Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
North Sydney Council has been active in the area of energy conservation and climate action for many years. In the late 1990s, we set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets to reduce our 1996 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020. We are well on track to achieving this target, thanks to initiatives such as installing solar panels on Council buildings, monitoring and upgrading our assets and appliances to meet our energy conservation objectives, and purchasing 50% GreenPower® for our 10 largest energy consuming sites.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
As well as working towards our own greenhouse gas reduction target, Council is also focussed on helping our community reduce their emissions through a variety of initiatives and programs, such as the My Green Apartment program and the CitySwitch initiative, as well as running climate change and environmental awareness campaigns, including EarthHour and Plastic Free July. In 2003, Council secured a former coal loading station in Waverton and has since transformed this site into the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability where Council staff run regular, free workshops for the community which encourage sustainable living initiatives, as well as a community nursery. Urban Harvest plots will soon be available as part of the new Coal Loader Green Roof project, which is nearing completion and will be powered by solar panels. We are also collaborating with other Councils across our region to increase locally produced renewable energy.
Why council joined the Cities Power Partnership
The Cities Power Partnership program will complement the work Council is already undertaking to help meet its corporate and community greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The CPP will also help Council form better connection and partnerships with councils across the country who are working on similar projects, help generate new sustainability ideas and initiatives, as well as providing access to the Climate Council’s research.