Twentieth century society has produced so much Greenhouse gases that the world faces an environmental crisis if these emissions are not reduced.
In response to Local Agenda 21, developed at the Rio Earth Summit, Council has introduced a Greenhouse Officer Program. Adam Briscombe is the only ‘Greenhouse Officer’ in Local Government in Australia. He is working on Agenda 21 from a Local Government perspective.
Adam’s role includes ascertaining the energy consumption of Council, assessing its Greenhouse impact and the implications of this on Council’s energy management. In addition, he works with the community educating people about the role they can play in reducing Greenhouse gases.
By early next year, Adam expects to have compiled a database, detailing Council’s use of electricity, water and gas, how much, where and when. Once this is complete, Council will have a detailed knowledge of its energy consumption, its impact and the expenditure involved. From there, it will work to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, via improved energy and cost efficient practices.
In the community, Adam intends to consult people for their opinions and attitudes. He aims to harness community support for the program by providing feedback to households in the form of figures and advice to help residents reduce their energy consumption and bills.
Adam will involve Masters students in Environmental Science from Monash University to conduct focus groups in the community as part of a community education program.
The program is part of Manningham’s aim to achieve international quality accreditation for its Environmental Management System under ISO 14000 and support its function as an Energy Smart Organisation.
