Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

Willoughby City Council's climate and sustainability commitments

Willoughby City Council is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Member since 2017
  • Population 79,556
Feature_icon_1 / Renewable energy

100%

renewable energy for council by 2022

Feature_icon_2 / Solar Energy

100%

renewable energy for community since 2022

feature_icon_3 / CO2 Emissions

Net Zero

council emissions by 2025

Feature_icon_1 / Renewable energy

Net Zero

community emissions by 2040

Our journey

What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability

Council’s renewable energy projects, currently total 420kW in solar PV and are rapidly growing and Willoughby is on target for reaching its goal of 20 per cent renewables by 2020. In addition to this a 173kW cogeneration plant is run to provide low carbon heating and power. Council has reduced landfill waste by 36 per cent compared to 2008 and has implemented stormwater harvesting projects. Willoughby maintains extensive bushland reserves to high standards. Council also runs a range of educational programs for residents and businesses. Council continues to support sustainable urban growth through its building and development policies and processes.

What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability

Willoughby City Council’s Our Green City Plan 2028 presents how we will achieve environment protection for, and with, our community. We are committed to protecting, conserving and improving these diverse landscapes, for current and future generations. We have set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets for not only Council operations but also our community. We also have targets and actions focused on urban growth issues, energy usage, and water and waste management.

Why council joined the Cities Power Partnership

Willoughby sees the Cities Power Partnership as a great opportunity to share our successes, learn from others, and consider the opportunities for an even more sustainable future.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
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.
Work Together and Influence
Develop education and behaviour-change programs to support local residents and businesses to tackle climate change through clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport.

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