Darebin Community Climate
Change Action Plan
June 2009
Advisors
Business Shaper and Sustainability in Mind
Level 7, 395 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: 9614 6177
Web: www.businessshaper.com
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................4
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................6
1.1 OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................................6
1.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE DCCCAP ........................................................................................6
2 CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE ...........................................................................................8
2.1 GLOBAL PATTERNS .............................................................................................................8
2.2 NATIONAL EFFECTS ............................................................................................................9
2.3 LOCAL EFFECTS ..................................................................................................................9
3 CURRENT RESPONSES................................................................................................... 10
3.1 INTERNATIONAL ............................................................................................................... 10
3.2 NATIONAL ........................................................................................................................ 10
3.3 STATE ............................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 LOCAL............................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.1 CITIES FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION .............................................................................................12
3.4.2 NORTHERN ALLIANCE FOR GREENHOUSE ACTION .......................................................................12
3.4.3 DAREBIN ....................................................................................................................................12
4 COMMUNITY CONTEXT ................................................................................................. 14
4.1 DAREBIN’S COMMUNITY .................................................................................................. 14
4.2 COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS AND CONCERNS .................................................................... 14
4.2.1 DAREBIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SURVEY ANNUAL RESULTS 2008 ......................................14
4.2.2 CLIMATE CHANGE SURVEY ..........................................................................................................14
4.3 DCCCAP COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ........................................................................... 16
4.3.1 OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................16
4.3.2 COMMUNITY REFERENCE GROUP ................................................................................................17
4.3.3 FOCUS GROUPS ..........................................................................................................................17
4.3.4 COMMUNITY SURVEYING AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FORUM ......................................................17
4.3.5 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD .........................................................................................................18
5 DAREBIN’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS............................................................. 19
5.1 DAREBIN COMMUNITY BENCHMARK ................................................................................ 19
5.2 DAREBIN’S 2020 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION TARGET .............................................. 21
5.2.1 TARGET ......................................................................................................................................21
5.2.2 WHY THIS TARGET WAS CHOSEN ................................................................................................21
5.2.3 TARGET OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................22
5.2.4 LEVEL OF ACTION REQUIRED ......................................................................................................22
2
5.3 CONTRIBUTING TO THE TARGET ....................................................................................... 23
5.3.1 COUNCIL’S ROLE ........................................................................................................................23
5.3.2 EXISTING PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES ......................................................................................23
5.3.3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS.............................................................................................................23
5.3.4 NORTHERN ALLIANCE FOR GREENHOUSE ACTION'S TOWARDS ZERO NET EMISSIONS
STRATEGY...............................................................................................................................................24
5.3.5 COUNCIL ACTION PLAN, 2009 – 2015 ......................................................................................25
5.4 MONITORING AND REVIEW .............................................................................................. 45
5.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................................................... 46
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX A ................................................................................ DCCCAP CONSULTATION
49
APPENDIX B .... OVERVIEW OF PAST AND CURRENT PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
52
APPENDIX C........................................................................................................... GLOSSARY
64
3
Executive Summary
This document, the Darebin Community Climate Change Action Plan (DCCCAP), provides a
framework for Darebin Council to support the Darebin community in significantly reducing
their greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The DCCCAP has been prepared in response to
the recognised threat and severity of climate change and its effects on the Darebin
community.
Darebin Council has previously developed a Climate Change Action Plan for Council's own
operations and the plan sets a carbon neutral target by 2020 for Council operations.
Through this plan Darebin Council has already significantly reduced greenhouse gas
emissions from their own operations and is now looking to support the community to take
action on this important issue.
The DCCCAP has been developed through a rigorous consultation process which sought
input from the Darebin community on:
•
•
•
Their understanding of climate change issues and solutions
A possible reduction target for the Darebin community, and
Actions which could be taken by Darebin Council and other organisations to support
greenhouse gas reduction efforts by the Darebin community.
Darebin Council endorses a zero net emissions target for the community by 2020.
A benchmark project conducted through the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action
(NAGA) found that the Darebin community was responsible for the emission of 2,200 kt of
greenhouse gases (CO2-e) in 2005/06.
Achieving zero net emissions involves reducing emissions as much as possible by using
energy only when necessary, using it as efficiently as possible and switching to renewables
- any residual emissions are then offset by investment in accredited greenhouse absorption
activities such as tree-planting or further greenhouse reduction activities outside of
Darebin.
A zero net emissions target by 2020 appears very difficult to achieve in our current context
but the science clearly indicates that we should be taking urgent and significant action and
doing as much as we possibly can to reduce emissions.
If all developed nations adopted and seriously worked towards zero net emission targets
this would significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore lessen the
risks associated with climate change.
Darebin’s target for achieving zero net emissions by 2020:
•
•
•
•
•
Demonstrates leadership and provides an advocacy platform for greater action at
State and National levels
Encourages extra effort and innovation to reduce emissions as much as possible
Acknowledges the deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions required to avoid
catastrophic climate change
Recognises that developed countries (such as Australia) that are wealthier and have
disproportionately high emissions compared to poorer, developing nations, have an
ethical responsibility to make larger emission reductions, and
Better places the Darebin community for any future policy changes at a State and
Federal level.
4
The ability of the Darebin community to demonstrate significant progress towards this
target will depend on wide spread and deep commitment to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from all parts of the community - individuals, households, schools and other
organisations, business and industry. To achieve the zero net emissions target further
large scale actions will also be required from Federal and State Government. Darebin
Council will develop and implement a range of measures to support residents, business and
industry to reduce their emissions but these actions alone will not be enough to achieve the
target.
Darebin Council has identified three strategic directions which it will pursue to support the
community in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions:
•
•
•
Provide targeted services and programs
Advocate to State and Federal Governments, and
Strengthen community networks and mobilisation on climate change.
Darebin Council will continue to form and maintain a range of strategic alliances,
partnerships and will broker commercial solutions in pursuing these strategic directions.
The initial priority programs that will be implemented are:
• Facilitate a large scale roll-out of solar (and energy efficient) hot water systems
• Establish the Darebin Climate Wise Business program
• Support the disadvantaged and those most vulnerable to climate change impacts
and increasing energy costs through energy efficiency retrofits, and
• Pilot a program with one of Darebin's Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
communities.
In addition to these immediate priority programs, Council will continue to develop and
implement a range of programs and initiatives to support these three strategic directions
and contribute towards the target. This document outlines programs and initiatives to be
implemented during the period 2009 to 2015. The effectiveness of the DCCCAP and
appropriateness of the reduction target will be reviewed on a regular basis, but a major
review of the DCCCAP will occur during 2014 when actions and initiatives to be undertaken
between 2015 and 2020 will be identified and developed.
5
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
Climate change is a critical and urgent issue for our community and future. If the worst
impacts of climate change are to be avoided fundamental cultural and social changes need
to occur. The role of Local Government in achieving these changes is pivotal.
Darebin City Council is committed to providing the necessary leadership and direction to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that the impacts of climate change are
minimised. Council recognises that the benefits of acting now on climate change far
outweigh the costs.
As a first step, Council has adopted a detailed and ambitious Climate Change Action Plan to
tackle the emissions generated by Council activities including electricity use in Council
buildings, street lighting and emissions from Council vehicles and waste. Implementation of
this Plan is proceeding well with a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2007/08
compared to the previous year. Council is set to achieve its 2010 reduction target, a 20%
reduction on 1990 levels for Council operations one year early in 2008/09.
This Darebin Community Climate Change Action Plan (DCCCAP) has been prepared to
provide direction for Council to work with the Darebin community to make significant
greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
The process for developing the DCCCAP has involved:
•
Development of a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the municipality and a
scientifically rigorous reduction target
•
Review of existing and potential greenhouse reduction programs relevant to
Council, and
•
Engagement with key stakeholders and existing/potential partners, including a
Community Leaders’ Forum.
In addition to the DCCCAP, Darebin is also preparing an Adaptation Strategy to ensure the
Darebin community is well placed to prepare for the impacts of both climate change and
peak oil.
A number of actions identified in this action plan will also assist in adapting to climate
change impacts and building community resilience. For example, energy prices are
expected to rise in the future so energy efficiency programs that reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and energy bills will help the Darebin community prepare for some of the
impacts of climate change.
1.2 Development of the DCCCAP
This document has been prepared with the assistance and input of the Community Climate
Change Action Plan Reference Group. The group consists of representatives of Darebin's
diverse community and key stakeholder agencies. The Reference Group was established to
provide ongoing input and advice to the City of Darebin and its advisors on the
development of the DCCCAP. The following organisations and individuals are involved in
the Reference Group.
Darebin Council acknowledges and thanks all participants for their contributions.
Table 1 DCCCAP Reference Group Members
Darebin Community Climate Change Action Plan Reference Group
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CURRENT MEMBERS
Organisation/role
Mayor Darebin City Council , Chair
Darebin City Council
Darebin City Council
Darebin Environmental Reference Group
Darebin Ethnic Communities Council
Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
Council
Darebin Disability Advisory Committee
La Trobe University
Convenor, Darebin's Climate Change Action Network
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Darebin Schools
Traders Associations
Dept of Sustainability and Environment, Regional Contact
Officer
Representatives
Cr Diana Asmar
Cr Nick Katsis
Cr Trent McCarthy
Kyle O'Farrell, Tony Wood
Tito Tapungao, Carmelina
Di Guglielmo
Jan Muir
Ray Jordan
John Hassall, George Kirby
Carol Ride, Lisa Gogall,
Keith Burrows
Josie Lee
Peter Lee
Daryl Colless
Bronwyn Davies
Thank you to previous members: former Councillor Peter Stephenson; former Councillor
Mendo Kundevski; and Gaetano Greco representing Darebin Ethnic Communities Council.
The DCCCAP development process was also assisted through the efforts and invaluable
advice of Dr Graeme Pearman, Director of Graeme Pearman Consulting and Paul Murfitt,
CEO of the Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd.
7
2 Climate Change Science
2.1 Global Patterns
Since the industrial revolution human activity has resulted in a significant increase in the
burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas to meet the energy demands
of growing populations and levels of affluence. When these substances are burnt they
produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Other greenhouse gases which
are produced or released by human activities include methane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and nitrous oxide.
In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, more and more land has been cleared for
agricultural use and urban growth. Reduced forest and vegetation cover means less carbon
dioxide is absorbed by trees.
As a result of increased greenhouse gas production and reduced absorption we are
changing the climate of our planet.
