What is Council doing about climate change?

Climate change is a global issue, but each and every one of us has a role to play in contributing to the solution. This includes local government.  Like most Councils, Eurobodalla owns or manages buildings, swimming pools, a vehicle fleet and street lights. In our region, Council also owns and operates a large number of water pumping and sewage stations. All of these use electricity or fuel and generate greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, many areas of local government business also affect the level and extent of community-based emissions.  For example, Council oversees the planning of local residential and commercial development, and is also in a position to run a range of educational and other programs that can impact positively on the community.

For this reason, Eurobodalla Shire Council has joined the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program. This is an international local government greenhouse action initiative. By joining this program Council is able to show leadership and take action on climate change, instead of waiting for others to do it first.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Greenhouse Action Plan

As part of the CCP program, Eurobodalla Shire Council aims to reduce both corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2012.  Council has also given in principle support to the Clean Energy for Eternity "50/50 by 2020" vision.  This means that Council will strive to work towards a 50% reduction in energy use, and a 50% transition to renewables, by 2020.

To work towards these targets, Council has developed a Greenhouse Action Plan that provides an overview of where greenhouse gas emissions within the Shire are coming from, and also sets out the actions that will be taken to work towards achieving the reduction targets.

Download the Eurobodalla Greenhouse Action Plan 2007 - 2012

TheEurobodalla Greenhouse Action Plan identifies the actions Council will take to work towards achieving established targets of reducing corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2012.  Corporate actions focus on reducing emissions from Council's buildings, community facilities, water and sewer infrastructure, fleet and streetlighting.  Community actions focus on things that Council can do to support and encourage reduced energy use in Eurobodalla homes and businesses.

• Greenhouse Action Plan (2MB)

What you can do to help

Reducing greenhouse emissions and slowing the effects of climate change can only be achieved if we all take part.  There are many things that can be done in homes and businesses across the Eurobodalla to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The good news is that by reducing energy use, these can often save money too.

In your home you can:

• Buy certified Green Power
• Install or top up insulation under floors, in walls and in ceilings
• Invest in energy efficient appliances when you need to replace them
• Switch off lights when not needed
• Replace light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs especially in high use areas
• Seal draughts around doors and windows
• Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use (don't use the stand-by function)
• Choose vegetarian options when available
• Install a solar hot water system when it's time to replace your old system

Around and about you can:

• Share rides to work with your partner, neighbor or a friend
• Cycle or walk instead of taking your car if you can
• Buy a smaller and lighter vehicle next time you need to replace it
• Don't drive aggressively as you can use up to 30% more fuel
• Try and buy local produce as this limits emissions from transportation of goods
• Buy Australian made goods

Links to further information

Reducing energy use at home

Cool It: A home guide to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases (Australian Greenhouse Office)
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/gwci/index.html

Tips on living 'Energysmart' (NSW Government)
http://www.energysmart.com.au/les/

Green Home guide (Australian Conservation Foundation)
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/

Building or renovating your home

Information on how to build a sustainable smart home (Australian Government)
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/

The NSW Building Sustainability Index (NSW Government)
http://www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/index.jsp

National home energy assessment approach (Nathers) (Australian Government)
http://www.nathers.gov.au/index.html

Information about certified Green Power (Australian Government)
http://www.greenpower.gov.au/

For more information from Council

Contact Council's Sustainability Officer for more information about Council's energy and climate change program.