Our Greenhouse Action Plan 2006–10 supports the Zero Net Emissions by 2020 Update 2008 strategy, with a focus on reducing emissions from the City of Melbourne’s own activities.
These include emissions from City of Melbourne buildings, our vehicle fleets, street lighting and waste. The strategy was adopted in 2006 and is being updated in 2012. The revised strategy will identify further emissions reduction opportunities.
Our target is to reduce emissions from our activities and achieve zero net emissions by 2020.
We’re on track for success
Many actions in our Greenhouse Action Plan are achieved or underway:
GreenPower
We’ve substantially increased the amount of GreenPower used for public lighting and the buildings we operate, and we’re improving their energy efficiency with better technology, design and management. In 2010, 50% of the electricity used to provide street lighting was sourced from GreenPower.
CH2 – Australia's first Six Star Green Star office building
Our Council House 2 (CH2) building was the first purpose-built office building in Australia to achieve a maximum Six Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The building has significantly reduced emissions compared to other commercial buildings of a similar size and has pioneered innovative design techniques which have since been used in other buildings across Melbourne.
Reduced emissions from our transport fleet
We’ve reduced our vehicles fleet and purchase more low emissions cars including hybrid vehicles.
We have an extensive fleet of standard and electric bicycles for use by staff on trips outside the office. To further reduce emissions, staff are encouraged to walk, ride bikes, and use public transport instead of using the vehicle fleet. All of Council’s fleet's remaining emissions are offset, which means that our corporate travel is generating zero net emissions. This includes all local and long distance travel.
Electric vehicles
The City of Melbourne introduced its first 100% electric motor vehicle into fleet operations in April 2008. A second electric vehicle has since been added and together these have successfully demonstrated the virtues of new and emerging transport technologies.
Victorian State Government Electric Vehicle Trial
Wanting to confirm Victoria as Australia's electric vehicle capital, the Victorian State Government is undertaking a 5 year Electric Vehicle Trial. Melbourne City Council, with its existing electric vehicles, is considered a key participant in this very important initiative to expand sustainable transport for Melbourne.
Electric Bicycle Fleet
Since 2006 Council staff have embraced electric bicycles as a popular transport mode for inner city destinations. With the potential to travel up to 25km/hr it is not unusual to see Council staff delivering services on bikes from Docklands, Carlton and North Melbourne. Currently Council has 22 electric bikes in its bicycle fleet.
Vehicle Procurement
The City of Melbourne is demonstrating leadership through the careful selection of its motor vehicle fleet. Prior to purchase, all new vehicles are assessed using the triple bottom line principle’s of financial, environmental and social sustainability. Each vehicle must meet the minimum standards in order for the vehicle to be accepted. Low emission smaller type vehicles with 5 star safety ratings score very well using Council's vehicle procure assesment tool.
Minimising waste
We’re finding new ways to reduce waste generated and increase recycling as well as reduce emissions from our water and sewage-related operations.
For more information, download the Greenhouse Action Plan 2006–10 from our Environmental policies page.
Note: The Greenhouse Action Plan is currently being reviewed and updated.
CitySwitch green office program
The CitySwitch Green Office program is a great way for businesses to improve office energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.