Many greenhouse gases are naturally occurring, and without them the Earth would be
about 30oC colder and not habitable. When sunlight enters our atmosphere these
greenhouse gases trap heat and keep our planet at a liveable temperature. As we have
increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere we are trapping increasingly
more heat in the atmosphere thereby warming the planet. This warming of the atmosphere
and the oceans in turn results in changes to natural patterns and impacts on life and
natural processes that are sensitive to the climate.
Climatic changes that will result include:
•
Increased temperatures
•
Melting of snow and ice
•
Sea level rise due to both the expansion of warmer water and the melting of snow
and ice
•
Changed rainfall patterns (i.e. drought)
•
More severe weather (i.e. storms, wind)
•
Decreased food production (due to changed rainfall patterns, losses from severe
weather events etc), and
•
Species extinction.
Further information on climate change, its causes and impacts can be obtained from:
•
The Bureau of Meteorology – www.bom.gov.au/climate/change
•
Climate Change in Australia – www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au
•
The Department of Climate Change – www.climatechange.gov.au
8
2.2 National Effects
At a National level predicted impacts of unmitigated climate change include the following:
•
Stressed urban water supplies leading to an estimated 35% increase in the cost of
water supply by 2100
•
Loss of the Great Barrier Reef and smaller reef systems by 2050 with associated
ramifications for marine biodiversity and tourism
•
Major declines in agricultural production across the country including a 50% decline
in irrigated agricultural output in the Murray Darling Basin by 2050. This will lead to
impacts such as greater reliance on imported foods, reduced agricultural exports
and population shifts from rural areas. By 2100, it is predicted that there would be
close to zero runoff in the Murray Darling Basin.
•
Coastal infrastructure will be at significant risk from rising sea levels, storms and
flooding
•
The end of snow based tourism in Australia by 2100, and
•
Over 4,000 (and as many as 9,500) additional heat related deaths in Queensland
alone by 2100 (Garnaut Review, 2008).
2.3 Local Effects
At a local level (i.e. Darebin) specific impacts of climate change may include:
•
Increased heat stress and heat related diseases particularly resulting from an
anticipated increase in the frequency of extreme temperature events
•
Infrastructure (buildings, roads, power, water supply, drainage, sewerage etc)
damage from more severe weather
•
More frequent and severe water restrictions
•
Increased costs of food, insurance, utilities (including water, electricity and gas) and
fuel
•
Increased death and injury from extreme weather events
•
Poorer air quality and increased respiratory illnesses (from bushfires and higher
temperatures increasing ground level ozone)
•
Changes in food and water quality and availability
•
Higher demand for emergency support and community support services
•
Severe stress on private and community parks and gardens and streetscapes, and
•
Severe stress on local plant and animal communities.
The distribution of health and other impacts will tend to fall more heavily on low-income or
otherwise more vulnerable members of the community such as the aged and very young.
9
3 Current Responses
3.1 International
The international community has recognised that climate change presents a significant risk
to human society. To further understand and combat this risk, many organisations and
response processes have been established including the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC).
A significant outcome of the UNFCCC was the development of the Kyoto Protocol which
commits many of the world’s developed nations to emission reductions over the timeframe
of 2008 – 2012. The Protocol has now been enacted but is unlikely to significantly impact
global greenhouse gas emission levels over the time period due to the exclusion of the
United States and concession arrangements for developing nations. Negotiations for a postKyoto Protocol are currently occurring with the next round of discussions occurring in
Copenhagen in late 2009. The outcomes of the Copenhagen Conference are likely to
determine the fate of the planet in relation to climate change.
The IPCC is a scientific body responsible for increasing global understanding of climate
change, its causes, impacts and solutions. The latest report from the IPCC in 2007 used its
strongest language yet to state that climate change is human induced. It painted an
extremely grim outlook for the world unless immediate action is taken to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Global leaders on climate change have included the European Union, particularly
Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom. The European Union has had an emissions
trading scheme in place for several years and has set significant reduction targets. Climate
change action in the United States (the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases)
slowed at a National level during the Bush Administration but individual states, such as
California, demonstrated significant leadership in setting ambitious greenhouse gas
reduction targets and backing them with tough policy and regulation. President Obama has
identified climate change as a priority issue and has signalled significant action to reduce
emissions in the future.
At an international level the economic case for early action on climate change was made by
Sir Nicholas Stern in 2006 in the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change report
where the key message was “the benefits of strong, early action on climate change
outweigh the costs” (Stern, 2006).
3.2 National
Climate change came to the forefront in Australia in 2007 when it became a prominent
election issue. After winning the election one of the first actions taken by the new Labour
Government was to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. This means that Australia has accepted the
Protocol’s target of limiting Australia to an 8% increase in emissions above 1990 levels by
2012. This target is likely to be met but only due to a land use and forestry clause within
the Protocol. Australia’s actual emissions have significantly increased since 1990.
10
The Federal Government’s response to the threat of climate change is based on three
pillars:
•
Reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions
•
Adapting to the impacts of climate change that can’t be avoided, and
•
Helping to shape a global solution (DCC, 2008).
The key mechanism which the Federal Government will use to reduce Australia’s
greenhouse gas emissions is the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The
Government released its White Paper on the CPRS in December 2008. Within this document
the Government proposes an unconditional greenhouse gas reduction target of 5% on
2000 levels by 2020. It also proposes that this target is increased to a maximum 25%
reduction if strong international agreement is reached on climate change. These targets are
proposed in the context of achieving a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
(Australian Government, 2008).
The CPRS includes the implementation of an emissions trading scheme (ETS) which would
see a financial value being placed on greenhouse gas emissions by large emitters. This
trading scheme effectively creates a price signal on carbon and is expected to increase the
costs of many goods and services, but particularly electricity and gas and over time petrol.
At a National level the case for early action on climate change was made by the Garnaut
Review on Climate Change in 2008 where it was determined that the costs of inaction far
outweighed the costs of action (Garnaut Review, 2008).
3.3 State
The Victorian Government’s current response to climate change is outlined in the Our
Environment, Our Future strategy document which contains three primary actions relating
to climate change:
•
Action 1: Clean greenhouse friendly energy
•
Action 2: Improving our energy efficiency, and
•
Action 3: Adapting to the impacts of climate change (Victorian Government, 2006).
Initiatives implemented through actions one and two include:
•
The Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) – legislation to ensure 10% of
Victoria’s energy is sourced from renewable sources by 2016
•
The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) – legislation requiring energy retailers
to meet individual targets to save 8.1 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions over three
years. Retailers must meet these targets by helping residential customers improve
their energy efficiency.
•
Support for renewable energy technology through the provision of $12.35 million in
funding over three years
•
Support for a national emissions trading scheme
•
Over $100 million in funding for the development of clean coal technologies
•
Improving the efficiency of existing generators
•
Minimum appliance standards
•
Energy smart business programs, and
•
Better electricity pricing (Victorian Government, 2006).
11
The Victorian Government is expected to release its Green Paper on climate change in early
to mid 2009. This document, will propose the direction which Victoria should take in
relation to climate change and in light of the Australian Government's proposed Carbon
Pollution Reduction Scheme.
3.4 Local
Local Government across Australia has been active in greenhouse and climate change
action for around a decade. Local Government is uniquely placed to work closely with the
community to facilitate greenhouse reduction and to provide leadership through
greenhouse emission reductions in Council operations. Local Government have taken a lead
position on behaviour change programs to encourage voluntary action on climate change.
3.4.1 Cities for Climate Protection
The Cities for Climate Protection Program is administered through the international
organisation ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. Participation in Victoria is high
with 61 Local Governments representing 90% of the Victorian population (as at June
2007). Darebin has moved through the five Cities for Climate Protection milestones and is
now a Cities for Climate Protection Plus member with ongoing participation and reporting
responsibilities.
3.4.2 Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action
The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) is one of six regional greenhouse
alliances of Local Governments and other organisations that were initially supported by
Victorian Government funding and are now self sustaining. NAGA’s members are the Cities
of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Manningham, Melbourne, Moreland, Whittlesea, Yarra and
Nillumbik and Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL).
NAGA began operating in 2002 as an informal network to share information, coordinate
community emissions reduction activities and research and develop innovative corporate
emission reduction projects. NAGA’s goal is to enable significant greenhouse abatement by
delivering effective programs and leveraging council, community and business action.
NAGA is currently developing a Towards Zero Net Emissions Strategy that investigates large
scale emission reduction opportunities across the northern region of Melbourne. Actions
identified under the Towards Zero Net Emissions Strategy form part of Darebin's Climate
Change Action response and are relevant to this strategy.
3.4.3 Darebin
Darebin Council views climate change as a critical and urgent issue for the Darebin
community. Darebin is taking leadership action in tackling emissions from Council’s own
operations and in delivering a variety of programs to assist residents to reduce emissions.
In 2007, Darebin City Council adopted Darebin’s Climate Change Action Plan (June 07 –
June 09) – Achieving Darebin Council’s 2010 Target and Identifying Future Directions. The
plan adopted actions to ensure Council was making significant progress in reducing our
own emissions before taking further leadership action in relation to community emission
reductions.
12
The Plan has achieved:
•
A 16% reduction on greenhouse emissions in 2007/08 compared to the previous
year
•
A very successful energy efficiency program that has achieved an overall energy
reduction in our top 11 energy using sites
•
Purchase of 100% GreenPower for all Council owned and managed facilities from
2008/09
•
Winner of the Local Government Professionals Association Award for Excellence in
the Sustainability Initiative category, and
•
Achievement of our 2010 reduction target one year early.
The Plan commits to a target of carbon neutrality for Council operations by 2020. This will
be achieved by:
•
Continuing and expanding Council’s energy efficiency program
•
Designing new Council facilities for carbon neutrality
•
Pursuing the upgrade of street-lighting to energy efficient options, and
•
Purchasing offsets for residual emissions only.
The plan identifies the energy hierarchy as a guiding principle to emission reductions. In
priority order:
•
Conserve energy – use only what is needed and avoid wastage
•
Energy efficiency – use necessary energy as efficiently as possible
•
Renewable energy – purchase GreenPower – accredited renewable energy for
electricity needs, and/or small-scale renewable installations
•
Offset residual emissions – offsetting involves investing in emission reductions
through accredited tree planting or energy efficiency programs offsite. Offsetting is
a good option only for those residual emissions that can’t be addressed through
conservation, efficiency or renewable energy.
The Climate Change Action Plan 2007-09 also documented the community programs that
Darebin is currently delivering that assist residents in reducing emissions and included
actions for the development of the Community Climate Change Action Plan and Adaptation
Strategy.
