Waste) Regulation 2005. Examples may include using stumps to assist in riverbank erosion, using clean bricks and concrete in earthworks, using recycled glass products in pipe bedding, reusing rocks from road cuttings.


45 7. Implementing the Greenhouse Action Plan

7. Implementing the Greenhouse Action Plan

7.1 What will this cost ratepayers?

The real question should be ‘what is the cost of not reducing emissions?’ As energy prices rapidly increase and the cost of carbon emissions are accounted for in the economy the risk of not reducing emissions cannot be ignored. All of the actions that are already identified and underway generate an attractive return on investment. Typically most energy efficiency items identified and started have a simple payback period of well under five years. Actions completed or committed from the previous GAP will save over $800,000/year in 2011/12 utility costs.

Council is likely to incur significant cost increases from rising energy prices. If steps are not taken to reduce greenhouse emissions associated with electricity and fuel usage then Council will be exposed to very high ongoing operational costs for providing essential services and facilities to the community. Implementing the GAP will result in substantial savings in these areas.

The costs to ratepayers will be higher if Council does not act to reduce emissions. Implementing the 2012-2017 GAP will result in well justified economically and environmentally beneficial outcomes.

7.2 Risk management

The Greenhouse Action Plan attempts to outline a realistic and achievable path towards responding to the challenges of climate

change. However, there are some events that are beyond the control of Council that may affect the outcomes of the GAP. Some of the key negative risk factors are outlined in Table 15.

Table 14 Risk Management Matrix Potential Risk Consequence Risk Prevention Risk Management

Reversal of Carbon Pricing Mechanism package

Some actions may become less viable or more expensive

Lobby federal government to ensure beneficial elements are maintained

GAP actions may need to be reviewed and adjusted subject to any changes to the Clean Energy Future package

Seasonal variations and demands on water + sewer

Higher energy & pumping demands after droughts.

Variable weather patterns are unavoidable

Water and sewer targets are flexible to respond to fluctuations in demands.

Accelerated increase in population and the services required

Increased facilities and services to meet community needs

Planning for sustainable settlements, facilities and service delivery.

New facilities and services will be designed in light of the GAP.

Resources associated with implementing GAP are withdrawn

Parts of GAP will not be implemented. Failure to achieve targets and cost savings.

Resourcing needs for GAP is clearly justified and reviewed frequently.

As well as the negative risks outlined in Table 14 there may be other factors that influence the implementation of the GAP in a positive way. Grants and other funding opportunities may become available to support the implementation on some GAP activities. Electricity prices and fuel costs may rise at rates higher than the conservative estimates modelled for this plan. This would provide


an increased incentive for reducing energy and fuel usage and build on the business case for achieving GHG emissions reductions.

7.3 Resourcing and funding

Resourcing adequate staff and funds is critical to delivering on GAP actions. It will be important for Council to prioritise and allocate adequate funding and human resources to ensure the progression of these actions. In some cases existing operational budgets may be able to cover the costs associated with the Plan. Other actions, however, will require additional financial support if Council’s goals of mitigating and adapting to climate change risks and capitalising on associated opportunities are to be achieved. Where existing budgets cannot extend to cover the costs of implementation it will be necessary to create a budget to support GAP actions. Grant funding and subsidies have historically supported many environmental initiatives. These types of grants may still be available to Council in the transition phase to an economy with a price on carbon. However, as emissions reduction activities become driven more by market forces such as the carbon price/emissions trading scheme or the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, government incentives and subsidies are likely to be withdrawn. The actions contained in the Greenhouse Action Plan will be spread over a number of years and will need to be budgeted for accordingly. For the plan to be successful it needs to be owned and implemented by each corresponding Council division. Strategic planning for implementation over the next eight years including the prioritisation of actions will help to ensure that measurable progress is achieved.

