Council’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint pays off

Moonee Valley City Council’s investment in carbon emissions reduction initiatives has resulted in Council using substantially less electricity than in 2001, which in turn means reduced costs for the organisation.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cam Nation said over the past 10 years, Council has invested approximately $5.5m in carbon emissions reduction initiatives across the organisation including upgrades to public lighting, hot water systems, heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, draught-sealing, insulation and installation of solar power.

Ironbark Sustainability, an independent consultant, has validated the outcomes of the emissions reductions works and calculated the avoided electricity costs of these works is approximately $670,000 and 4,600 tonnes of carbon annually. The annual energy savings (39 million kilowatt hours) are significant and equivalent to the amount of electricity used to power 430 average Australian households.

“These savings have occurred even though there has been a significant increase in the number of sites Council uses, the operating hours at some sites and the usage and visitation rates since 2001.

“The annual avoided electricity costs have enabled and supported the delivery of a range of Council services and programs and will continue to assist with financial sustainability, which is important considering the impacts of COVID-19 and other pressures on Council’s budget,” said Cr Nation.

Since 2001, energy consumption has been monitored as part of Council’s annual corporate carbon emissions inventory. In February 2021, Council received certification as a carbon neutral organisation under the Australian Government’s Climate Active Standard. In the process of becoming carbon neutral, Council has achieved operational efficiencies and reduced costs that ultimately benefit our community and ratepayers. Council’s recent 9.5 year, 100 per cent renewable electricity contract for Council’s operations, further demonstrates Council’s commitment to addressing climate change. This contract alone will reduce Council’s own operational emissions by approximately 70 per cent, and will help us achieve our MV2040 target to reduce emissions by 95 per cent by 2040.

Check out our Climate Action page for information on what Council is doing and what you can do at home to reduce your carbon, and even save you money!