13
4 Community Context
4.1 Darebin’s Community
The Darebin municipality is located to the north of Melbourne and includes sections of
Alphington, Fairfield, Bundoora, Macleod and Kingsbury and the entire suburbs of
Northcote, Thornbury, Preston and Reservoir. Approximately 128,000 people live in Darebin
and they form one of the most diverse communities in the State:
•
One in three residents were born in a non-English speaking country
•
Over 35% of residents were born in countries other than Australia – major
contributing countries are Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, China and Vietnam
•
Darebin is home to one in 25 of Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
residents
•
More than 40% of Darebin residents can speak a language other than English
•
One in five residents are aged over 60
•
One in seven Darebin households earn less than $15,000 a year, and
•
One in five Darebin residents has a disability.
The area contains over 55,000 residences and nearly 5,000 commercial or industrial
properties. These businesses provide approximately 44,000 jobs, about a third of which are
occupied by Darebin residents. The unemployment rate in Darebin is just under 10%, over
4% higher than the Melbourne average.
4.2 Community Aspirations and Concerns
4.2.1 Darebin City Council Community Survey Annual Results 2008
Darebin Council regularly surveys residents for their opinions on local issues. The most
recent community surveys conducted over 2008 found that 9.6% of respondents believe
the environment, conservation and climate change is one of the three most important
issues for Council to take action on over the next twelve months. Environment,
conservation and climate change ranked second behind traffic management in this question
(15.4%). The ranking of environment, conservation and climate change has increased
steadily from 3.6% in 2004.
4.2.2 Climate Change Survey
In addition to the general community survey Darebin Council also surveyed residents on
climate change issues in late 2007. The survey was provided to residents through Darebin
News and Sustainability News. Approximately two thirds of respondents answered through
Darebin News and a third through Sustainability News. The survey found that:
•
Over 95% of respondents felt they had a good understanding of the basic causes of
climate change
•
Approximately 90% of respondents felt they had a good understanding of the
impacts of climate change on Australia over the next 10 years
•
Approximately 90% of respondents are aware of ways Australia could make large
greenhouse gas emission reductions
•
Nearly 80% of respondents would like more information on climate change
•
Over 95% of respondents are concerned about climate change
14
•
Over 90% of respondents have knowledge on how they can reduce their own
greenhouse gas emissions, and
•
Nearly three quarters of residents believe they are doing everything they can to
reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions.
Respondents were also asked what actions they already took to reduce their greenhouse
gas emissions and what barriers prevent them from taking action. Responses to these
questions are shown in the figures below.
Figure 1 shows that the most common methods used by residents to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions include drying clothes on the line, washing in cold water and
using the car less.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Dry clothes on line
Wash clothes in cold water
Use the car less
Heating rooms used to 18 - 20 degrees
Installed compact fluorescent light globes in most light fittings
Use compost or worm farm
Installed a water efficient shower head
Have energy efficient appliances - high star ratings
Grow food and buy locally produced food
Sealed gaps to reduce heat loss
Installed or topped up insulation
Purchase 100% GreenPower
Purchase some GreenPower
Have or are undertaking sustainable renovations
Have a solar hot water or high efficiency gas hot water system
Turned off the second fridge
Buy carbon offsets
No action taken yet
Figure 1 Action Taken by Darebin Residents on Climate Change
It is worth noting that survey results of this type tend to over represent activities being
undertaken in the community. For example more than 50% of survey respondents
indicated that they are buying some level of GreenPower, but Sustainability Victoria data of
GreenPower uptake in Darebin indicates that around 13% of residents buy some
GreenPower. This could be due to the survey respondents representing a more concerned
and active sector of the community. To some extent it could also represent respondents
wanting or intending to take certain actions but not actually taking them yet.
Figure 2 shows that the most common factor which prevents or limits residents taking
action on climate change is cost. Other key factors include time and factors relating to
information.
15
Figure 2 Barriers to Climate Change Action
When asked which actions respondents would most like to see Council implement to reduce
the municipality’s greenhouse gas emissions the most common responses included:
•
Transport – Council action & council vehicles
•
Extend Council programs / incentives / subsidies
•
Education / promotion / information to the community, and
•
Advocate for public transport.
When asked which actions respondents would most like to see Council implement to help
residents reduce their greenhouse emissions the most common responses were:
•
Education, information and promotions
•
Product rebates and incentives
•
Keep delivering Council programs, and
•
Advocate for public transport improvements.
The focus on transport in this survey is consistent with the key concerns identified in the
general survey. Awareness that the majority of emissions in the municipality come from
stationary energy from industry, commercial and residential is likely to be very low.
4.3 DCCCAP Community Consultation
4.3.1 Overview
The development of the DCCCAP has involved significant community consultation. Specific
consultation which has occurred to date included:
•
The formation and use of the Community Climate Change Action Plan Reference
Group
•
Six focus group workshops to gauge community interest and understanding of
climate change issues, and
•
Community surveying and a Community Leaders Forum to determine the
community’s preference for a greenhouse gas reduction target.
16
•
A public comment period including a web survey and four public meetings to
provide opportunity for feedback and suggestions regarding the draft version of this
Plan.
The following sections provide a brief summary of the consultation that has occurred
throughout the development of the DCCCAP. Further details can be found in Appendix A.
4.3.2 Community Reference Group
The development of the DCCCAP was assisted by the DCCCAP Reference Group. This group
consists of representatives of Darebin’s diverse community and key stakeholders and
agencies. The Reference Group was established to provide input and advice to the City of
Darebin and its advisors on the development of the DCCCAP. A list of participants in the
Community Reference Group can be found in section 1.2.
4.3.3 Focus Groups
A series of focus groups were conducted with members of the community in October 2008.
The findings of the focus groups were generally consistent with the responses to the
climate change survey. Key findings included:
•
Understanding of climate change – most participants understood that climate
change was a big problem but there was confusion on its linkages with other
environmental problems (such as the hole in the ozone layer) and mitigation actions
•
Key concerns – the majority of participants were very concerned about water
shortages and this was the focus of much discussion. Increased living costs were
also raised as a concern
•
Barriers to action – most participants identified costs and time as key barriers to
action but many also raised issues around information availability, accessibility and
reliability
•
Council’s role – many of the suggestions for actions proposed by participants were
outside Council’s direct ability to implement suggesting that continuing to take an
advocacy role with Victorian and Australian Governments will be important
•
Engagement – many participants suggested initiatives which Council already
implements indicating that current methods of communication are not reaching a
number of residents
•
Climate change urgency – although participants readily engaged in conversation on
climate change and demonstrated high levels of concern this did not translate into a
sense of urgency for individual action.
4.3.4 Community Surveying and Community Leaders Forum
During the consultation phase of the DCCCAP development a discussion paper was
developed outlining five different target options the Darebin community could pursue in
relation to climate change mitigation. These different options were:
•
Option 1 – No target
•
Option 2 – 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on 2000
levels
•
Option 3 – 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on 2000
levels
•
Option 4 – 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on 2000
levels, and
17
•
Option 5 – Zero net emissions by 2020.
The community’s preference for each of these five options was sampled through:
•
A survey of residents via the website and promoted through Sustainability News (79
responses)
•
A survey of residents at the Darebin Festival (138 responses), and
•
A survey of community leaders at the Community Leaders Forum.
The Community Leaders Forum was held on March 12, 2009 and involved 54 participants.
The participants were provided with three green and three pink stickers. They were asked
to put the green stickers on their most preferred option(s) and the pink dots on their least
preferred option(s).
The table below summarises the community’s response to the different options.
Table 2 Community Preference for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Options
Preference of
Sustainability
News respondents
Preference of
Darebin Festival
respondents
Most preferred by
Community
Leaders
Least preferred by
Community
Leaders
No
Target
5%
reduction
25%
reduction
50%
reduction
Zero net
emissions
3%
0%
18%
43%
30%
1%
5%
32%
30%
17%
0
0
5%
13%
82%
71%
22%
7%
0
0
4.3.5 Public Comment Period
The responses to the public comment period were overwhelmingly in favour of
the Zero Net Emissions target. Fifty six responses were received and
suggestions for actions echoed the feedback from the community survey, the
focus groups and the Leaders Forum. While most of the suggested actions were
already covered in the Plan some additional actions and amendments were
incorporated in light of the feedback through this period.
18
5 Darebin’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
5.1 Darebin Community Benchmark
Through a benchmarking project conducted recently by the Northern Alliance for
Greenhouse Action (NAGA), it was estimated that the Darebin community was responsible
for the emission of nearly 2,200 kt CO2-e in 2005/06. Without significant action, the NAGA
benchmark estimates that these emissions will increase by approximately 1% to just over
2,200 kt CO2-e by 2020 (Arup, 2008). The increase in emissions will be primarily driven by
population growth. An increasing proportion of renewable energy in the electricity supply
will however limit any increases in emissions.
Figure 3 shows Darebin’s greenhouse gas emissions for 2005/06 and projected emissions
for 2020. As can be seen greenhouse gas emissions are expected to increase by 2020 with
the exception of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial stationary energy consumption1.
Stationary energy
use primarily refers
to the use of
electricity and gas
Figure 3 Darebin's GHG Emissions by Sector, 2005/06 & 2020 (projected)
Figure 4 shows the level to which the different sectors contribute to Darebin’s greenhouse
gas emissions. The figure shows that industrial and commercial energy use account for
approximately half of Darebin’s emissions.
1
Stationary energy use primarily refers to the use of electricity and gas
19
If the Darebin community
is to significantly reduce
its greenhouse gas
emissions, action most
occur throughout all
sectors – residential,
commercial, industrial
and transport
Figure 4 Darebin Emissions by Sector, 2005/06
The greenhouse gas emissions reported above have been compiled in compliance with
IPCC reporting methodology. The IPCC reporting methodology eliminates the potential for
double counting of emissions within different baselines, but in doing so excludes some key
areas which individuals can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A particularly important
source of emissions not covered in the IPCC reporting scope is the production of emissions
from the growing and transport of food.
The average Australian is responsible for the emission of 21 tonnes of greenhouse gas
emissions each year when both direct and indirect emissions are considered. The figure
below provides a breakdown of these emissions.
Figure 5 Average Australian's Direct and Indirect Emissions (Energy Australia, 2008)
20
5.2 Darebin’s 2020 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target
5.2.1 Target
Darebin Council endorses a zero net greenhouse gas emissions2 target for the Darebin
community by 2020. Achieving zero net emissions involves reducing emissions as much as
possible by using energy only when necessary, using it as efficiently as possible and
switching to renewables - any residual emissions are then offset by investment in
accredited greenhouse absorption activities such as tree-planting or further greenhouse
reduction activities outside of Darebin.
