Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) is an incorporated association which includes 13 local governments, nine business, government and community organisations, numerous working groups, and an expanding program of greenhouse gas abatement activities.

The Alliance is working to achieve attitudinal and behavioural change that will result in this region taking full responsibility for its contributions to global warming. At the same time, the Alliance is moving the region towards a future based on renewable energy with triple bottom line benefits to the regional economy (increased competitiveness) to the social fabric of the community (new employment opportunities) and to the local environment (accelerated land reclamation).

The CVGA is:

• the first regional Alliance in the world to set itself a target of zero net emissions by 2020
• the largest regional grouping of Australian *Cities for Climate Protection Councils
• the first Victorian Regional Partnership Program for greenhouse gas abatement

The Alliance members share:

• a common commitment to climate protection
• a common commitment to emission reduction targets
• a common commitment to reporting on progress

Cities for Climate Protection Program

The City of Ballarat is an active member of the Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP). Through the development of a Local Greenhouse Action Plan, Council has made a commitment to a wide ranging program that aims to achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from Councils activities by 2010 and to work with the community to achieve a 10% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2010.

Council has completed an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from Councils own functions and those within the City as a whole, taken from base year figures of 1999-2001. Emissions are now monitored annually.

This Local Greenhouse Action Plan identifies a range of actions to be undertaken by Council and in other parts of the community to reduce emissions, and has been developed with the assistance of staff from the ICLEI office, University of Ballarat and the Australian Greenhouse Office.

The Plan identifies a host of actions to achieve the reduction target including:

• Promoting awareness of greenhouse issues and energy efficiency
• Energy audits of Council buildings
• Improving energy efficiency of
  Council and residential buildings
• Investigation of purchase of green power for Council offices
• Investigations into gas conversion for Councils vehicle fleet
• Audit of street lighting in the City
• Reducing waste going to landfill and increasing recycling

It is anticipated that these activities will reduce both the communitys and Councils greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for future years, providing environmental, social and economic benefits for residents for City residents.

CCP membership requires Council to adopt a resolution and make a commitment to meet the five step milestone program.

The five milestones for councils to complete under the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign are:

1. Establish a base year emissions inventory and forecast for the community and corporate sector
2. Set an emissions reduction goal
3. Develop and adopt a greenhouse reduction strategy the Local Action Plan
4. Implement the greenhouse action plan
5. Monitor and report on emissions and implementation of actions and policies
   The CCP program provides Councils with a strategic framework to reduce greenhouse emissions. Ballarat has already begun to reduce emissions and cut financial losses through project implementation in a range of areas. Below are a number of existing actions Council has implemented. Many of these actions are ongoing.

Actions Taken to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions to Date

Energy Reduction Strategies	Specifics
Energy Audit	Energy audit of Town Hall has been conducted Energy audit of Parks and Environment Depot Energy Audit of Works Depot Energy Audit of Ballarat Library Energy audit of Childcare facilties - Wendouree and Girrabanya
Energy Efficiency Increased	Ballarat Town Hall - actions include: Smart lighting plan implemented Air conditioning temperature control reset for energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Increased	The new Phoenix Building has been designed for energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Increased	New LED traffic lights installed
Energy Efficiency Increased	Street sweeper replaced with a more energy efficient machine Restricted fleet vehicle use on weekends
Alternative Fuels	LPGs, hybrid and small vehicles in car fleet An alternative fuels program is being investigated for the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and bio-diesel in Council vehicles and machinery
Waste Minimisation	Buy recycle alliance established Waste-wise education events conducted Fewer paper copies of plans and policies
Community Education	Community energy task group formed
Carbon Sequestration	Tree planting programs
Building Energy Efficiency Increased	Implementation of Rescode with an energy rating system for new dwellings
Reduce Vehicle Use	Bicycle and walking trails policy is being implemented Increased number of bus services

 

The average Victorian home rates less than three stars for energy efficiency. A minimum five-star energy rating for new homes is being introduced. These homes will be more comfortable, cost less to cool and heat, and help the environment. The following measures will help improve the energy efficiency of your home:

Insulation - half the heat entering or escaping your home comes through ceilings and walls.
Windows - external devices are more effective at keeping heat out than internal curtains or blinds. To retain heat use pelmets with curtains and double glazed windows.
Seal your home - up to 15% of heat entering or escaping a home comes through gaps and cracks. Use draught excluders to seal external gaps.
Fans - use fans to generate cool air or distribute heat. They are economical to run.

Cooling - Put refrigerators or freezers in cool places and only open briefly and when required.
Place air conditioners away from direct sunlight. Cool living areas or bedrooms to no less than 24 degrees Celsius.
Appliances - Choose appliances with five-star or higher energy ratings and use compact fluorescent globes.

Landscaping - careful placement of trees, shrubs, and vines will protect windows and walls from heat, maximise the effects of cool changes and let in light and heat in winter.