Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

City of Ryde's climate and sustainability commitments

City of Ryde is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Traditional Owners Wallumedegal Clan
  • Member since 2018
  • Population 132,822
Feature_icon_2 / Solar Energy

100%

renewable energy for community by 2030

Our journey

What has Council achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability

Solar panels, LED lighting and solar hot water systems have been installed across Council buildings. This includes the recent installation of a 305kw Solar Harvesting System (over 800 panels) on the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre. This will service 70% of the buildings energy needs and expected to save 300 tonnes of carbon per annum.

From an education perspective Council employs a dedicated officer to conduct free home assessments for residents in the City of Ryde, advising them how they can make simple adjustments to save energy, water and gas and the potential their home has to utilise renewable energy. We also run multiple workshops across the year providing residents with the knowledge and skills to progress with installing solar or energy efficiency measures in their home.

In 2018, we formed a Renewable Energy Advisory Committee comprised of members of the community, Councillors and City of Ryde staff. This committee provides advice regarding priorities for the development and implementation of strategic programs and policies to promote the update of renewable energy technologies, services and other resilient energy efficient initiatives.

In 2018, Council passed a motion to divest from fossil fuels and instead move its investments into institutions that support clean energy subject to a financial analysis.

What Council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability

City of Ryde will continue to reduce the carbon emissions and water use of our Council buildings through the rollout of solar PV where suitable and energy efficiency measures. We will also work with our community through education and behaviour change campaigns to assist them in making changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Why Council Joined the Cities Power Partnership

Through membership in the Cities Power Partnership Council will continue to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaption for our staff and community. Council looks forward to being able to share our knowledge and in turn learn from like-minded Councils who are striving to build positive, resilient cities.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Use council resources to support the uptake of renewable energy
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Create a green revolving energy fund to finance energy efficiency projects.
Sustainable Transport
Support cycling through provision of adequate cycle lanes, bike parking and end-of-ride facilities.
Work Together and Influence
Develop education and behaviour-change programs to support local residents and businesses to tackle climate change through clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

In the news

Media Release

Enough is enough: Flood affected mayors and councillors call for more support

24 Mar 2022
Thirty-one mayors and councillors from some of the most flood damaged regions have called on the government to do more to protect communities.
Media Release

Mayors commit to clean, local jobs

20 Oct 2020
Over forty mayors and councillors have released a joint statement committing to economic recovery solutions that create jobs and tackle climate change.
Media Release

Mayors takes stand on climate change following bushfire threats

19 Nov 2019
Eleven mayors, including the leaders of fire-impacted council areas including Bellingen, Mid Coast and Noosa, have called on the government to recognise the spiralling costs…

Join now and be part of the groundswell of local governments and communities across Australia tackling climate change.