5.2.2 Why this target was chosen
The following factors were considered when determining what greenhouse gas emission
reduction target the Darebin community should work towards:
•
Should a target be set at all?
•
What level of reduction is wanted by the Darebin community?
•
What level of reduction is needed to avoid dangerous climate change in the future?
•
What is the Darebin community’s capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
And what is Council’s capacity to support this?
The question of whether to set a target at all has arisen from the proposed design of the
Federal Government’s CPRS (see section 3.2). Under the Scheme (as it is currently
proposed) voluntary action at a local level will not contribute to greenhouse gas reductions
greater than the Government’s proposed 5% target. Other concerns associated with the
setting of a target include difficulties associated with measuring progress against the
target, and the ability for the Darebin community to meet any target if there isn’t wide
spread and deep commitment across the community.
The decision to set a target was based on:
A zero net emissions
target will provide
Darebin with a strong
advocacy platform for
greater action at a State
and Federal level
•
A desire to demonstrate leadership and provide an advocacy platform
•
The need to acknowledge the deep level of reductions required to avoid the
worst impacts of climate change
•
The community’s desire for a reduction target, and
•
The fact that the CPRS is not yet finalised and there may be significant policy
change before 2020, setting a target will better position the Darebin community
to cope with this change.
The zero net emissions target was chosen as the science clearly indicates that we should
be taking urgent and significant action and doing as much as we possibly can to reduce
emissions. A zero net emissions target encourages extra effort and innovation in reducing
emissions as much as possible. The target is also in line with targets set by other leading
councils and enables Darebin to advocate with other leaders for greater action from State
and Federal Governments. In line with this target, Council will continue to work towards
achieving zero net emissions within our own operations by 2020.
If all developed nations adopted and seriously worked towards zero net emission targets
this would significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore lessen the
risks associated with climate change. There will still be some unavoidable climate change
2
The percentage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is based on carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions
21
impacts but the risks of dangerous or catastrophic climate change will be significantly
lessened
5.2.3 Target Overview
Achieving zero net emissions involves reducing emissions as much as possible by using
energy only when necessary, using it as efficiently as possible and switching to renewables
- any residual emissions are then offset by investment in accredited greenhouse absorption
activities such as tree-planting or further greenhouse reduction activities outside of
Darebin.
The ability of the Darebin community to demonstrate significant progress towards this
target will depend on wide spread and deep commitment to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from all parts of the community - individuals, households, schools and other
organisations, business and industry. To achieve the zero net emissions target further
large scale actions will also be required from Federal and State Government
Zero net emission targets have been set by several local councils globally including the City
of Melbourne.
Measures to be implemented by the City of Melbourne to reach zero net emissions by 2020
include:
•
Reducing energy demand by all building stock by 50%
•
Sourcing 45% of energy from renewable sources, and
•
Investing in offsets (i.e. tree-planting) for remaining emissions.
That program is expected to cost $3 million over five years including $576,000 invested in
plantations and $500,000 in the emissions trading scheme (City of Melbourne, 2007).
5.2.4 Level of Action Required
To achieve zero net emissions within the Darebin community significant action
would be required from Darebin Council, residents, business and industry, in
addition to offsetting all residual emissions.
For example, at the household level the actions required in order to achieve a
zero net emissions target would typically include:
•
Either purchasing all electricity from GreenPower and/or having a large
solar panel (photovoltaic) system that produces more electricity than the
household uses
•
Avoiding or minimising gas and car use and buying offsets for any
remaining use
•
Avoiding processed foods and meat
•
Growing your own fruit and vegetables and/or buying local produce
•
Living a low consumption lifestyle, and
•
Buying more offsets to cover the emissions used to produce your food,
shelter, clothes, products and services.
Similarly business and industry could achieve zero net emissions by minimising
all energy use (including transport), ensuring operations are as energy efficient
as possible, minimising resource use and waste production, purchasing
GreenPower or producing renewable energy, sourcing goods locally and
22
To achieve zero net
emissions community
wide reduction in
greenhouse gas
emissions, both direct
and indirect emissions is
required.
offsetting any remaining emissions. The exact actions taken by business and
industry will be dependent on their specific operations.
5.3 Contributing to the Target
5.3.1 Council’s Role
Council’s role in community climate change action is determined through the nature and
limits of its powers and responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1989. In summary
these powers and responsibilities on climate change extend to:
•
Managing Council’s own carbon footprint and leading by example (through the
Darebin Council Climate Change Action Plan)
•
Influencing the behaviour of individuals, households, businesses and organisations
on how they manage their carbon footprint through:
o
Providing both general and targeted services and programs
o
Developing and brokering partnerships with other organisations (including
businesses, community organisations and other government agencies) to
provide products, services and programs
o
Advocating for change of policies, laws and programs that will enable
Darebin’s local community to reduce its carbon footprint.
o
Building community engagement and networking opportunities around
climate change action.
5.3.2 Existing Programs and Initiatives
A summary of selected existing and past programs and initiatives offered by the Federal
and State Governments, Darebin Council and non-government organisations is provided in
Appendix B. Council will continue to add value to existing Federal and State Government
programs to raise awareness of these opportunities and maximise take up within the
Darebin community. In some cases it is proposed that Council source or provide rebates or
incentives for specific target audiences such as concession card holders or recipients of
Council's Health and Community Care services to add further value to the State and Federal
rebates.
5.3.3 Strategic Directions
Achieving the proposed community target requires Council and the community to engage in
a large-scale and sustained effort to reduce greenhouse gas polluting activities and
emissions. These efforts will also help build a more resilient community that can effectively
respond to the impacts of climate change at the local level.
The strategic directions that Council will undertaken to support the Darebin community to
achieve its proposed targets are:
1. Provide targeted services and programs
Council priorities, and the research and consultation undertaken as part of this strategy
development have identified the following key priorities for action:
• Facilitate a large scale roll-out of environmental technologies to remove barriers to
take up and engage a broader cross-section of the Darebin community
• Working with the commercial and industrial sectors
23
• Assisting disadvantaged members of the community who will be most vulnerable to
climate change impacts and increasing energy prices, and
• Targeting and working more effectively with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
(CALD) Communities.
Programs and strategies to address these priority areas are listed in Section 5.3.5 below.
Darebin will continue to work in partnership with other organisations and will scope new
partnerships for the most effective delivery of programs.
2. Advocacy
A key role for Darebin Council in relation to climate change is advocacy. The relevancy of
Council's advocacy work was made apparent throughout the DCCCAP consultation process
where the community expressed significant interest in the development and
implementation of programs and initiatives outside of Council’s scope.
This strategic direction will involve Council advocating on behalf of the Darebin community
and supporting the Darebin community to advocate in its own right.
Darebin will continue to partner with other organisations to optimise advocacy messages.
3. Strengthen community networks and mobilisation on climate change
The scale and urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to effectively respond to
climate change impacts at a local level requires a mass engagement and mobilisation of the
local community. Given the current limits of leadership from the Federal and State
Governments, Council’s effort to strengthen community networks and community action will
need to be large and sustained.
The energy and resources of all members of the community – residents, businesses,
schools, community organisations etc – will need to be engaged and harnessed in tackling
climate change.
Council will aim to support community action and advocacy on climate change through a
whole of organisation approach, by integrating climate change action and leadership across
all relevant Council services and programs.
5.3.4 Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action's Towards Zero Net Emissions Strategy
The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) is a regional partnership of nine
northern Local Governments and the Moreland Energy Foundation that has been active in
delivering a range of community greenhouse reduction programs across the region.
The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action has been developing a Towards Zero Net
Emissions strategy with funding from the Sustainability Accord. The project has prepared
an inventory of baseline emissions and investigated options for enabling significant
emission reductions (up to 25%) across the region. It is anticipated that the Strategy will
be presented to Council for endorsement in July/August 2009. Darebin Council is strongly
committed to taking a regional approach to climate change action and emission reduction
activities, and as such Council will look to take a leadership role in endorsing the Towards
Zero Net Emissions Strategy, and driving its implementation.
24
5.3.5
Council Action Plan, 2009 – 2015
The following table provides a range of activities and initiatives that Darebin will implement or investigate to assist the community to reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions. This initial list of actions will be implemented within the 2009 – 2015 timeframe.
It must be recognised that even if all actions listed in Table 3 are successfully implemented by Council this will not be enough to achieve the zero net
emissions target for the Darebin community.
To make significant progress towards the target the community (industry, business and residents) must adopt responsibility for emission reductions,
actively participate in the programs and initiatives listed and support others within the community to also do so.
As indicated in Section 5.2.3 above, even with concerted community effort, achieving zero net emissions is dependent on the Federal and State
Government making large scale systemic changes eg to renewable energy supplies, public transport and consumption and waste trends.
25
Table 3 Action Plan, 2009 - 2015
Sector
Action
Description
1 Provide targeted services and programs
Residential /
Implement a Solar Hot Darebin build on the solar panel roll-out
Commercial
Water Roll Out
with Manningham Council and target solar
hot water and other energy efficient hot
water systems in a broad scale roll-out
program.
Council commence a procurement process
(EOI or partnering) to identify provider/s
to supply, install and finance solar hot
water systems or energy efficient
alternatives (eg high efficiency
instantaneous gas and heat pumps), with
payment methods including no up front
cost and quarterly payments
commensurate with anticipated savings.
Darebin broadly promote the program to
residents including translated information
for CALD communities.
Darebin scope partnership opportunities
with other NAGA Councils to work
together on this program.
26
Timeframe
Estimated Cost
Responsibility
2009-10
$70,000
Environmental Strategy
Sector
Residential/
Commercial
Action
Conduct a Feasibility
Study into longer term
financing and roll out
options for
environmental
products and services
and implement the
recommendations of
this study as
appropriate
Description
The Moreland Energy Foundation is
currently in the process of developing a
brief for a feasibility assessment to
develop an aggregated investment
structure to facilitate energy services and
microgeneration investment – buyers
group, community co-op, or similar
structure that facilitates community and
private investment.
Darebin will continue to liaise with MEFL
and pursue the opportunity of
participating in this feasibility study.
Darebin will continue to liaise with the
City of Yarra and other Councils to discuss
and scope potential future partnerships.
27
Timeframe
2009-10
Estimated Cost
$20,000
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
in partnership with MEFL
and/or other
organisations
Sector
Industrial and
Commercial
Action
Implement the Darebin
Climate Wise Business
program
Description
Industry and commercial sectors have
significant potential to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions by improving energy
efficiency.
Council will run an expression of interest
process to appoint an energy efficiency
consultancy to deliver an energy efficiency
program to commercial and industrial
premises. It is anticipated that the
consultancy will achieve competitive costs
by aggregating and contracting works and
products for a number of businesses.
