2018 will see Cumberland Council adopt a new Environmental Management Framework that will provide strategic direction to the organisation and include the development of an Energy Savings Action Plan and Water Efficiency Plan. Past key achievements in energy efficiencies include:

• The installation of energy efficient lighting and HVAC in Council administration buildings, childcare centres, libraries, community centres and CBD car parks
• The replacement of car park lighting with over 500 LED lights with motion sensors, resulting in a reduction in energy usage of 60%
• The installation of 21 energy efficient hot water systems (solar and heat pump) across 12 park amenities blocks, youth centres, community centres, function centres and administration building
• The installation of 100kW of solar panel systems on youth centres, libraries, function centres, children’s centres and community centres
• The replacement of 940 old mercury vapour streetlights with energy efficient LEDs
• The establishment of a Green Bank, Council’s revolving fund, to re-invest savings into more efficiency projects
• The establishment of an internal Innovation and Efficiency team to steer projects and investigate opportunities

What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability

Cumberland Council will continue to implement sustainable practices for itself and promoting them in the community. There will be a strategic focus and approach on providing the community with natural space that is valued and a built environment that is resilient.

The development of water and energy saving action plans continues our commitment to reduce consumption and emissions and we will be working on programs and partnerships that address
urban heat and enhance biodiversity.

A comprehensive meter and solar audit for all Council assets across the whole local government area will create a valid baseline for the recently amalgamated Cumberland. This will allow us to track real usage and better manage consumption.

What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership

This partnership directly relates to the environmental goals of Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program. It will assist Council with the development and implementation of environmental projects by providing a platform of information and knowledge sharing. It also complements the partnerships with other organisations and councils, providing an opportunity to learn from and assist others on key environmental issues on a local and regional level, which will benefit not only the environment but our communities as well.