Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

Ku-ring-gai Council's climate and sustainability commitments

Ku-ring-gai Council is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Traditional Owners Darramuragal People
  • Member since 2017
  • Population 126,554
feature_icon_3 / CO2 Emissions

Net Zero

council emissions by 2040

feature_icon_4 / People

Net Zero

community emissions by 2040

Our journey

What we have council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy and broader sustainability

Since 2012 Ku-ring-gai Council has implemented over 55 energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to reduce energy consumption and emissions at Council facilities, including upgrades to lighting, air-conditioning, hot water systems, solar power, appliances and energy management systems. These initiatives have resulted in

  • Annual cost savings for Council of greater than $92,815/yr
  • Annual energy reduction for Council of 431,188 kWh/yr
  • Annual savings for Council of 500 tCO2e/yr

Additionally, Council has delivered community programs to support local residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy bills. With programs offering rebates for the installation of energy efficient pool pumps, energy audits, and tailored sustainability advice to residents and businesses. Council’s ‘Loving Living Ku-ring-gai’ sustainability event series has attracted over 21,000 participants since 2012.

What we hope to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy and broader sustainability

Council has adopted science based emissions targets that align with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius.

This means we are working to reduce Council emissions by 20% by 2020, relative to 2000 emissions.

To meet this target Council will be continuing to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in our existing facilities, improving the performance standards for new Council buildings, and seeking to upgrade Council street lighting to more energy efficient LED lighting.

Council will also continue to support community efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of households and businesses through local sustainability programs.

Why council joined the Cities Power Partnership

Climate change is an urgent global problem requiring action and innovation from community, business, and all levels government. By partnering with other local councils, Ku-ring-gai will be able to exchange valuable knowledge about the emission reduction technologies and initiatives that work best. The partnership also creates a fantastic opportunity for Council to support a national initiative, through the work it does at a local level.

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.
Provide incentives and/or remove barriers to encourage local businesses to take up solar power and battery storage.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Sustainable Transport
Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles.

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