Timeframe
2009-10
Estimated Cost
$15,000 for
promotions
Responsibility
Business Sustainability
Officer
$25,000
Economic Development
with support from
Environmental Strategy
September 2009 June 2010
appoint
consultancy,
coordinate rollout, promote to
businesses and
evaluate the first
year of
implementation
Council will promote and support business
involvement in the program. Including
promoting and providing opportunities for
leading participants to share their
successes.
Industrial and
Commercial
Appoint a part-time
Sustainable Business
Officer
To successfully co-ordinate and promote
the Darebin Climate Wise Business
program two days a week of officer time
is required.
A part-time Sustainable Business Officer
within the Economic Development Unit
will also assist with and develop other
programs to support sustainable business
within Darebin.
28
2009 -10
July - August
2009 and then
ongoing
Sector
Residential
Action
Review pilot energy
efficiency programs for
disadvantaged people
and commence roll-out
of most appropriate
model
Description
The barriers or upfront cost, time and
information are more severe for low
income and disadvantaged members of
the community. The socially and
economically disadvantaged are also most
vulnerable to climate change impacts and
increasing energy costs.
Officers review and evaluate at least two
pilot programs for energy efficiency
retrofits for the disadvantaged:
1) Darebin's Insulation for the Elderly
program funded by DHS will pilot the
assessment of insulation, application for
the $1600 rebate and topping up of
inadequate insulation in the homes of
frail elderly people receiving HACC
services from Council. Draft sealing
may also be pursued.
2) The Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd
(MEFL) Energy Hub program in
partnership with the Brotherhood of St
Laurence will be piloted in 200 homes
later this calendar year. Indicative costs
are around ~$800 per household.
3) Through the Energy and Water
Taskforce LESS will provide free energy
efficiency retrofits for up to 200 low
income Darebin households.
Implement most appropriate ongoing
model for Darebin residents.
29
Timeframe
2009- 10
Estimated Cost
$80,000
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
and Communities and
Culture
Sector
Commercial/
Residential
Action
Scope and develop
partnerships with local
real estate agents to
improve the energy
efficiency of rental
properties
Description
Renters have limited capacity to influence
the energy efficiency of their homes as
changes to space and water heating and
insulation require significant capital
expenditure and cannot be readily
transferred when the residents move.
Renters are often reliant on the actions of
their landlords, who may lack incentives
to improve the energy efficiency of
homes.
Timeframe
2011-2012
Estimated Cost
To be determined
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
2011-2012
To be determined
Environmental Strategy
This initiative would scope the formation
of a partnership with real estate agents to
develop incentives for landlords to make
energy efficiency improvements and to
provide information to tenants about the
energy efficiency of rental housing.
Residential
Scope and develop
programs to support
improved energy
efficiency in apartment
blocks.
Apartments present their own challenges
to implementing energy efficiency
measures. These barriers include
combined metering and average billing;
often a reliance on electricity only;
barriers to the installation of products
such as solar hot water, solar panels and
rain water tanks.
This initiative would scope the
opportunities for providing information,
education programs and forming
partnerships with Owners' Corporations
and/or Building Management Companies,
to support enhanced energy efficiency in
apartments.
30
Sector
Residential
Action
Continuing to deliver
the Community Power
program
Description
Community Power is a partnership
between Darebin, Moreland and
Whitehorse Councils, the Moreland Energy
Foundation and Origin to encourage
residents and businesses to purchase
GreenPower. The program aims to
increase the awareness and uptake of
GreenPower.
Timeframe
2008-09 - 200910
Estimated Cost
Within current budget
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
and Sustainable
Business Officer
Ongoing
Within Current Budget
Transport Management
and Planning
Pursue promotional activities to target
Businesses in conjunction with the
Climate Wise Business Program
Review the program in February - March
2010.
Transport
Continue to deliver
Going Places Travel
Reward Scheme.
Going Places is a web based program
designed to encourage residents to walk,
cycle, take public transport or car pool for
at least two trips more than usual per
week. By achieving this task each week
residents and those who work in Darebin
can earn points which accumulate to
awards. The program has been going for
two and a half years and has 500
members.
Members are also invited to events four
times a year and receive a local shopping
discount card.
31
Sector
Transport
Action
Implementation of the
Darebin Transport
Strategy and
associated programs
Description
The Darebin Transport Strategy (DTS)
aims to promote sustainable transport
options and reduce dependence on
private car transport. The Plan identifies
a range of actions including advocacy,
infrastructure development and programs
that will be implemented over a twenty
year timeframe. The DTS aims to double
the share of walking, cycling and public
transport for all trips and for journeys to
work by 2027.
Timeframe
2007 - 2027
Estimated Cost
Within Current Budget
Responsibility
Transport Management
and Planning
Residential
Continuing partnership
with LESS
The LESS program is currently providing
and installing energy efficient compact
fluorescent light globes and water saving
showerheads and installing these for free
in Darebin households.
2009 calendar
year
Within Current Budget
Environmental Strategy
with support of other
Council Branches
Darebin promotes the program to the
Darebin community and provides recycling
support for removed globes.
32
Sector
All
Action
Continue to review,
promote and add value
to State and Federal
environmental
programs.
Description
A wide range of programs including
rebate offers and incentives are being
offered by State and Federal
Governments and there is a high degree
of change in this area with new
opportunities arising.
Timeframe
ongoing
Estimated Cost
Within Current Budget
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
2009-10
Within Current Budget
Environmental Strategy
Darebin assists in promoting these
opportunities to our residents, businesses
and schools and looks for opportunities to
add value where relevant, particularly for
disadvantaged members of the
community (eg the Insulation for the
Elderly program takes advantage of the
Federal program that installs insulation for
free in households that have none, but
Darebin will use Department of Human
Services funding to top up insulation
where it is inadequate.)
Residential
Review the Sustainable
Homes Program and
Recommend Ongoing
Program Options
The Sustainable Homes program has been
supported by a grant from the
Sustainability Fund and 2009 is the final
year of implementation under the grant.
The program review will evaluate the
effectiveness of the program, community
needs, other program opportunities or
models and its relationship with other
environmental programs offered by
Council and other organisations.
33
Sector
Residential
and
Commercial
Action
Darebin 2020
Challenge Program
Description
A funding application for Darebin's Pooling
Our Resources proposal has been lodged
with the Federal Government's Green
Precinct Fund. The proposal includes
energy and water efficient retrofitting of
Darebin's Leisure Centres and a
community engagement program 'Darebin
2020 Challenge Program'.
The 'Darebin 2020 Challenge Program'
would make use of friendly competition to
encourage Darebin households, schools,
businesses and organisations to assess
their current energy and water usage and
to compete to decrease their energy and
water use. A web based interface to
record bill data and with supporting
information and access to seminars would
be utilised.
This program opportunity will be
considered in conjunction with the Review
of the Sustainable Homes program. If the
grant application is not successful an
internal budget bid may be pursued.
34
Timeframe
2010 - 11
Estimated Cost
Grant application
pending or scope
opportunities for
budget allocation in
2010-11.
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy.
Sector
Residential
Action
Promote the free
Home Sustainability
Assessments available
through the Federal
Government's Green
Loans program.
Description
The Federal Government's Green Loans
program makes available free home
assessments via trained assessors that
visit the home and provide a report with
recommendations and opportunities.
Timeframe
2009 - 10
Estimated Cost
Within Current Budget
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
Ongoing
Within Current Budget
Urban Development
The program will be promoted via media
releases, Sustainability News, at seminars
and events etc.
Program benefits and more widespread
promotions of the program will be
considered and assessed when the
Sustainable Homes program is assessed.
Residential
and
Commercial
Continue to encourage
energy efficiency and
better environmental
outcomes in built form.
Local government is not able to require
developers to exceed the environmental
outcomes specified in the Building Code of
Australia. Darebin is encouraging
developers to exceed minimum
environmental standards through advice
from our Sustainable Design Officer, use
of the assessment tools STEPS and SDS
and the provision of incentives through
rebates.
Darebin also includes high level
environmental and energy efficiency
objectives in Structure Plans that guide
land use and development in designated
activity centres. Council can again
negotiate with and encourage developers
to exceed minimum building
requirements.
35
Sector
Food
Action
Continue to promote
sustainable food
choices and
production.
Description
Darebin is currently supporting Food
Security education and programs via the
Darebin and Banyule Good Food Alliance
and Darebin is developing a Food Security
Policy and Action Plan. There is a high
degree of overlap between Food Security
objectives and promoting more
sustainable, lower emission food options
including growing food locally.
In addition to locally produced in season
foods, foods that are less processed, with
reduced packaging, organic and with
reduced levels of red meat are in general
lower in greenhouse intensity.
Council currently delivers community
seminars about Sustainable Food and
Growing Your Own Food.
It is anticipated that further programs to
promote local food production, food
security and sustainable food options will
be developed and implemented via the
Food Security Policy and Action Plan.
36
Timeframe
2008-9 and
ongoing
Estimated Cost
Within Current Budget
and additional funding
opportunities to be
scoped.
Responsibility
Community Health,
Access and Safety and
Environmental Strategy
Sector
Waste
Spring Into
Compost
Program
Action
Continue to implement
the Darebin Waste
Management Strategy,
the Metropolitan
Waste Resource
Recovery Strategy Plan
and the State
Government Towards
Zero Waste Strategy
Description
Waste contributes to 5% of community
emissions. The majority of this is
commercial and industrial waste and
construction and demolition waste which
is captured under the State Government's
Towards Zero Waste Strategy and can
also be addressed in other actions above.
Continue to implement
the Spring Into
Compost program to
encourage home
composting and worm
farming.
The Spring into Compost program reduces
the barriers to home composting and
worm farming by making available
discounted compost bins and worm farms,
delivering these to residents for free and
providing information and seminars on
how to compost.
Timeframe
Ongoing
Estimated Cost
Will be determined
following procurement
process and Victorian
Advanced Resource
Recovery Initiative.
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy,
Metropolitan Region
Waste Management
Group, Victorian
Government.
Ongoing
Within current budget.
Environmental Strategy.
The new metropolitan waste resource
recovery strategic plan identifies
strategies for reduced emissions and
specifically will target organic waste
opportunities.
Food scraps make up more than half of
the waste collected via the Darebin
kerbside collection service for households.
These food scraps go to landfill where
they break down to form methane - a
very potent greenhouse gas.
Home composting and worm farming has
the dual benefit of reducing waste to
landfill and reducing the release of
methane into the atmosphere.
