In February 2020, Council adopted the declaration of a climate emergency in association with our actions for climate change.

Our aim is to show purpose and leadership on sustainability and environmental issues.

While Council has been working for some time to reduce its own emissions and support the community to live more sustainably, it’s time to accelerate our emissions reductions, ramp up the ways we support our community and prepare for changes to our city and community.

Council created a Sustainability Action Plan in 2021, community-driven Sustainability Advisory Committee to continue to develop and evolve this plan.

In addition, Council has committed to a Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 100% by 2030.

Net-zero is the goal of balancing GHG emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere to achieve net zero emissions. Net-zero does not mean that no more emissions can be produced, but rather that new emissions are offset by carbon sequestration.

Scope 1 (direct): GHG emissions from sources located within the council area boundary.

Scope 2 (indirect): GHG emissions occurring as a consequence of the use of grid-supplied electricity, heat, steam, and/or cooling within the council area boundary.

Scope 3 (indirect): All other GHG emission that occur outside the city boundary as a result of activities taking place within the council area boundary.

There are two core actions to reduce carbon emissions: switching to low-carbon alternatives and improving the efficiency of current systems. Low-carbon alternatives include transitioning to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and producing lower-carbon foods (such as vegetables, poultry and fish). Carbon emissions can also be reduced by improving the efficiency of agriculture through improved crop yields, streamlining supply chains to reduce transportation of goods, and utilising energy efficient technologies.

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