Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Since 2016, Knox City Council has:
- Replaced 10,600 streetlights to LED to reduce energy use by more than 75%
- Energy efficiency upgrades and Solar PV installations in Council buildings have reduced Council’s emissions by 27% since 2015/16
- Introduced three electric cars to Council’s fleet in 2019, to reduce fuel emissions. In addition, two public electric car charging stations were installed in the Knox Civic Centre carpark
- Provided sustainability programs for residents to lower community emissions. Programs include Australian Energy Foundation advice program, Solar Savers, Compost Community, National Tree Day, National Ride2Work Day, and National Walk Safely to School Day
- Helped businesses become more sustainable by providing programs such as Environmental Upgrade Finance and access to the ASPIRE Circular Economy platform
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
We have recently adopted our Climate Response Plan 2021-2031 which outlines our targets of a net-zero Council by 2030 and a net-zero community by 2040. To help us achieve these goals, our Plan outlines 56 actions such as:
- Investigating and phasing in the use of electric cars for Council’s Pool Fleet. All Council’s passenger pool vehicles to be EVs by 2025 where viable
- Identifying and setting aside select parking spaces for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, and exploring delivery models including partnerships with EV charging service providers, or through requiring EV charging points in new developments
- Encouraging phasing in requirements for all existing commercial buildings to achieve net-zero energy or net-zero energy ready ratings
- Working with developers to pioneer zero net emission buildings and zero-net emission housing
- Replacing approximately 3,300 lights to LED on major roads and intersections
- Working with solar installation companies and real estate agents to devise schemes that provide financial mechanisms for property owners to install solar on rental properties
- Delivering workshops on renewable energy Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for industrial organisations with large electricity demand
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
Knox City Council is really looking forward to the collaboration and knowledge sharing of working with the CPP and with other councils across the country. We are also excited about the advocacy opportunities we will be able to be a part of and look forward to being a part of a collective voice of councils for change.