Our journey
What Council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
In February 2020, we declared that we are in a state of climate emergency requiring immediate action by all levels of government.
An additional 710 kW solar panel rollout in 2020 has brought Council’s total rooftop solar generation capacity to 1,360 kW. To date, we have upgraded around 14,760 street lights to LED fixtures that will reduce our carbon emissions by an estimated 4,120 tonnes annually. We are continuing to install LED street lighting in all new developments.
We have commenced transitioning our fleet from fossil fuel to electric power, with 2 pure electric vehicles, 14 plug-in hybrids and 25 hybrids used in our fleet in the year ending 30 June 2020.
From 2006 to 2012, Blacktown City residents and businesses took up solar electricity and hot water system packages under the Blacktown Solar City initiative.
Our community’s waste is sorted at UR-3R, an alternative waste treatment plant, where organics are stabilised and recyclables that were placed in the general waste bin are recovered for recycling.
What Council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
We are working to secure 100% renewable electricity supply for Council operations, including street lighting, by 2025.
We aim to bring more battery electric vehicles into our fleet and are trialling hydrogen fuel for our heavy fleet.
We provide free, independent energy efficiency, rooftop solar and battery storage advice to our residents. To promote community uptake of electric vehicles, we are installing public charging points. We are collaborating with local community agencies to use public air-conditioned spaces, to pilot a heat refuge strategy for those most vulnerable to the ill-health effects of heatwaves.
What does Council hope to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership?
Given our size (395,000 residents and 54 suburbs) and rapid growth, Blacktown City has a significant environmental impact. We need to wisely and sustainably manage our resources. We welcome the Cities Power Partnership opportunities to gain further knowledge and share information.