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Council endorses Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan

City of Bayswater takes action on climate change, endorsing its new Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy (ERRE) Plan.

Council endorses Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan
Aug 25 2021

On 24 August Bayswater Council endorsed an Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy (ERRE) Plan that will see it take action to mitigate the effects of climate change at a local level.

The City of Bayswater engaged 100% Renewables to develop its ERRE Plan, that will enable it to cost-effectively transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its facilities.

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on climate change stated that the Earth could be as little as 10 years away from heating up by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. It highlighted the need for leaders from government, business and the community to take action to reduce emissions.

Mayor Dan Bull said the City has been actively moving away from fossils fuels and towards renewable energy in its operations since Council voted to introduce targets two years ago.  

“Back in 2019 Council set a corporate renewable energy target of 100% by 2030 and a corporate greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 100% by 2040 for its operations.   

“Since then the City has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce energy demand and cost. The City has installed solar panels at 15 sites, including the depot, civic centre, The Rise, Bayswater Waves, Maylands Bowling Club and Morley Community Centre. This solar PV capacity can generate around 620 MWh of electricity per year, which is equal to 5% of the City’s electricity demand.

“The City has begun transitioning its fleet to renewable energy with 60% of passenger cars and a works truck now using hybrid technology. The City has two electric vehicles and electric bikes are also available for staff to use.

“The City has been progressively changing to LED lighting for indoor and outdoor facilities, and is examining opportunities to upgrade passive lighting in parks and reserves to LED technology. The City has also conducted audits of 13 of its largest energy using sites.  

“The actions we have taken so far have put us on track to achieving our clean energy goals. We are reducing our emissions and our energy costs at the same time. There is a clear business case for moving to renewable energy.

“In endorsing the Emission Reduction and Renewable Energy (ERRE) Plan, developed by industry experts, 100% Renewables, the City now has a clear pathway to achieve its emission reduction and renewable energy targets in a financially prudent and responsible manner.

“100% Renewables have worked with us to refine our targets. Under the new plan we have the potential to reach 100% renewable electricity five years earlier than planned. This will be achieved by installing more solar panels and purchasing green energy via a power purchasing agreement facilitated by WALGA. While we transition our heavy vehicle fleet to renewable energy and transition the use of gas at Bayswater Waves we may need to purchase a minimal number of carbon offsets to reach our targets but this would not be until 2030. Carbon offsets would only be purchased once all reasonable actions have been taken to eliminate emissions thus reducing the number of offsets required.

“The ERRE Plan identifies a number of feasible and cost effective measures that will assist the City in achieving its targets. It includes a transition to renewable electricity for all City sourced electricity from 2025 as part of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) purchasing agreement and reducing the energy demand from the grid by continuing to install solar panels.

“The Plan identifies cost savings over the longer term by upgrading air conditioners to make them more energy efficient and converting lighting to LED technology when it reaches the end of its life.

“To improve energy efficiency, the Plan earmarks the conversion of Western Power and City owned street lighting and public lighting to LED technology and the progressive electrification of the City’s fleet and machinery.

“Bayswater Council is pleased to endorse the ERRE Plan. It builds on the numerous energy efficiency, solar PV and other emissions reduction initiatives that the City has implemented in recent years and cements the City’s commitment to mitigating climate change at a local level.

“The City’s ERRE Plan provides a clear pathway for the City to achieve its emission reduction and renewable energy use targets. It has been developed with the best available understanding of the current emissions environment, as well as future technology trends.

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