7.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Achieving the objectives identified in this Plan will require centralised coordination, as well as regular monitoring, measuring and reporting. The Sustainability Matrix Group is a Council staff group with representation from all divisions and key GHG emissions intensive asset managers. This group will oversee the implementation and progress of the Greenhouse Action Plan. Frequent and routine data collection and monitoring is essential to the informed management of Council’s GHG emissions intensive activities. Progress towards the implementation of relevant GAP actions will be reviewed and reported on annually. Subject to the progress, or lack of progress, made towards various GAP actions revisions may be required. Progress towards the GHG emissions reduction targets will also be reviewed quarterly and reported on annually.

47 Appendix 1 Emissions inventory methodology

Appendix 1 Emissions inventory methodology Recent years have seen significant maturing of the accounting and technical standards that underpin greenhouse gas inventories. The NGER Act 2007 and its subordinate regulations and determinations are complemented by an international standard (ISO 14064) and its accompanying Australian equivalent (AS ISO 14064 – 2006 parts 1 to 3). The emissions factors (factors applied to the physical quantities, such as energy consumed, to provide the quantity of actual emissions generated) provided by the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors workbookxviii (July 2011) have been used for this inventory. For electricity, bottled gas, fuel (ULP, E10, Diesel and LPG), and streetlighting emissions data verified independently by

Planet Footprint was used based on the 2011/12 Q2 Reports. Electricity emissions and fuel emissions are calculated for both Scope 2 and 3 emissions using data supplied by independent environmental scorekeeper Planet Footprint. The emissions from the landfill sites have been provided from a study undertaken by an independent consulting firm using the First Order Decay model. This provides an estimate of the legacy and new methane emissions from the landfill sites based on historical data and modelling a number of waste composition scenarios in the future. The sewerage treatment plant emissions were calculated using the Greenhouse Gas Calculator supplied by the NSW Office of Water.


Appendix 2 Actions taken to date

Table 15 Completed actions

Action Description Benefits and Rewards Date

completed/ implemented

Energy efficiency

Use of recycled effluent by golf courses and road works.

Moruya, Catalina and Tuross Head golf Course, Moruya High Agriculture Section, Hanging Rock sports facilities and Council road works utilise treated effluent from the Sewage Treatment Plants.

Utilising a by-product of Sewage Treatment Plants avoids additional emissions that would be generated if fresh water was pumped and treated. It also reduces pressure on natural systems, thereby acting as an adaptation strategy

1985 - Ongoing

LCD Flat Screen Personal Computer Monitors

Council's computer monitors have been converted from CRT screens to LCD flat screens across the organisation

This upgrade improves the energy efficiency of computers and lowers radiation risks to users. Each flat screen monitor uses approximately 472 kWh less power per year than a CRT screen.

2001-2005

Installation of variable speed drives on pumps

Variable speed drives and soft starters have been introduced to many pump stations.

This reduces energy demands of water and sewer pumps.

2001 - Ongoing

Turlinjah Reed Bed The Turlinjah Reed Bed treats sewage from 50 homes in Turlinjah; the treated water is then used for the irrigation of local olive groves.

Reduced pressure on sewage treatment plants reduces demand for running plants at high capacity, thereby saving money and reducing greenhouse emissions.

2002

49 Appendix 2 Actions taken to date



Sewer relining program

A progressive sewer relining program has been implemented since 2002.

This reduces stormwater ingress to sewer pipes and therefore reduces pumping and treatment demand. This reduces greenhouse emissions through reduced energy use.

2002 - Ongoing

Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCMS)

The IWCMS outlines an integrated suite of actions to be implemented over the future to reduce demand for fresh water across the Shire. This includes demand management, more efficient use of water resources and water recycling initiatives.

Reduced consumption of fresh water reduces pumping and treatment demand cutting energy use and greenhouse emissions. Reducing pressure on fresh water is also a greenhouse adaptation strategy, as rainfall is expected to decrease and evaporation increase as a result of greenhouse-related climate changes.

2003 - Ongoing

Specify energy efficient lighting in new urban development areas

Development Control Plans specify that new urban developments must use energy efficient streetlighting that meet Australian Standards.

This reduces electricity costs to Council and associated emissions.

