Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Orange City Council has made good ground in making the city more energy efficient by embracing renewable energy technologies. The Council has under taken energy audits across the organisation and has a Distributed Energy Plan. This plan is designed to help the Council reduce its energy costs and improve environmental benefits through introducing locally generated alternatives. Examples of this in action include a 100kW solar power installation at the Orange Aquatic Centre along with a Power Purchase Agreement and a 140 panel installation of solar panels on its depot roof.
Council’s childcare centres also have solar panels installed and Council is in the process of implementing its new Building management System which has begun with the installation of timers on hot water systems.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Council is in the initial stages of implementing a switch to LED bulbs in the city’s streetlights. It would be beneficial to see a Northern Lights Project equivalent come to the Orange region. Our sewer and water staff are planning two 35kW solar arrays to power parts of our network. The Council is in the process of installing electric car chargers within the CBD.
The Council’s 5 pledges will also facilitate it increasing its efforts in education about energy efficiency
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
Orange City Council hopes to work with other member councils to achieve common goals in conserving energy but also to learn from the experiences of others. Orange City Council hopes to take advantage of this collaborative approach to embrace and benefit from renewable energy. The Council aims to reduce its impact on the environment as well as saving significant resources and benefiting its residents.