Across the globe, people are making the effort to reconnect with their natural surrounds for World Environment Day and a group of Sydney councils are celebrating by launching a new solar energy initiative.
Offering a chance to put politics aside momentarily, the United Nations-backed World Environment Day asks people worldwide to appreciate the natural beauty of their local environment.
This year the day is hosted by Canada.
Back home, eight councils in Sydney are marking the day by launching an initiative that offers free, specialised solar energy advice to their local residents and businesses.
The Our Energy Future partnership gives people access to an informational website, phone line, solar energy quotes and assessments. Recommended energy suppliers are selected through a thorough procurement process.
The program is facilitated by not-for-profit social enterprise, Positive Charge, which is owned by Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) – an organisation originally set up by Moreland City Council.
The eight Sydney councils to sign on to the program are: City of Canada Bay, Canterbury- Bankstown City, Georges River, Inner West, City of Parramatta, Randwick City, and City of Sydney.
Our Energy Future is the first initiative of a renewable energy plan by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), which aims to significantly increase renewable energy production in the region.
SSROC President Councillor Sally Betts said the program, which will first run for a 15-month trial period, would have environmental and financial benefits.
“We’re delighted that Our Energy Future and SSROC have been able to come together with eight councils to deliver financial savings to our local residents.”
Positive Charge now works with 15 councils in Victoria and 14 in New South Wales.