2009

Energy efficient public swimming pools

All three Council pools have pool blankets, solar thermal water heating, heat pump domestic hot water supply, and .shower timers

Using solar heating systems to heat public pool water reduces emissions by avoiding use of electricity generated by coal-fired power stations. Pool blankets retain water heat overnight, reducing overall heating requirements.

2009-2010

Energy audits of water and sewer infrastructure.

A report in 2008 listed some opportunities for reducing power costs through increased efficiency and alternative power supplies for water & sewer operations. Energy audits were also completed on water and sewer infrastructure in 2010.

Water and sewer contributes significantly to Council's emissions. Opportunities have been identified to reduce the emissions and improve the energy efficiency of these operations.

2008-2011




Energy efficient lighting in Council buildings

Energy efficient lighting (LEDs, T5s and CFLs) have been installed in many Council buildings.

Typically energy used for lighting has been reduced by 30-50%. This reduces electricity costs and emissions.

2011-2012

Upgrading Moruya Administration building

Energy efficient T5 lighting has been installed. Power management systems for appliances and lighting have been trialled. The Air Conditioning system upgrade is underway.

Lighting energy use has been reduced by over 30%. Air conditioning upgrade is projected to save 148tCO2e/year.

2011-2012

Energy efficient streetlighting

Inefficient Mercury Vapour lamps have been replaced with energy efficient alternatives reduced energy use by about 50%.

This will result in electricity savings and emission reductions of ~510 tCO2e per year. It will also reduce the maintenance requirements of the streetlights.

2012

Renewable energy

Use of solar photo-voltaics

Photo-voltaics have been used to power remote pumps at reservoirs for many years. Solar PV has also been installed at the Batemans Bay Community Centre & Dr Mackay Community Centre.

Use of renewable energy technology reduces emissions through avoiding use of electricity generated by coal-fired power stations, and reduces costs of connecting to the mains power grid in remote sites. Less power is lost through on-site generation.

1985 - Ongoing

Purchase of certified Green Power at sewer pumping stations

Certified Green Power was purchased for 18 Council sewerage pump sites from 2001-2005, with $100,000 allocated to cover additional costs. 2% Green Power was purchased for each of the sites. Visible sites were selected and signs erected to promote the fact that Green Power is purchased.

Certified Green Power funds are invested into the purchase of renewable power by energy retailers. This reduces reliance on power generation using fossil fuels and is carbon neutral. Signage at Green Power sites provides a staff and community education function.

2001-2005




Fleet

Leaseback policy gives incentives for smaller cars

The leaseback policy provides a financial incentive for staff to take up the option of 4 cylinder (rather than 6 cylinder) vehicles, when leases are up for review.

This policy increased take up of smaller and more efficient vehicles by Council staff from 26% in 2006 to 62% in 2011. This saves money, reduces emissions and sends a positive and visible message to other staff and the community.

2006

Fuel efficiency purchasing criteria

Council fleet purchasing officers and managers use the Australian government's Green Vehicle Guide (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au) to inform fleet vehicle purchasing decisions.

Including fuel efficiency as purchasing criteria saves Council money and reduces emissions over equivalent distances travelled.

2006

'Work From Home' Policy

Council has introduced formal 'work from home' opportunities for some staff, where service levels are not detrimentally affected.

Reducing staff need to travel to work will reduce kilometres travelled thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions

2004

Eco-driving training Some drivers of high consumption vehicles have been trained in eco-driving techniques that improve fuel efficiency.

This measure is projected to reduce fuel costs and emissions.

2012

Other

Resource recovery from Council works activities

Council works activities aim to utilise and re-use materials where practicable including the recovery of construction and demolition material from the waste stream, and use in Council works.

Resource recovery reduces emissions and costs from resource extraction, processing and transport. It prevents resources going to landfill and potential methane emissions associated with anaerobic digestion.

2007 - Ongoing




Strategic planning for urban consolidation

The Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy identifies urban containment and consolidation around and within existing town centres as the approach to be taken for the region's future development. This approach has been incorporated into the Local Environment Plan.

