Our journey
What Port Phillip has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
- We declared a climate emergency in 2019 and are calling on the state and federal governments for stronger action on climate change
- Council will achieve zero net emissions in 2020-2021
- 100% of our electricity comes from renewable sources. This includes 559 kW of rooftop solar on our buildings and investment in an 80 MW wind farm as part of our Power Purchase Agreement through the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project
- We are divesting from fossil fuels. For example, in February 2020 84% of our investments were fossil fuel free
- We are collecting and reusing stormwater to reduce our reliance on potable (drinking) water while also keeping our gardens and parks green. For example, at the Alma Park stormwater harvesting scheme up to 18 million litres of stormwater is captured and reused each year
- We are planting trees on public land and have installed over 200 raingardens to treat stormwater and reduce pollution entering Port Phillip Bay
- We are installing dedicated bike lanes and paths across the city
- We are preparing a biodiversity action plan to protect plants and animals
- We are raising the standards for Environmental Sustainable Design in the planning scheme for all new developments
Port Phillip Council is committed to supporting a sustainable future for our city, which is reflected by our Act and adapt: Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2018- 28.
Our key priorities to achieve over these 10 years are:
- A greener, cooler and more liveable City
- A City with lower carbon emissions
- A City that is adapting and resilient to climate change
- A water sensitive City
- A sustained reduction in waste
- Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP)
City of Port Phillip Council is participating in an innovative wind power project which will reduce our total emissions by 87%. Everything from street lights to Council buildings has been powered by zero emission electricity since 2019.
We are part of an Australian first and a model for the future – partners working together for shared sustainability and prosperity, and using new, market-based approaches to transform and decarbonise Australia’s electricity system.
Led by the City of Melbourne, the MREP partners purchased 88 GWh of electricity each year, the equivalent to powering more than 17,000 households in Melbourne annually, and, because the wind farm will produce more electricity than the MREP partners need, the total emission savings will be even greater.
City Of Port Phillip received the Government Award at the 2018 Premier’s Sustainability Awards for its part in the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project.
What Port Phillip hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability
Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy outlines actions we’ve committed to achieving over 10 years to 2028. Some of these actions are:
- Increase street canopy cover by 10%
- Further reduce energy consumption in council buildings to 7,300 MWh
- Further reduce potable water use to 203 ML/y
- Increase the percentage of waste diverted from landfill to 85%
- Reduce waste generated in council buildings by 20%
We will continue to work with our community to help reduce emissions, raise awareness of the climate emergency and support and facilitate powerful action.