reducing our carbon footprint

Yarra Ranges’ street lighting upgrade is has started with the first of approximately 7,000 existing mercury vapour and high pressure sodium type street lights across the municipality replaced with T5 fluorescent lights.

The new, more energy efficient T5 technology will use around 70% less energy producing a clearer light (closer to natural daylight), reducing glare, and giving greater uniformity of light across and along the street. The new T5 lights meet Australian Standards in regards to safety and lighting levels.

The current estimated cost of this street lighting upgrade project is $1.85 million, with $1.3 million of this funded from Council’s Carbon Management Fund. Street lighting currently costs Council $620,000 each year. The instant 70% reduction in energy use and operating cost will see the project pay for itself in around 4 years and save Council and ratepayers almost $8 million over the 20 year life of the assets.

Council is committed to reducing its annual greenhouse emissions by 30% on 2000 levels by 2020. This project will reduce our annual emissions by 2,250 tonnes, achieving 40% of our reduction target.

Installation of the new T5 streetlights will commence in the urban areas of the municipality, before extending through to the rural areas, with project completion anticipated in late June 2014.

It's been a long time in the waiting, but great to see the changeover finally happening. 

ribbons of green?

report from the roundtable - 22 feb

A motion was moved that sought a report on the progress of the Shire's Ribbons of Green program.

Ribbons of Green was developed as a way to offset the Shire's fleet greenhouse gas emissions. I have concerns about this approach as the hierarchy should be to firstly avoid emissions, if that's not possible minimise emissions and as a last option offset emissions.

It's not that I don't support improvement of biodiversity outcomes, I most certainly do, but this program is part of our Carbon Management Plan and I'm not convinced that we are seeing significant gains in the reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions.

With the indulgence of the mover of the motion I asked that the motion be amended to include a measure of carbon offsets as part of the report back. If it's about offsetting carbon emissions I think council needs to be aware of exactly what we're achieving.

I'm pleased to say that my amendment to the motion was included and I look forward to learning more about the progress of the Ribbons of Green program and its impact on the reduction of emissions in the Shire.