Urban consolidation around existing town centres reduces the need for additional infrastructure development, transport, operation and maintenance. This has the potential to greatly reduce increases in greenhouse gas emissions generated by future increased population and development.

2005 - Ongoing

Sustainability Matrix Group

The Sustainability Matrix Group is represented by all divisions of Council. Meetings are conducted quarterly to review and prioritise organisational activities to reduce greenhouse gases, energy consumption and progress sustainable objectives.

Sustainability and emissions reduction measures have a formal process to be raised and evaluated by Council.

2008 - Ongoing

Energy and efficiency fund'

An 'energy and efficiency fund' has been established for the intention of funding cost-effective efficiency measures.

This fund has been able to support the implementation of energy efficiency works in 2011-2012.

2011

Community

Residential

Implementation of BASIX

BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW government initiative that ensures new homes are designed and built to use less potable water and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units

The energy saving target seeks to reduce energy use in residential dwellings by 40%.

Phased in from July 2004 to 1 July 2006.

Council incentives program

Council runs a rebate program for installation of rainwater tanks, front loading washing machines and dual flush toilets by ratepayers who are supplied by Council.

A front loading washing machine is estimated to use up to 60% less water than a top loading machine. Rainwater tanks reduce mains water consumption and so reduce pumping needs and sewage treatment energy

2005-2012




Water efficient showerhead program

Council ran a water efficient showerhead exchange program whereby ratepayers exchanged old showerheads for new efficient ones at no cost. Over 2,500 water efficient showerheads were distributed.

Using less hot water reduces greenhouse emissions as less energy is required for reheating

2005-2007

Energy efficient light bulb program

Council ran a program providing packs of six energy efficient light bulbs to ratepayers during 2006. During the life of the program 1,000 packs were distributed. The program was discontinued because of increased costs.

Energy efficient light bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent ones and thereby reduce emissions.

2006

Sustaining Our Towns: sustainability for residents, businesses and the community.

Sustaining Our Towns (SOT) was a regional project that provided free energy efficiency education programs to the public including: home and garden sustainability reviews, workshops and community sustainability projects. The Narooma Community Garden group received a $10,000 grant. A feasibility study into a 'Sustainable business hub' in Moruya was undertaken.

Support provided to residents, businesses and communities encourages emissions reductions. The legacy of the projects established by SOT will support local food systems, sustainable business, and reduced emissions in the Shire.

2009-2012

Energy efficiency promotion and education

Information forums were run by Council for community groups about energy and water saving measures in the home in 2008-09. In 2011-12 Council actively promoted the free home energy audits offered by the NSW Government Home Saver and Sustaining Our Towns programmes. Save Power Kits and a range of sustainability books have been displayed prominently in Council libraries in 2011-12.

Providing information and access to resources allows the community to address sustainability in their homes and businesses and reduce their energy costs and emissions.

2008-2012




Transport

Community Services transport services

Council's Community Services Division promotes a range of public transport options to the community, working with providers to improve and optimise services. Council also provides some services (eg a Youth Bus and Community Transport for the frail and aged).

Increased use of public transport assists in reducing the number of motor vehicles used in commuting. Reduced volume of greenhouse gas emissions attributable to vehicles

Ongoing

Eurobodalla Bike Plan and Shared Pathways Strategy

The Eurobodalla Bike Plan was released in July 1999 and updated as the Shared Pathways Strategy in 2010. It provides the framework and priorities for construction of footpaths and cycle ways throughout the Shire. Funds have been allocated towards the program in the Management Plan, and funding and other partnerships are sought to supplement allocations on an ongoing basis.

Increased cycling and walking by Eurobodalla Residents reduces trips in vehicles, thereby reducing the volume of greenhouse gas emissions by vehicles.

1999 - Ongoing

Waste

Co-mingling recycling introduced

Co-mingled recycling was introduced for most Shire ratepayers in 2001. Co-mingled recycling systems make it easy for residents to recycle and generally increase recycling rates, including paper and cardboard.

