Canberra

Is a Power Partner
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100%

renewable energy by 2020

Net Zero

emissions by 2050

1 million

energy saving devices delivered to over 70,000 homes

“While there are significant environmental benefits from taking action on climate change, the ACT is also committed to diversifying our local economy by investing in the energy technologies of the future. Canberra has learned significant lessons by leading the way on climate action and we are keen to share those lessons through the Cities Power Partnership”

Minister Shane Rattenbury

Canberra has been a leading city with ambitious commitments to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020, and achieve zero net emissions by 2050 at the latest. The ACT’s Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme has also delivered over one million energy saving devices to over 70,000 Canberra homes, reducing energy consumption and household electricity bills.

Canberra is making steady progress towards achieving our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2020 and we are currently progressing development of our blueprint to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest—a goal that will only be achievable through strong community engagement and commitment from all sectors. Our next steps include tackling emissions from our transport and waste sectors. We are keen to learn from the other cities participating in the Cities Power Partnership on how their efforts to reduce emissions can be applied in Canberra.

Canberra has learned many valuable lessons through the actions that it has already taken, such as our reverse auction process for sourcing renewable electricity, and there is an exciting opportunity to share these lessons with other cities across Australia. I strongly believe that cities can play a crucial role in driving action on climate change and making our homes, businesses and wider community more sustainable.

Media Coverage

Canberra Greens’ commitment to emissions target turns 21. Sydney Morning Herald. 
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/10/13/canberra-greens-commitment-emissions-targets-turns-21/

Canberrans more optimistic about large-scale renewable energy storage. Canberra Times.
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/10/04/canberrans-optimistic-large-scale-renewable-energy-storage/

ACT energy target behind half of new renewable added in 2016. Brisbane Times.
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/09/04/act-energy-target-behind-half-new-renewable-energy-added-2016/

ACT a frontrunner in renewables race. The Riot Act. 
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/09/04/act-frontrunner-renewables-race/

Canberra joins regional carbon compact. PS News. 
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/07/20/canberra-joins-regional-carbon-compact/

Cities partnership turns on the juice. Canberra Weekly.
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/07/28/cities-partnership-turns-juice/

Mt Majura solar farm will ‘save lives’. Canberra Times.
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/07/28/mt-majura-solar-farm-will-save-lives/

New partnership to tackle climate change across Australian towns and cities. Invest in Australia.
http://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/2017/07/25/new-partnership-help-tackle-climate-change-across-australian-towns-cities/

Canberra Action Pledge Coming Soon!

In the meantime, check out some pledges that councils can choose from:

Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings for example childcare facilities, libraries, street lighting, recreation centres, sporting grounds, and council offices.

Set minimum energy efficiency benchmarks for all planning applications.

Promote knowledge sharing and strengthen the local community’s capacity and skills in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

Ensure that the practices of local government contractors and financing such as banking, insurance, and super are aligned with council goals relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport. Set appropriate criteria for council procurement.

Support community facilities accessing renewable energy through incentives, support or grants.

Provide council resources to educate and support the uptake of renewable energy, such as by hiring an internal renewable energy support officer or establishing an independent body (such as the Moreland and Yarra Energy Foundations).

Power council operations by renewables, directly (with solar PV or wind), or by purchasing Greenpower (from electricity retailers). Set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.

Opening up unused council managed land for renewable energy, for example land fills, and road reserves.

Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.

Set up meetings and attend events, such as the Community Energy Congress or Cities Power Partnership Summit, where like-minded cities can address common concerns and learn from others’ experience.

Join us in congratulating Canberra for joining the Cities Power Partnership!

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