» Energy Conservation & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program
» Enviro Saver Program
Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Reduction Program
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon, however human activities are increasing the level of greenhouse gases (with the exception of water vapour) in the atmosphere. It is now generally believed that this increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is resulting in what is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect, or global warming. Global warming may have a profound effect on our planet by changing rainfall patterns, raising the sea level, modifying natural ecosystems and affecting agricultural conditions worldwide.
In response to the recognition of the important role local government can play in the reduction of greenhouse gases, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council joined the Cites for Climate Protection Program in October 2001. As part of this program, Council created an emissions inventory and forecast in order to strategically identify what activities are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and to determine the most appropriate strategic actions to reduce these emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the activities of the Council in 1999 produced around 14,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases and cost in excess of $1.35 million for the supply of energy alone. It is predicted that if business was carried out as usual, that this figure would increase to over 21,000 tonnes and would cost over $2.2 million in 'today's' dollars by 2010. Emissions resulting from the community produced over 550,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 1996, and this is predicted to increase to approximately 850,000 tonnes by the year 2010.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions makes good economic, environmental and social sense, and there is considerable opportunity to reduce energy usage through promoting energy efficiency and the implementation of energy efficient devices. Council aims to reduce its corporate greenhouse gas emissions from 1999 levels by 20%, by 2010, and stabilise community greenhouse gas emissions at 1996 levels by 2010. These were targets adopted by Council in August 2002.
Council's Greenhouse Action Strategy provides the strategies direction for implementing effective and practical greenhouse abatement actions in order to achieve emission reductions. The proposed corporate and community reduction measures outlined within the strategy have been evaluated in terms of their cost and their emissions reduction effectiveness.
The following greenhouse gas abatement actions have been implemented by Council to date:
- Purchasing renewable energy. In 2007-2008 Council will buy an estimated 13.8 gigwatts of renewable energy (representing 79% of the total electricity consumption), reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 14,000 tonnes of CO2.
- Upgrading lighting at Council's Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope offices saving 15% on energy consumption and over 200 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Converting to energy-efficient office equipment, saving over 20 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Activating Energy Star features on all PCs as a default setting.
- Promoting community energy efficient lighting, potentially saving 1,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Greenwaste composting, saving a whopping 32,200 tonnes of CO2 annually by reducing the amount of greenwaste going to landfill.
- Energy efficiency upgrade of Bonny Hills caravan park hot water system, saving 135 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Introducing energy-efficiency standards in residential development saving an estimated 1,500 tonnes of CO2 annually and reducing energy consumption costs for residents.
- Carried out a Fleet Sustainability Study whch led to changes to Council's Motor Vehicle Policy and an increase in the number of fuel efficient vehicles in the fleet.
- Trials of biodiesel in selected plant with a view to using this fuel as a petrodiesel substitute.
Download
Hastings Council Greenhouse Action Strategy (243KB)
ENERGY REBATES
For a comprehensive list of energy saving rebates you may be eligible for, go to: Energy rebates
Links
The Australian Greenhouse Office
Department Energy, Utilities and Sustainability
Cities for Climate Protection TM
Make an appointment to save the world!
Enviro Saver Program
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has partnered with the Enviro Saver Program - a NSW Government accredited program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our residents are now eligible to receive a FREE energy and water assessment of their home as well as FREE supply and installation of energy efficient light globes, and water and energy efficient showerheads.
An Enviro Saver team will conduct the free on-site water and energy assessment of your home and provide professional advice on how householders can further reduce the impact they have on the environment and keep money in their pocket.
The program is also linked to product partners who offer discounted rates on water and energy efficient products and appliances including solar hot water systems, dual flush toilets, rainwater tanks, insulation and white goods.
Council offers residents further savings through its Home Water Saver Rebate Scheme. Residents who purchase AAA-rated water-efficient products and devices for their home may be eligible for cash rebates of up to $225.
"Small changes to everyday items like light globes, showerheads and flow control devices on taps can make a significant difference to the impact we have on our daily water supply and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we produce," manager of Natural Resources Matt Rogers said.
"The Enviro Saver program is a fantastic opportunity for our residents to 'green' their home for free and become proactive in the global challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Being a part of this program further enhances Council and the community's local commitment to the Cities for Climate Protection program and our own Greenhouse Action Strategy."
To arrange a free Enviro Saver water and energy assessment of your home and installation of light globes and showerheads, go to Enviro Saver Program and follow the links to 'Book An Assessment'.
Alternatively, Hastings residents can phone 1300 780 858 to book an appointment.
'Green' your home
NRbrochures_Energy_Smart.pdf (921KB)
NRbrochures_Hot_Water_Hints.pdf (776KB)
NRbrochures_Hot_Water_Systems.pdf (826KB)
NRbrochures_Insulation.pdf (731KB)
NRbrochures_Lighting.pdf (886KB)
NRbrochures_Renovating.pdf (784KB)
NRbrochures_Windows.pdf (752KB)
Did you know?
- Install 15,000 hour CFL energy efficient lights in your home and save up to $56 on your energy bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400kg per annum.
- A water efficient showerhead (with electric hot water) in the average home will save $127 on energy and water bills, reduce water consumption by 21,000 litres per annum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 755kg per annum.
- An old fridge can use up to three times as much energy as a new, more energy-efficient model. A top rating fridge can save you up to $450 in running costs over its lifetime.
- An energy and water efficient showerhead can save you up to $100 a year, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 750kg.
- Install a rainwater tank. Each year, around 40,000 litres of water could be collected from your home's roof and used on the garden.
- Switch to Green Energy - you can have up to 100 percent of your home's energy usage generated from renewable resources such as the sun, wind, water or waste.
- Most electronic devices such as computers, TVs, DVDs and stereos remain in standby mode when not in use. If you have a number of these appliances, standby power could easily account for 10 percent or more of your electricity bill. So switch them off.
- Using hot water accounts for about 40 percent of your energy consumption. Consider replacing your electric water heater with a solar, heat pump or gas water heater. Youc ould save thousands of dollars on your energy bills over the lifetime of the system.
The Enviro Saver Program is delivered by Fieldforce Environmental, an Australian-owned and operated company accredited under the NSW Government's Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme.
For more information, go to: Enviro Saver Program
