Our buildings, facilities, and street lighting, represent approximately 45% of our overall greenhouse gas emissions. Our total emissions stemming from energy consumption (comprising electricity, gas, petrol, and diesel) and waste amounted to 2,200 tonnes of CO 2 – e (carbon dioxide equivalent) in our baseline year of 2016-2017.
To help manage our emissions, we have improved lighting, heating, air conditioning, and insulation. These enhancements were identified through assessments conducted by specialised energy auditors and documented for implementation within the framework of Council’s Energy Savings Action Plan.
Streetlights
We have successfully changed most of our residential street lighting to LED (light emitting diode) globes, which are way more efficient than the lights they replaced; this is an efficiency improvement of around 80%. It saves money and cuts down greenhouse gas emissions.
Out of 3600 lights across the city, 2158 have already been upgraded to LEDs in the first phase of the project. In stage 2, an additional 1,436 lights will be replaced.
The cost savings are projected to recover the initial capital investment within approximately 3.5 years and we should cut greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 4,022 tonnes over the 20-year lifespan of the street lighting.
Solar energy
We have installed 155 kilowatts of solar systems on the roof of several Council buildings, including the Clarence Aquatic Centre, the Council Works Depot, Rosny Child Care Centre, Clarence Children’s Services, Wentworth Park Sports Facility and the Lindisfarne Citizens Activity Centre.
Electric Vehicles
We are actively promoting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). We have put in a public electric car charging station with a 22-kilowatt charger at the City of Clarence offices and Council Chambers.
We hope to have more electric vehicles in our own fleet. We already have four electric vehicles, and would like to increase this.
Home Energy Audit Toolkit
Want to find out where your energy is being used at home and where you could save?
You can borrow a Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT kit) from us for free. The kit includes simple tools to help you measure the energy use of appliances and identify ways to use less energy and potentially reduce your electricity bills.
How it works
- Contact us to arrange to borrow a HEAT kit.
- Complete a short loan form when you collect the kit.
- Take the kit home for up to two weeks and use the tools to check your energy use.
- Return the kit to us when you’re finished.
HEAT kits are available to local residents and are provided free of charge.
Borrow a HEAT kit
Visit us at 38 Bligh Street, Rosny Park during our opening hours, or contact our Customer Service team to arrange a kit.
Please note: a $500 fee may apply if the kit is not returned.
Find out more: For more information about the Home Energy Audit Toolkit and how to use it, visit Aurora Energy’s Home Energy Audit Toolkit information.