Paper in landfill breaks down anaerobically, creating methane. For every tonne of paper that is recycled, approximately 4 tonnes of CO2e is saved from entering the atmosphere. Recycled aluminium uses a twentieth of the energy required for processing first generation aluminium.

2001




Kerbside greenwaste collection

Council introduced a kerbside green waste collection service for most residents in 2005 using the wheelie bin pick up system.

Green waste in landfill breaks down anaerobically creating methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Council currently mulches about 2,700 tonnes of green waste per annum.

2005 - Ongoing

Adaptation

Local climate change research

Council has played an active role in encouraging and facilitating climate change adaptation research. And partnerships.

Research into climate change adaptation improves Council’s knowledge and ability to respond to future climate scenarios.

2008 - Ongoing

Strategic planning for climate change adaptation

Council uses research into local climate impacts, risks and opportunities to inform appropriate Council adaptation across planning and management activities.

Planning for climate change allows Council and the community to manage risks and adapt to changing climate conditions and events. Sound planning will reduce costs and liabilities associated with these changes into the future.

2008 - Ongoing

Other

Business Treading Lightly - sustainable business program

Business Treading Lightly was a regional program that supported local businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Over 120 local businesses received support and advice during the program.

The project helped business save approximately 2,700 tCO2e and 45ML of water. It helped secure $350,000 in grant funds for business sustainability projects and saved participating businesses approximately $455,000/year in utilities costs in 2010.

2008-2010


References i Allison et al, 2009 The Copenhagen Diagnosis, 2009: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science. The University of New South Wales, Climate Change Research Centre, Sydney, Australia, 60pp. ii Garnaut, R. 2011 The Garnaut Review 2011: Australia in the Global Response to Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Melbourne.

iii Allison et al. Op Cit.

iv Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/change/trendmaps.cgi?map=rain&area=aus&season=0112&period=1970, accessed 21/02/2012

v CSIRO website http://www.csiro.au/resources/Climate-is-changing--ci_pageNo-2.html

vi CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, 2007, Climate Change in Australia: Technical Report 2007, pp.6, 9

vii Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/change/trendmaps.cgi, accessed 21/02/2012

viii NSW Government, 2010, NSW Coastal Planning Guideline: Adapting to Sea Level Rise, NSW Government Department of Planning,

ix Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website http://www.climatechange.gov.au/climate-change/trends/sea-level.aspx, accessed 02/11/2011

x Stern, N. 2007 The Economics of Climate Change, Cabinet Office – HM Treasury

xi Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii datasets. http://co2now.org/Current-CO2/CO2-Now/Current-Data-for-Atmospheric-CO2.html, accessed 11/01/2012

xii NSW Government, 2010, NSW Climate Impact profile – The impacts of climate change of the biophysical; environment of NSW, DECCW

xiii NSW Government, DECCW, 2010, Impacts of Climate Change on Natural Hazards Profile – Illawarra Region, pp7

xiv Metz. B. et al 2007 Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change, Contribution of Working Group III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. xv

Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website, http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/international/global-action-facts-and-fiction/international-pledges.aspx, accessed 22/06/2012. xvi

Garnaut, R., 2008, The Garnaut Climate Change Review, Cambridge University Press, p.153. xvii

Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. 2012 Stationary Energy Emissions Projections, http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/projections/australias-emissions-projections/stationary-energy.aspx, accessed 24/02/2012 xviii

Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, 2011, National Greenhouse Account Factors.

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/change/trendmaps.cgi?map=rain&area=aus&season=0112&period=1970

http://www.csiro.au/resources/Climate-is-changing--ci_pageNo-2.html

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/change/trendmaps.cgi

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/climate-change/trends/sea-level.aspx

http://co2now.org/Current-CO2/CO2-Now/Current-Data-for-Atmospheric-CO2.html

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/international/global-action-facts-and-fiction/international-pledges.aspx

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/international/global-action-facts-and-fiction/international-pledges.aspx

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/projections/australias-emissions-projections/stationary-energy.aspx

Documents

Greenhouse Action Plan 2012-2017 - Eurobodalla Shire · IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IWCMS Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy kL Kilolitre is a unit of measurement