Hornsby Shire Council
net zero
by 2050
211kW
solar PV installed on Council buildings
15kW
wind turbine installed
Council has chosen the following pledges
Renewable Energy
Use council resources to support the uptake of renewable energy.
Renewable Energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Energy Efficiency
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Collaboration
Develop education and behaviour-change programs to support local residents and businesses to tackle climate change through clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.
Hornsby Shire Council
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Council has a strong history of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability initiatives for both our own corporate assets and working with the broader community. Actions undertaken in the past include:
- Buying 100% renewable electricity to power Council’s facilities and street lights
- Fitting over 211kW of solar panel systems and one 15kW wind turbine on Council buildings, libraries, works depot and park facilities
- Installation of LED lighting and more energy efficient HVAC in Council buildings and offices
- Working with SSROC and its member councils on the Street Lighting Improvement Program and accelerated deployment of over 3500 LED street lights on residential roads
- Community workshops on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable design and retrofits
- Propagation and distribution of approx. 30,000 plants annually from Council’s Warada Ngurang Community Nursery for planting on public land or given to residents and schools
- Revegetating over 6.8 hectares of Hawkesbury River foreshore with River Mangroves to improve foreshore resilience and lock up ‘blue carbon’
- Free guided bush walks program highlighting our Shire’s diverse flora and fauna
- For over 22 years we have been running an extensive water quality monitoring program. The program monitors the health of the Shire’s waterways and provides current water quality monitoring data to our community.
- Transitioned 12 petrol vehicles to hybrid vehicles.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
In Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032, our future goals under the strategic direction of resilient and sustainable are: a net zero community; a resilient Shire that can adapt to a changing climate and withstand shocks and stresses (e.g. natural hazards or pandemics); using resources wisely and supporting the circular economy; and a sustainable community that ensures the needs of future generations are met.
Council also has adopted a carbon emission reduction target of 32% emission reduction by 2025, 53% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050, based on 2018 levels. In addition, Council has set a target for city-level emissions of 31% emission reduction by 2025 based on 2017 levels, 53% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
Hornsby Shire Council has joined the Cities Power Partnership seeking mentoring and partnerships, access to the CCP knowledge hub, webinars and visits from climate council experts. The Cities Power Partnership Program will support our collaboration with other councils and provide access to reliable and current information and experiences specific to local councils and our communities.