Willoughby City Council has been named winner of the Local Government Sustainability Award at the recent 2011 Green Globe Awards. The award recognises its achievements and strong commitment to sustainability in all its key planning documents and initiatives.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Green Globe Awards are the leading environmental awards acknowledging businesses, governments, communities and individuals that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and vision for a sustainable New South Wales.
Recent environmental achievements include the Willoughby Leisure Centre’s 165kW cogeneration system, which will save 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide and $40,000 annually, approval of a 350kW Solar Farm, and an integrated water management system for bathrooms, irrigation and cooling towers.
Other ongoing environmental initiatives include:
- the multi award winning ClimateClever Campaign climate change education program. This assists residents, businesses and schools to reduce their carbon footprint through workshops, information sessions and educational materials
- the Better Business Partnership (BBP) which aims to improve the sustainability of local businesses by providing free assessments and action plans
- encouraging the use of sustainable transport through programs including Council Cab and The Loop, a free bus service for the area. Council has also introduced more fuel efficient vehicles into its fleet and removed all six cylinder vehicles.
- Willoughby’s bushland cared for by Council and the community, including weed removal and controlled burns.
Having met its 50 per cent greenhouse gas reduction target, Willoughby City Council is now focusing on assisting the community to reach a 15 per cent reduction by 2015.
Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly said Council is committed to reducing its ecological footprint through the efficient use of resources, protecting the natural environment and encouraging biodiversity so that the city is improved for current and future generations.
“I commend the Willoughby community and Council staff for their tireless efforts in this campaign, recognised by our terrific win at the Green Globe Awards,” he said.
The award follows Council’s recent wins including the United Nations Australia Award, the Local Government Cultural Award, and the LGMA Management Challenge Regional Award in the New South Wales category.
