City leads with its greenhouse commitment

7 October 2009

City of Sydney, Australia's first carbon neutral local government, is set to celebrate its second year of zero net emissions after Council last month approved the purchase of 100 per cent GreenPower to offset the City's electricity emissions.

The GreenPower purchase follows Council's approval to engage a new carbon offset provider for non-electricity emissions and builds on our initiatives to reduce energy use.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said that the City is leading by example in its commitment to lowering energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

"As part of Sustainable Sydney 2030, we are dedicated to reducing Council's carbon footprint by a minimum of 20 per cent by 2012 through avoiding, reducing and neutralising our emissions," Ms Moore said.

"We use GreenPower to offset emissions associated with essential electricity used by our properties and street lighting, and purchase carbon offsets for non-electricity emissions."

The City's GreenPower and carbon offset providers have been selected based upon the standards their products achieve and their environmental benefits and impacts, as well as independent assessment by green groups through the Green Electricity Watch. 

The City is further demonstrating its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by investing $18 million to improve the energy efficiency of Council buildings and properties.

"High efficiency light fittings, sensor lighting and an intelligent air-conditioning system are some of the initiatives that have slashed greenhouse gas emissions in Sydney's Town Hall House by 23 per cent over the past two years," Ms Moore said.

"Improving energy efficiency in our buildings directly reduces our CO2 emissions, helping to address the key causes of climate change, and also saves money by using less energy."

The City will continue to increase its use of renewable energy by installing photovoltaic cells on the Town Hall roof to convert sunlight into electricity and is investigating a tri-generation plant proposed for the Town Hall Precinct, to simultaneously produce electricity, heating and cooling for buildings.

"It is important that the City takes the lead in demonstrating to local residents and businesses how small changes like installing energy efficient lighting can make a big difference," Ms Moore said.

For more information on the City's commitment to avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions, visit: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/environment/

Media Contact: Keeley Irvin (02) 9265 9106 or kirvin@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au