Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

City of Fremantle's climate and sustainability commitments

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

  • Traditional Owners Whadjuk People
  • Member since 2017
  • Population 31,901
Feature_icon_2 / Solar Energy

100%

renewable energy for community by 2025

Our journey

Of all the levels of government it is at the local level that we are seeing the strongest leadership on the challenge of climate change. As the level of government that is closest to the people, it is clear that the community wants the increasingly pointless political debate put to one side and immediate steps taken towards a low carbon economy.

The City of Fremantle was officially recognised as a leader in sustainability when in 2015 it became the world’s second city to achieve international One Planet certification. As a One Planet Council, the City ensures that the ten One Planet principles of sustainability are embedded across the organisation. Our international One Planet accreditation is confirmation that the City’s efforts are not only effective at a local level but are recognised as being world best practice.

The City has been carbon neutral since 2009 and has a target to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2025. We are currently finalising a Corporate Energy Plan that will outline how the City should manage its energy consumption and production in order to reach our target. To date, carbon reduction initiatives have included solar PV installation on eight buildings; installation of a natural gas cogeneration system and a shallow geothermal heat pump at the Fremantle Leisure Centre; ongoing energy efficient lighting upgrades and the provision of electric vehicle charging points. The City has also entered into a working agreement with Epuron to investigate a solar farm concept for a former landfill site.

The City of Fremantle recognises the need for Local Governments to lead by example and the importance of knowledge sharing. Joining the Cities Power Partnership will give us the opportunity to share our success stories and collaborate with other Councils who are embarking on similar emissions reduction projects.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Power council operations by renewable energy, and set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.
Opening up unused council managed land for renewable energy.
Energy Efficiency
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Sustainable Transport
Encourage sustainable transport use such as public transport, walking and cycling through council transport planning and design.
Work Together and Influence
Support the local community to develop capacity and skills to tackle climate change.

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