The staff of Glen Eira City Council are keen to be green and do their bit to reduce Council’s environmental footprint. The offices all have recycling facilities for cans, paper, cardboard and printer cartridges and there is an eco-buy policy that includes recycled paper.
“People are all supportive of our environmental policies and practices,” said Director Assets and Facilities Peter Waite. “It starts at policy level with things like purchasing green energy, right through to the water saving initiatives and efficient light bulbs in all the buildings.
“We have conducted an energy audit to help reduce carbon emissions across Council run facilities and staff have all committed to focusing on green initiatives for the community and for our workplace.”
Glen Eira City Council was the first council in Victoria to complete the Live Green with LESS program, piloted by the Low Energy Supplies and Services (LESS) to create carbon offsets and assist residents with energy saving.
Glen Eira residents helped offset 234,072 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere as a result of the Live Green with LESS program.
“More than 265,000 energy efficient light globes were installed, which is the equivalent of 3,500 cars being taken off the road for good,” Peter Waite said.
“Thanks to Glen Eira residents, 3.7 million incandescent globes won’t go to landfill and around $24 million will be saved in energy bills! That is definitely worthwhile.”
This is only one example of Council supporting environmental programs, with enthusiastic participation from employees.
The Showerhead Exchange Program resulted in 4,500 old showerheads being replaced by water efficient models for Glen Eira residents and Council staff.
“It is terrific to be able to contribute to something that saves 100,000,000 litres of water!” said Group Manager Sustainability and Infrastructure Planning Catherine Sullivan.
Council staff are reminded via internal communications of the basic ways to save energy and water at home.
“A few small changes really can make a big difference to the environment and to your energy bill,” Catherine Sullivan said.
