Councils across Australia are undertaking positive measures to ensure the health and sustainability of their local communities. In NSW, 23 Councils have asked their energy suppliers to source their electricity requirements from clean renewable sources instead of fossil fuels such as coal.
By supporting renewable energy, Councils are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in some cases are directly supporting regional development and employment when renewable energy projects such as wind farms are built in their region.
Councils that have elected to use government accredited renewable energy are using Green Power.
Any energy supplier who offers a renewable energy product that has met the stringent environmental requirements of the National Green Power Accreditation Steering Group (the joint effort of NSW, Qld, Vic, ACT and SA Sustainable Energy State Government authorities) is eligible for Green Power accreditation.
Approved Green Power energy suppliers purchase the equivalent of all, or a percentage, of a Council’s electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, mini hydro or biomass.
For a medium size Council to sign up to Green Power the increase to their electricity bill can be as little as two percent.
Councils using Green Power are realising both environmental and community relations benefits.
Using Green Power is an easy method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Councils can also use the Green Power logo to promote their environmental and social commitment to their ratepayers.
“The Green Power initiative demonstrates Council’s continuing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and its strive towards a sustainable Manly, decreasing Manly’s impact on the global environment,” said Mayor of Manly Council, Councillor Jean Hay.
To find out the benefits of Green Power for your Council, speak to your electricity supplier or visit the website at www.greenpower.com.au.
* Copy supplied by SEDA
