Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
Council’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan documents Council’s targets and commitments to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption, conserving our urban biodiversity, reducing waste generation and facilitating sustainable transport options. In recent years, Council has delivered large and small scale projects contributing to our GHG emission reduction target, including: Woollahra Municipal Council – Profile and Pledge for Cities Power Partnership 7 March 2018
- Comprehensive upgrade of Council Chambers building including energy-efficient air conditioning system and lighting retrofit, and the installation of an energy submetering system
- Installation of solar power and solar hot water on Council depots and community buildings
- Energy efficient lighting upgrade at all Council depots and car parks
- Energy efficiency rollout on outdoor lighting
As of 2018, Council has installed 88kW of solar power capacity on Council assets, achieved an 18% reduction on our 2003/04 greenhouse gas emissions, despite an increase in our asset portfolio and purchases 25% greenpower for all our small electricity sites.
In addition, Woollahra is working with Waverley and Randwick Councils to install solar power on rooftops throughout the LGA. In 2017, a 99.7kW system was installed on Kincoppal Rose Bay school, through the Solar My Schools program. The system is expected to power the equivalent of 745 school computers for a year. Another 26 schools in the eastern suburbs have signed up to the program.
Council is also working with the community on wider sustainability issues, aiming to provide opportunities to learn more and get involved. Programs include our environmental grant program for community groups and schools, establishment of community and communal gardens; workshops, guided tours and events for the community, schools and day care centres.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
Council is working towards purchasing an increasing amount of renewable energy for all Councils buildings and assets. We are also continually monitoring the energy and water consumption of our assets to look for further opportunities to improve the efficiency of our operations. To assist the community, we are implementing programs to provide information and practical assistance to our residents to facilitate the uptake of solar power, and to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. Council hopes to work closely with other Councils, community groups, schools and residents to make real and effective changes to improve the sustainability of our buildings, assets and our lifestyles.
Why council joined the Cities Power Partnership
Council joined the Cities Power Partnership to further collaborate with other Councils and to share our knowledge and experiences. Woollahra Municipal Council – Profile and Pledge for Cities Power Partnership 7 March 2018 We hope to learn how other Councils are working with their communities, energy suppliers and residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the renewable energy production within their local government area.