37
Sector
All
Action
Scope the
opportunities for
investment in,
brokering on behalf of
the community and/or
promotion of
environmentally
rigorous greenhouse
offsets.
Description
In order to achieve zero net emissions,
after emissions have been reduced as
much as possible through conservation,
energy efficiency and switching to
renewables, any remaining emissions
need to be offset. Offsetting all residual
emissions across the municipality is likely
to be outside of Council's capacity, but
Council could play a role in brokering cost
effective and environmentally sound
offsets on behalf of the community and
promoting investment in offsets. Further
scoping work will be required and this
may occur in partnership with the
Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action
or member Councils.
38
Timeframe
2014- 15
Estimated Cost
To be determined
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
potentially in
partnership with the
Northern Alliance for
Greenhouse Action.
Sector
All
Action
Scope the feasibility of
assessing the level of
greenhouse absorption
from trees in Darebin.
Description
Darebin Council invests significant
resources in establishing and maintaining
street trees and vegetation in open space.
These trees absorb carbon (to varying
degrees) throughout their life.
Timeframe
2014-15
Estimated Cost
To be determined
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy,
Open Space Planning.
Ongoing
Within current budget
Environmental Strategy
and Councillors
Mid 2009
Within current budget
Environmental Strategy
Council may undertake an assessment to
estimate the absorption of carbon from
Council owned trees and vegetation to
include this assessment in calculations of
net emissions for the municipality and to
scope the potential for informal offsetting.
2. Advocate to State and Federal Governments
All
Continue to advocate
Advocate to the Federal Government on
the CPRS including the issues of:
to the Federal
Government on the
• Setting a higher target
CPRS
• Creating value and purpose to
voluntary action,
• Making the purchase of GreenPower
additional to the 5% target.
Avenues for conducting this advocacy
include direct submissions, briefing with
members of parliament, advocacy with
partner organisations and peak bodies,
NAGA, MAV, VLGA etc.
All
Respond to State
Government Climate
Change Policy
As part of Council’s advocacy role, a
response will be prepared to the State
Government’s Green and White papers on
climate change due to be released in
2009.
39
Sector
Residential
Action
Continue to Advocate
for Climate Refugees
Description
Continue to advocate for an
environmental refugee status and
adequate support for people forced to
relocate due to the impacts of climate
change.
Timeframe
Ongoing
Estimated Cost
Within current budget
Responsibility
Social
Inclusion/Environmental
Strategy
Consider joining and supporting the
Climate Displacement Coalition.
All
Energy Data
Continue to advocate for energy
distribution businesses to provide real
aggregated energy data for the Darebin
community.
Ongoing
Within current budget
Environmental Strategy
Residential
Small Scale
Renewables
Continue to advocate for a generous
gross feed-in tariff for small scale
renewables and for adequate rebates to
be made available without the use of
Renewable Energy Certificate multipliers.
Ongoing
Within current budget
Environmental Strategy
All
Continue to respond to
policy opportunities
and actions that have
the potential for
significant greenhouse
and climate change
implications.
Conitinue to advocate to State and
Federal Government and to other
organisations on greenhouse and climate
change issues as opportunities arise.
Ongoing
Within current budget
Environmental Strategy
3. Strengthen community networks and mobilisation on climate change
40
Sector
All
Action
Develop a pilot
community leader’s
education and training
program
Description
A key element affecting the success of
this campaign will be the ability to reach
members of the community who would
not typically become engaged. This could
be achieved by educating and training
community leaders from organisations
such as faith groups, ethnic groups and
sporting teams.
Timeframe
2009-10
Estimated Cost
Within Current Budget
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
with support from all
relevant branches of
Council
2009-10
Within current budget
Economic Development
and Environmental
Strategy
Council can also play a strong role in
bringing together existing networks and
groups active in this area to foster
collaboration and build community
engagement.
Conduct at least two seminar/forums over
the year to further engage Community
Leaders and support them with resource
material, inspiration and networking
opportunities to further encourage climate
change action within their communities.
Industrial
Work with Northlink /
NIETL to promote
energy efficiency and
climate change action
within industry and
business
Liaise with Northlink / NIETL to scope
opportunities to work together to promote
energy efficiency in business and industry.
41
Sector
Commercial
Action
Continue to work with
the Darebin and
Banyule Business
Network to promote
sustainability actions
Description
The Darebin and Banyule Business
Network currently promotes sustainability
through guest speakers, events and
articles and information in the newsletter.
Timeframe
Ongoing
Estimated Cost
Within current budget
Responsibility
Economic Development
and Environmental
Strategy.
Scope potential for holding at least two
sustainability related guest speakers or
events per year.
Industry/
Commercial
Business climate
innovation program
Build on current programs and conduct
innovation workshops and forums that
assist local businesses to identify new
business opportunities or changes within
existing operations and partnerships that
enable them to reduce the carbon
footprint of their operations and products
and services.
2010-2011
To be determined
Environmental Strategy
and Economic
Development
Commercial/
Residential
Scope the
development of a
recognition or
incentive program to
encourage residents to
use businesses which
have reduced their
greenhouse gas
emissions
Research shows that consumers are
increasingly looking to purchase goods
and services which have a low
environmental impact. This fact could be
used to increase the interest of Darebin
businesses in reducing their greenhouse
gas emissions.
2011-12
To be determined
Economic Development
and Environmental
Strategy and
2011-12
To be determined
Environmental Strategy
and Economic
Development
Industrial/
Commercial
Climate friendly
business promotion
campaign
This initiative will allow Darebin residents
to identify and patronise local businesses
which have improved their
environmental/greenhouse performance.
Establish mechanisms that reward and
promote local businesses that have taken
steps to significantly reduce their carbon
footprint or are already climate friendly.
42
Sector
All
Action
Develop the
Community Climate
Change Action Plan
Communications Plan.
Description
To assist in the uptake of the DCCCAP
Council will develop a Communications
Plan and ongoing promotional campaign:
•
•
•
Timeframe
2009-10 and
ongoing
Estimated Cost
$15,000
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
and Communications
Development of a Communications
Plan and promotional campaign
Website
Regular updates and progress reports
All
Scope opportunities for
Council programs and
services to integrate
Climate Change
Action/Awareness
Consultation with all Departments within
Darebin City Council to assess and pursue
opportunities to encourage Climate
Change Action and Awareness through
contact with clients, residents and
businesses etc.
2009-10
To be determined
Environmental Strategy
and
Departments/branches
across Council
All
Continue to investigate
and apply new
methods of mobilising
and supporting the
Darebin community to
address climate
change
Climate action campaigns will need to
evolve and be sustained over at least a
decade if targets are to be met.
Ongoing
To be determined
Environmental Strategy
and
Departments/branches
across Council and
Communications.
Council will need to continually be on the
lookout for new methods for mobilising
community resources and effort.
Methods such as social networking
through the use of the internet and
mobile phones are beginning to emerge
as more powerful means of mobilising
community action.
Council will continue to explore and make
use of these innovations through
partnerships with Northern Alliance for
Greenhouse Action (NAGA) and others
including universities.
43
Sector
All
Action
Continue to survey the
community on climate
change issues
Description
Darebin Council conducted a survey of
residents on climate change issues in
2007 (see section 4.2.2).
A survey similar to this will be conducted
every two years and will be expanded to
include business and industry
stakeholders and to effectively engage
CALD communities.
The survey will provide Darebin Council
with an understanding of the community's
expectations with regards to climate
change and may assist in monitoring
changes made to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
44
Timeframe
2010-11 and
every two years
following
Estimated Cost
$1,000 per year
Responsibility
Environmental Strategy
and Business
Improvement.
5.4 Monitoring and Review
As indicated in section 5.2.2 progress against Darebin’s greenhouse gas reduction
target will be difficult to measure as greenhouse gas emissions from the Darebin
community can only be evaluated and estimated with limited accuracy.
The method used to estimate the community’s 2005/06 emissions primarily involved
the use of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, emissions profiles of various
sectors and extrapolation based on the number of households and businesses within
the Darebin municipality. As this ABS data is not specific to the Darebin region any
initiatives taken at a local level will not be reflected in this data collection approach.
Darebin Council has recently been provided with electricity use data from two of the
three distribution businesses that operate within Darebin. This data is representative
of electricity use for approximately one third of the municipality. Darebin will continue
to advocate to all energy distribution businesses (gas and electricity) for this data to be
made available on a regular basis at a suburb or municipality level. Available data will
be used to supplement and better inform ABS statistics.
Darebin will also monitor the uptake of programs and initiatives by residents, business
and industry, and use this to estimate greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved
via program participation.
The following table provides a summary of the monitoring and review activities which
will occur throughout the 2009 – 2015 period to maintain the currency and evaluate
the success of the DCCCAP.
Table 4 Summary of Monitoring and Reporting Activities
Frequency
Ongoing
Action
Record the uptake of programs and
initiatives as they occur.
Purpose
Review programs annually to assess which
initiatives and programs are successful and
emission reductions that are being
achieved.
Annually
Develop and provide a report to Council
summarising:
Obtain continued support and guidance
from Council for the DCCCAP.
Promote achievements and progress to the
Darebin community.
Ongoing
• Greenhouse emissions reductions
• Implementation of actions
• Uptake and success of initiatives
Continue to pursue data from energy
distribution companies and where possible
report actual emissions trends to the
Darebin community.
2011-12
Three Year Review:
A more in-depth review of progress over
the first three years and changing context
and opportunities.
To assess overall tracking towards target.
Maintain the currency and relevance of the
DCCCAP.
Include consideration of available data and
outcomes from the Darebin Transport
Strategy to review attempts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by promoting
more sustainable transport options.
Consider whether the establishment of
interim targets is practicable and
measurable, depending on access to
community data sets.
Ad hoc
Review the programs, initiatives and
direction of the DCCCAP when significant
changes are made to State or National
policy, or when significant new
opportunities and risks are identified.
Maintain the currency and relevance of the
DCCCAP under changing conditions to
achieve the best results for the Darebin
community.
Frequency
2014
Action
Major review of the DCCCAP to determine
the approach needed between 2015 and
2020 to progress towards the reduction
target.
Purpose
Ensure that the momentum and direction of
the DCCCAP is maintained between 2015
and 2020 to achieve significant community
greenhouse gas reductions.
If technically and economically feasible, the Darebin’s greenhouse gas emissions will be
reported on a regular basis through the DCCCAP website. This will enable the
community to better understand how their actions and external influences (i.e.
weather) affect greenhouse gas emissions.
5.5 Funding Opportunities
The ability of Darebin to develop and implement the initiatives and programs outlined
in this document and others will be dependent on the availability of appropriate
funding. The following table provides a brief summary of some of State and Federal
Government funding opportunities which may be relevant to the Darebin community.
