We're taking climate action and so can you!
Across the globe there's an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We all have a part to play to achieve deep cuts to emissions. It requires a shared effort between residents, businesses, councils, and other levels of government.
What does climate change mean for Moonee Valley?
- Increased frequency and severity of floods, heatwaves and droughts.
- Impacts on wildlife due to heat stress, drought and habitat changes.
- Impacts on health due to changes in air pollution and aeroallergens (such as pollen), vector-borne diseases, extreme weather events and other factors.
- Increased pressure on emergency services and health systems to deal with the health impacts of climate change.
Find out more from CSIRO about the predicted changes in Australia’s climate.
Council has the following target:
We achieve zero net emissions for our community and reduce emissions from Council operations by 95 per cent by 2040.
100% carbon neutral certification received by Climate Active for Council operations
To achieve this certification each year Council must:
- measure carbon emissions from its own operations (includes electricity, gas, waste, water, fleet fuel, business travel, paper)
- reduce these emissions where possible; and
- offset remaining emissions. Carbon offset units are generated from activities that prevent, reduce, or remove greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere.
In the process of becoming carbon neutral Council has achieved operational efficiencies and reduced costs.
To read more about Council’s certification, visit the Climate Active website.
Projects we have undertaken to help reduce our carbon emissions include:
- powering our operations with 100% renewable electricity
- replaced 6,000 streetlights with more energy efficient alternatives reducing emissions by 2,100 tonnes per year
- installed solar PV panels on 34 Council buildings, including 532 solar panels installed on Council-run Ascot Vale Leisure Centre
- transitioning Council buildings to be all electric
- increasing electric vehicles in Council fleet.
In 2021, Council created a Community Climate Emissions Reduction Reserve to fund initiatives to help reduce community carbon emissions in Moonee Valley.
Here are some of the highlights from 2024:
How can I take action ?
There are both big and small changes you can make to your everyday life which can have a huge impact on your environmental footprint.
Visit our Sustainability Homepage to find out more.
