Climate emergency

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.

We're taking climate action and so can you!

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.

Council emissions

What council is doing to reduce our emissions.

Logo of "Climate Active Carbon Neutral Organisation" featuring green text and an abstract design within a rectangular border.

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.

Community emissions

How Council is supporting community to reduce their emissions.

letsgozero

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:

MVCC Letsgo Zero 18

Let's Go Zero community projects launched

MVCC 10899

estimated tonnes community carbon emissions reduction over a 10 year period

MVCC Climate Highlights 3

solar assessments for apartment buildings and homes

MVCC Climate Highlights 4

efficient, electric appliances installed in homes

MVCC Climate Highlights 5

homes have abolished gas

MVCC Climate Highlights 6

community rockstars championing emissions reduction

MVCC Climate Highlights 7

expressions of Interest from community across four programs

MVCC Climate Highlights 8

apartment dwellings engaged through the Solar for Apartments and FOGO Multi-Unit Development Trial

Latest environment news

The picture shows a close up of the Ceiba speciosa (Silk Floss Tree)

Tree of the Month: Ceiba speciosa (Silk Floss Tree)

Ceiba speciosa, commonly known as the silk floss ...
Read More
Tree of the month March 2026

Tree of the month | March 2026

Location: Thelma Avenue, North Essendon Botanical Name: Brachychiton populneus ...
Read More
Specialists 331 owner, Rita, standing next to her veggie patch

Reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills

Local businesses are encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices under our ‘Let’s Go ...
Read More
The picture shows a group in a forest area looking up at trees. One person in the middle points up while the rest of the group look up.

Nature Stewards: Discover Local Wonders

Always wanted to know more about the environment? Everything ...
Read More
Cloth nappy workshop in person

Cloth nappy workshops are back

Missed our last cloth nappy workshops? Here's your ...
Read More

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.

A crowd of demonstrators with signs, including one reading "THERE IS NO PLANET B" featuring an illustration of Earth, are peacefully protesting outdoors