Caloundra City Council
The basics of greenhouse science are certain: more carbon in our atmosphere traps more heat which may lead to more extreme climatic events. The uncertainty now focuses upon the timeframe and severity of the climate impact.
Council has accepted responsibility to set an example and actively reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the energy wastage associated with every activity. The community is also encouraged to actively implement the suggested actions within this plan and help clean up our atmospheric environment.
As part of Caloundra City Council’s commitment under the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Australia program, Council has set a voluntary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent per person by the end of this decade (2010).
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
Council's Greenhouse Action Plan includes, amongst others, the following community strategies
- Crystal Waters Permaculture Ecovillage and Kawana Ecofriendly Community Centre
- Community organisations engagement to operate recycling centres which have recovered 27,000t of recyclable material and increased the landfill's life
- Mandating installation of rainwater tanks on new Class 1 residential buildings prior to state mandation.
- Support behavioural change via eduction to reduce hot water use, waste to landfill, and stand-by power use.
- Support trialing energy efficiency practices in volunteer family homes (building design, appliance use, standby power, and lighting).
Travel
Council's Greenhouse Action Plan includes, amongst others, the following ‘travel’ strategies:
- Support introduction of Walking School Bus™
- Complete trial of waste oil blended fuels in select fleet vehicles (both light and industrial).
- Minimise fleet engine capacity where possible and incorporate options for hybrid vehicles.
- Promote car pooling and fuel efficient safe driving techniques.
Corporate
Council's Greenhouse Action Plan includes, amongst others, the following Corporate strategies:
- Conversion of mobile library from electricity to remote diesel powered.
- Inclusion of life-cycle energy analysis in Councils purchasing policy.
- Solar BBQ trial
- Environmental induction of all employees.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
Council is committed to pursuing the following potential abatement projects:
- Upgrading energy efficiency of office buildings.
- Micro hydroelectric generating plant proposed at Meridan Plains.
- Increase energy efficiency in street lighting through trial with Energy Supplier.
- Purchase additional hybrid vehicle to be part of Pool Vehicles which will reduce emissions and provide community education and awareness.
- Potential to retrofit community centre with grid connect solar system to help offset energy use.
- Involvement in program for Community to promote Climate Smart Living.
- Promote energy efficient landscaping designs.
More information
Contact: Nicola Stokes, Environment Officer City Assets
Web Address: www.caloundra.qld.gov.au
Updated: April 2007
CCP Facts
State: Queensland
Date joined:
1999
Current Milestone:
CCP Plus
Caloundra Remote Diesel Powered Mobile Library
Credit: Caloundra City Council
Caloundra Hybrid Fleet Vehicle
Credit: Caloundra City Council