Table 5 Summary of Selected Funding Opportunities
Source
Description
Local Government / General
Sustainability Fund
The three priorities of the sustainability fund
(Sustainability
are:
Victoria)
• Mainstreaming sustainable behaviours
• Innovation and best practice in resource
use
• Investigation and development of strategic
tools, markets and analysis of trends
Timing
Funding is offered on a regular
basis (every one or two years).
Funding opportunities are
announced at
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Projects applying for funding through this
program should meet one or more of these
priorities.
Education for
Sustainability Grants
Program (DEWHA)
This grants program provides funding to
projects which will facilitate changes in
community attitudes towards sustainability.
Funding is available for projects that involve:
• Education, awareness raising, behaviour
change and capacity building
• Enhancing national coordination of existing
education for sustainability programs /
initiatives
• New and innovative approach in areas of
need in education for sustainability at a
national level.
Solar Homes and
Communities
(DEWHA)
Provides a rebate to households and
community organisations (excluding schools)
that install photovoltaic systems. Rebates are
means tested.
Industry and Business
46
Applications for 2009 funding
have now closed but funding is
offered on an annual basis.
Further information can be
found at
www.environment.gov.au.
This program will transition to
the Solar Credits scheme in mid
2009. Information available at
www.environment.gov.au.
Source
The Renewable
Energy Support Fund
(Sustainability
Victoria)
Description
Funding of up to 20% of the project capital
cost is available to businesses proposing to
develop and install renewable energy
technologies that increase the uptake of
medium-scale sustainable energy supply.
Possible projects may include solar, wind,
biomass, geothermal, waver or hydro projects.
Timing
No information available.
Clean Business
Australia
(AusIndustry)
Consists of three funding and support
programs:
Funding for each of the three
programs is due to conclude in
mid 2009, but further funding
may be available at a later
stage.
• Climate Ready
• Re-tooling for Climate Change
• Green Building Fund.
These programs support small and medium
sized businesses to take action to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions.
Residential
Energy Efficient
Homes Package
(DEWHA)
Provides a rebate to home owners who install
insulation or a solar hot water system in their
properties. Funding of up to $1,600 is
available. Details of the program are still being
finalised.
The program is due to
commence on July 1, 2009,
although interim arrangements
have been put in place for the
current period.
Solar Homes and
Communities
(DEWHA)
See Local Government / General section.
See Local Government / General
section.
Green Loans
Low interest loans of up to $10,000 for
existing households wishing to improve their
energy efficiency. The program also offers
detailed household sustainability assessments.
The program will run for five
years commencing mid 2009.
In addition to the funding offered by State and Federal Governments opportunities
may be available for funding from private organisations.
47
6 Bibliography
Arup. (2008). NAGA Region Community Emissions Calculations. Melbourne: NAGA.
Australian Government. (2008). Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low
Carbon Future, White Paper. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
City of Melbourne, 2007, Zero Net Emissions by 2020 – A roadmap to a climate neutral
city, Accessed through www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
DCC. (2008). About the Department of Climate Change. Retrieved March 21, 2009,
from Department of Climate Change:
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/about/index.html
DCC. (2008). Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper. Canberra: Department
of Climate Change.
Energy Australia. (2008). EnergySave. Retrieved from Energy Australia:
www.energysave.energyaustralia.com.au
Garnaut Review. (2008). The Garnaut Review on Climate Change, Final Report
(Powerpoint presentation). Melbourne: Commonwealth of Australia.
Nous Group. (2008). Turning it around: climate change solutions for Victoria.
Melbourne: Environment Victoria.
Stern, N. (2006). Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change. London: HM
Treasury.
Victorian Government. (2006). Our Environment, Our Future - Sustainability Action
Statement. Melbourne: Victorian Government.
Victorian Government. (2008). What you can do at home. Retrieved 12 21, 2008, from
Climate Change: www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/greenhouse
48
Appendix A DCCCAP Consultation
Focus Groups
As part of the stakeholder engagement component of the project a series of focus groups were
conducted over a two week period in October. The purpose of these workshops was to gain an
understanding of expectations and ideas for community action on climate change within Darebin.
Six focus groups were run with different interest groups. Information presented to the focus
groups included:
•
Climate change basics – causes, processes and impacts
•
Darebin’s emissions profile
•
Council’s roles and responsibilities
•
Carbon hierarchy.
The following table is a summary of the focus groups held.
Table 6 Focus Group Summary
Date
21/10/08
Interest Group
Experts (people who
work within the
sustainability field)
No. Attendees
12
22/10/08
Faith, Social Support
and Teachers
11
22/10/08
Residents engaged
with Council's
environmental
programs or
newsletters.
14
23/10/08
27/10/08
General Residents
Young People (school
aged)
12
18
49
Questions Asked
• Discussion on possible targets
• What types of programs / initiatives
work?
• What types of programs / initiatives
don’t work?
• What if.... (vision for climate change
action in Darebin)
• What programs/initiatives work?
• What programs/initiatives don’t
work?
• How do you think climate change
will impact on the group you
represent?
• What kind of support does your
sector/group most require?
• What kinds of programs / initiatives
are most needed?
• What initially made you engage with
climate change and other
sustainability issues?
• What keeps you engaged?
• What doesn’t?
• What programs/initiatives work?
• What programs/initiatives don’t
work?
• What kinds of programs / initiatives
are most needed?
• How do you think climate change
will impact you and your family?
• What concerns you most?
• What doesn’t concern you?
Date
27/10/05
Interest Group
General Residents
No. Attendees
17
Questions Asked
Community Leaders’ Forum
The DCCCAP Community Leaders’ Forum was held on March 12, 2009. The XX participants at the
Forum were either invited directly, or applied through an expression of interest process.
Participants in the Forum were presented with the following information:
•
Project overview – purpose, outcomes and schedule
•
Climate change basics – causes and impacts
•
Darebin’s emission profile
•
Consultation completed to date
•
Strategic directions, and
•
An overview of five greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
Based on this information the participants completed the following activities:
•
Discussion – What messages has the community feedback provided? What are your
reactions to the climate change science?
•
Strengths and weaknesses – participants were provided with the opportunity to pick three
different reduction targets and provide comment on their strengths and weaknesses
•
Most and least preferred option – participants were asked to vote on their most and least
preferred target options
•
Discussion – What initiatives would you like to see implemented by Council to support
community greenhouse gas reductions?
Public Feedback
The draft Plan endorsed by Council for public comment was promoted in the Mayor's
message, a media release and follow up advertisement, an article in Sustainability
News and through the website and email networks including attendees at focus
groups, the Leaders forum and Traders Associations.
A total of 56 responses were received:
•
•
•
11 people attended four public meetings
10 responses were received via phone, email and letter
35 responses via the web survey form.
In general the feedback indicated:
•
•
•
strong support for the Zero Net Emissions target
strong support for the development of the draft Plan
themes for action identified in the focus groups and the Leaders forum were
reiterated including:
o
the need to support renters/landlords to increase the energy efficiency in
rental properties
o
support for incentive programs and bulk brokering by Council
o
support for business energy efficiency
o
interest in solar panels and renewable energy
o
importance of supporting local food production
50
o
o
o
the need to provide opportunities for community groups to come together
training and support of community members to spread the message more
broadly
the importance of advocacy and leadership from Council.
51
Appendix B Overview of Past and Current Programs
and Initiatives
52
Overview
Numerous programs and initiatives have been implemented at the National, State and local and grass roots levels to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The following sections provide a brief discussion on the programs and initiatives which may be relevant
to this project. In addition to the programs and initiatives discussed below the National and Victorian Governments and NGOs have
significant information available on climate change initiatives. There has been and continues to be significant policy and program
development at National and State levels and Local Government needs to continually review programs to avoid duplication and
optimise efforts.
There are a range of responses available to Darebin for National and State programs. These responses range from advocacy,
adding value to the programs by offering additional incentives etc and promoting the programs to the Darebin community.
National
Table 7 National Programs and Initiatives
Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme
(CPRS)
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
Still being developed, the CPRS will place a
limit on the amount of greenhouse gases
industry can emit. The Scheme works by
requiring large emitters of greenhouse gases
to obtain permits to emit and pay for additional
trade permits with other emitters as required.
Emissions trading, as proposed by the CPRS
is likely to be the most significant method of
reducing National greenhouse gas emissions.
The scheme will result in the cost of
electricity and gas increasing which may
create an increased incentive for households
and businesses to reduce energy use.
An important advocacy issue for Council is
that the CPRS needs to be designed so that
voluntary actions such as buying
GreenPower or energy efficiency taken by
households and small businesses should not
make it cheaper and easier for large
business and industry covered by the
53
Energy Rating/
Minimum Energy
Performance Standards
(MEPS) / Energy Star
Solar Homes and
Communities Plan
Solar Hot Water Rebate
Program
Re-tooling for Climate
Change
Education
Waste
Green Vehicle Guide
Greenhouse Friendly
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Description
Under Federal legislation it is mandatory for
refrigerators, freezers, washing machines,
clothes driers, dishwashers and air conditioners
to be marked with approved energy rating
labels. Additionally other electronic goods are
required to meet minimum performance
standards.
The Green Vehicle Guide is a tool allowing
consumers to compare fuel consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions for different
vehicles. It also provides green motoring tips.
Launched in 2001, Greenhouse Friendly
provides certification for carbon neutral or low
greenhouse impact products. It also offers
certification for offsets.
The Solar Homes and Communities Plan
provides cash rebates for the installation of
solar photovoltaic systems on homes and
community use buildings. This program will
transition into the Solar Credits program from
mid-2009.
The program offers rebates to residents who
install solar hot water or heat pump hot water
systems to replace electric hot water systems
in existing homes.
The Re-tooling for Climate Change program
helps small and medium sized Australian
manufacturers reduce their environmental
54
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
scheme to meet their obligations.
Energy ratings are an existing method of
encouraging consumers to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions. They are
prominent, simple and easily understood.
Information/ promotion
Information/ promotion
Potential Information/promotion although
further research would be required as there
are some concerns / limitations with this
program.
Information/promotion.
Potential to add value eg via bulk brokering.
Council eligibility.
Darebin residents may be able to access the
funding offered through this program if they
install solar hot water systems. Council may
be able to enable this process.
Information/promotion
Add value eg potential to work with the
small and medium sized manufacturing
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Green Building Fund
Energy Efficiency
Opportunities
TravelSmart
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
footprint, through projects that improve the
energy and/or water efficiency of their
production processes. The program offers
grants of between $10,000 and $500,000 up to
a maximum of one third of the cost of each
project.
