Parramatta City Council
Australia's 7 million households contribute 20 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions and are among the highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters in the world. The effects of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions will have wide ranging implications for all of us and reducing them is an important issue that we can't afford to ignore.
Parramatta City Council has achieved Milestone 5 of the global Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Australia program and has committed to CCP Plus - which aims to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the reductions Council has agreed a new 5 year Climate Action Plan, along with a variety of programs designed to assist residents and industry to reduce their environmental impact. Projects such as SMArT sustainable transport, 3CBD’s, free shuttle bus and our commitment to a sustainable Civic Place demonstrate Council’s commitment to this important issue.
The problem with greenhouse gas emissions is not insurmountable - individually we can all make a difference. We are starting to see the consequesnces of climate change in the form of extreme weather events, drought and changes in the natural environment. That is why it is so important that we all make changes now.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
Council continues to run numerous education programs for schools, community groups and business on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and other resource consumption and waste issues. Specific projects include:
- 3 CBD's initiative: Joint project with North Sydney, City of Sydney and Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) to undertake a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project with commercial office tenants in the 3 largest cities.
- Energy Smart Homes: Education kits and awareness campaign developed for residential sector.
- Sustainable Business Management Program: working with small businesses to reduce their environmental impact including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- A model for industrial sustainability in the Duck River Catchment working with businesses in an area of heavy industry to improve environmental performance including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Travel
- Sustainable Movement Around Town (SMArT) project to encourage smarter movement and use of public and active transport. This encourages reduced car trips to and within Parramatta, and includes a car share scheme, transport access guide and integrated transport plan.
- Residential Development Strategy: Review of future devleopment zoning around major transport nodes.
- Free shuttle bus: introduction of City free bus to promote people to utilise public transport.
- Cycleways: Extensive roll out of a network of on and off road bikeways.
Corporate
Council is implementing an Environmental Management System across the organisation which looks at reducing its environmental footprint. Specific projects include:
- Setting energy reduction targets for all of Council, including Electricity, Gas and Fleet.
- Creation of a revolving fund to work on "invest to save" principles to deliver reductions in energy and water consumption.
- Retrofit of all major buildings with new energy efficient lighting.
- Learning Site: Retrofitting a childcare centre to demonstrate various sustainable practices and assets such as solar panels, rainwater tanks etc.
- Development of a new fleet policy with focus on 4 cylinder cars and LPG. This includes running 2 Prius vehicles in the fleet.
- Participation in the Greenfleet program.
- Introduction of Ethanol friendly vehicles in the Council fleet.
- Learning Program forum and Biggest Saver Competition for Council staff and Councillors
- Level Three Energy Saving Audits to develop high level energy savings opportunities at high usage sites.
- Purchase of 25 per cent Greenpower for all Council owned buildings and 10% Greenpower for Street-lighting.
- Installation of 3 Worm Farms and 1 Compost Bin to reduce waste to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- Civic Place: Development of an Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) of minimum 4.5 Star for the new Civic Place redevelopment incorporating both Council's building as well as commercial and residential space.
- Car Parks: Review of Council car parks and energy use, in particular lighting, in collaboration with Integral Energy.
- Public Lighting: Canvassing options for energy efficient public lighting as part of Council Public domain improvements.
More information
Contact: Alex Parmley, Environmental Outcomes Manager
Web Address: www.parracity.nsw.gov.au
Updated: October 2007
CCP Facts
State: New South Wales
Date joined:
1999
Current Milestone:
CCP Plus