The Green Building Fund aims to reduce the
impact of Australia’s built environment on
greenhouse gas emissions, by reducing the
energy consumed in the operation of existing
office buildings. Funding of between $50,000
and $500,000 is available for up to 50% of
project costs for the retro-fitting or retrocommissioning of existing office buildings to
reduce energy consumption.
The Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act
requires large consumers of electricity to
identify, evaluate and report publicly on energy
efficient opportunities. The legislation does not
require businesses to implement the initiatives
but demonstrates to them the cost
effectiveness of doing so.
TravelSmart encourages Australians to reduce
their dependency on cars and make smart
choices about the forms of transport used. The
Government provide information and a number
of resources to achieve this.
businesses within the municipality to identify
project for Round 3 funding which close in
June 2009.
55
Information/promotion.
Add value - eg potentially support or
promote participating businesses.
Information/promotion.
Add value.
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Sustainable Schools
Initiative
Mandatory Renewable
Energy Target
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
This program is a partnership between State
and Federal Governments that seeks to
support schools and their communities to
become more sustainable. The program
includes teaching resources and measures to
improve the environmental performance of the
schools.
Reduces the greenhouse coefficient of
Victorian electricity ie one unit of electricity will
produce less greenhouse emissions in 2020
than in 2010 due to the increased proportion
of renewable energy by 2020.
Information/promotion.
Add value.
56
Information/promotion
State
Table 8 Victorian Programs and Initiatives
Victorian Energy
Efficiency Targets
(VEET)
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Environment and
Resource Efficiency
Plans (EREP)
Hot Water Rebates
ResourceSmart
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
VEET will establish energy reduction targets for
energy retailers. These targets must be met
through actions implemented by retailers
within the residential sector. The scheme will
commence in 2009.
The EREP program is a regulatory initiative
which requires commercial and industrial sites
which use either a large amount of water or
energy to prepare an EREP. Businesses are
required to implement initiatives which have
payback periods of three years or less.
The Victorian Government currently offers
rebates for efficient gas and solar hot water
heaters installed to replace existing hot water
systems provided that an overall reduction in
greenhouse emissions is achieved.
ResourceSmart is a program that aims to assist
all components of the Victorian community
reduce their environmental impacts. It provides
a range of information on what can be done to
reduce environmental impacts and identifies
support which may be available.
Information/promotions.
Partnership or endorsement of installer
offers to households.
Potential to add value via incentives to target
low income households etc.
Promotion/information.
57
Promotion/information.
Potential to add value - eg bulk brokering.
Promotion/information
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
5 Star Homes
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
The 5 Star standard ensures new homes are
built to incorporate certain environmental
features. Compliance with the 5 Star standard
requires a 5 star energy rating building fabric
plus water saving measures and the
installation of either a water tank or a solar hot
water system.
Information/promotions.
Local
The following table outlines some of the programs offered or supported by Darebin City Council to reduce community greenhouse
gas emissions.
Table 9 Local Programs and Initiatives
Community Power
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
Community Power is a partnership between
Darebin, Moreland and Whitehorse Councils,
the Moreland Energy Foundation and Origin to
encourage residents and businesses to
purchase GreenPower. The program aims to
increase the awareness and uptake of
GreenPower.
Future directions currently under review.
Potential expansion into bulk brokering in
addition to promoting GreenPower uptake.
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Advocacy issues around CPRS and
GreenPower status as above.
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Sustainable Homes
Solar Panel Electricity
Offer
VIC 1000
Sustainability Street
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
Sustainable Homes helps residents take action
to make their homes, workplaces and
communities more sustainable. Participants
take part in workshops, complete self audits
and commitments, and receive free
Sustainability Starter kits. The program is
offered by the Cities of Darebin, Banyule and
Whittlesea and residents can voluntarily
partake in the program.
Darebin had the opportunity of promoting the
City of Manningham and a photovoltaic panel
provider offer to Darebin residents - residents
get to purchase solar panels at a lower rate
due to bulk brokering.
Funded externally until end of 2009.
Effective program but only engages a small
proportion of Darebin community.
The VIC 1000 project is a three year pilot
program working with 1,000 small and medium
enterprises in five regions through Victoria.
Facilitated by Village Green and NAGA the
project helps businesses reduce their
environmental impacts including energy use
and save money. Several businesses in the
Northcote area were involved in the project.
A program (with regional roll out by NAGA)
that encourages local streets / communities of
residents to work together on environmental
and sustainability improvements. A community
development approach is used.
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Pilot in Darebin was v successful with more
than 100 households registering to
participate.
Further opportunity for panels and other
energy efficiency products - these
opportunities might be further enhanced via
the VEET program.
Program largely externally funded and now
complete.
Opportunity for pursuing further programs
with the commercial sector.
Funded program completed. Level of
ongoing support to be provided under review
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Spring into Compost
Going Places Travel
Reward Scheme
Love Living Local
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
The Spring into Compost program offered
Darebin residents compost bins and worm
farms at reduced rates with free delivery. The
program was advertised through Sustainability
News, Darebin News, the local papers and
Council’s website.
In 2006 the program resulted in 700 homes
purchasing compost bins and worm farms.
Important waste outcomes as more than
50% of waste to landfill is organic greenhouse reductions are an additional
benefit. Waste accounts for approximately
5% of Darebin’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Successful program but only reaches a small
proportion of Darebin residents.
Potential to expand the program or use this
model for residents to record and receive
incentives for other greenhouse reduction
actions.
Going Places is a web based program designed
to encourage Darebin residents to walk, cycle,
take public transport or car pool for at least
two trips more than usual per week. By
achieving this task each week residents earn
points which accumulate to awards. The
program has been going for two and half years
and has 500 members. Members are also
invited to events four times a year and receive
local shopping discount card.
Love Living Local encourages residents to live,
work, play and shop in their local
neighbourhood. This program reduces
greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces the
need for transport. The project primarily
involves raising awareness of the benefits of
living local through activities such as public art,
street parties, footpath stencilling and etc. The
program also offers vouchers for local shops.
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Although there is interest in this program it
is quite resource intensive and results are
not easily measured. The program has
multiple objectives, benefits.
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Travel Plans
Streets Ahead
Sustainable Design
Assessment
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
Travel Plans for workplaces, schools and
education facilities encourage employees,
parents, students and organisations to reduce
car usage in favour of more sustainable modes
of transport. Large developments are required
to submit a Travel Plan as part of the Planning
Permit Application process. Information,
support and in some cases incentives are
available for Travel Plan development.
Streets Ahead is a new walk to school project
supported by VicHealth. The initial phase of
the program focuses on the East Reservoir and
Preston East areas. Darebin is forming a Local
Action Team to increase participation in this
project.
The Sustainable Design Assessment program
provides residents and developers with
computer tools to assess the environmental
performance of new developments and expert
advice on improving environmental outcomes
of new developments. Council encourages and
supports developers in using the tools for
planning permit applications but cannot require
their use.
Information/promotion.
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This program has multiple benefits including
the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
from transport.
Continuation and expansion of the program.
Ongoing advocacy for stronger
environmental outcomes at the State level.
Non-Government Organisations / Grass Roots programs
The following table outlines some of the programs offered or supported by non-government and grass roots organisations.
Table 10 Local Programs and Initiatives
Australian Conservation
Foundation - Green
Homes Program
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Environment Victoria
CALD communities
program
Brotherhood of St
Laurence/MEFL Energy Services Hub
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
GreenHome helps people help the environment
by making simple changes to the way we live.
Identify ways that you can green your home
and lifestyle, from saving energy and water to
cutting down on waste.
The Sustainable Living Program works with a
diverse range of individuals, communities,
organisations and businesses to build
relationships and provide tools and information
to allow people to live more sustainably.
Promotion/information
Promotion/information
Focusing primarily on communities who are
overlooked by mainstream environmental
programs, our programs are tailored for
differing sectors of the community and focus
on practical actions people can take to reduce
their environmental impact in their households
and in their communities.
The Energy Hub program provides free energy
efficiency retrofits for low income households.
The project trains long term unemployed and
disadvantaged people to undertake household
energy audits and install products such as
curtains, draught sealing and insulation.
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Promotion/information
Education
Waste
Transport
Reduction
Transport Type
Energy
Efficiency
Program / Initiative
Renewable
Energy
Focus
Neighbourhood Houses
and Community Centres
Description
Potential Relevance to DCCCAP
Neighbourhood houses provide a broad range
of community events and social, educational
and recreational programs at low cost. They
aim to enhance the social and economic
development of communities and run on
principles of inclusive participation, community
empowerment, life-long learning and active
citizenship.
Promotion/information
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Appendix C Glossary
Climate change
Alterations to the Earth’s weather due to increased
concentrations of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
CPRS
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme –the Australian
Government’s proposed approach to reducing
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. The key
component of this Scheme is the implementation of
an emissions trading scheme (ETS), see below.
Emissions srading scheme (ETS)
A market based approach to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. An ETS requires organisations to purchase
permits in order to produce greenhouse gas
emissions. Organisations may either choose to
purchase these permits, or reduce their emissions –
they are likely to choose the option that is least
expensive for them.
Energy Hierarchy
The energy hierarchy identifies a priority order for
taking action: energy conservation; energy efficiency;
investment in renewables via GreenPower (or
microgeneration where applicable); and offsetting
residual emissions.
Greenhouse gases (GHG)
Gases which trap heat from the sun in the
atmosphere, thereby warming the planet. Important
greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2, often
referred to as carbon) and methane (CH4).
Greenhouse gas emissions
Releases of greenhouse gases from human activities
such as the burning of coal, gas and petrol for
electricity, heating and transport. The global
warming potential of greenhouse gas emissions is
expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t
CO2-e).
Offsets
Activities or projects which either prevent greenhouse
gases from being emitted (i.e. renewable energy
production) or absorb greenhouse gas emissions (i.e.
trees absorb carbon dioxide). Offsetting involves
investing in emission reductions offsite through
accredited tree planting or energy efficiency
programs. Offsetting is a good option only for those
residual emissions that can’t be addressed through
conservation, efficiency or renewable energy.
Renewable energy
Energy produced without the emission of greenhouse
gases, includes wind and solar energy.
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Zero Net Emissions
Zero net emissions occurs when the amount of
greenhouse being emitted is equal to the amount
being absorbed.
Achieving zero net emissions involves reducing
emissions as much as possible by using energy only
when necessary, using it as efficiently as possible and
switching to renewables - any residual emissions are
then offset by investment in accredited greenhouse
absorption activities such as tree-planting or further
greenhouse reduction activities outside of Darebin.
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