Our buildings, facilities, and street lighting, represent approximately 45% of our overall greenhouse gas emissions. Our total emissions stemming from energy consumption (comprising electricity, gas, petrol, and diesel) and waste amounted to 2,200 tonnes of CO 2 – e (carbon dioxide equivalent) in our baseline year of 2016-2017.
To help manage our emissions, we have improved lighting, heating, air conditioning, and insulation. These enhancements were identified through assessments conducted by specialised energy auditors and documented for implementation within the framework of Council’s Energy Savings Action Plan.
Streetlights
We have successfully changed most of our residential street lighting to LED (light emitting diode) globes, which are way more efficient than the lights they replaced; this is an efficiency improvement of around 80%. It saves money and cuts down greenhouse gas emissions.
Out of 3600 lights across the city, 2158 have already been upgraded to LEDs in the first phase of the project. In stage 2, an additional 1,436 lights will be replaced.
The cost savings are projected to recover the initial capital investment within approximately 3.5 years and we should cut greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 4,022 tonnes over the 20-year lifespan of the street lighting.
Solar energy
We have installed 155 kilowatts of solar systems on the roof of several Council buildings, including the Clarence Aquatic Centre, the Council Works Depot, Rosny Child Care Centre, Clarence Children’s Services, Wentworth Park Sports Facility and the Lindisfarne Citizens Activity Centre.
Electric Vehicles
We are actively promoting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). We have put in a public electric car charging station with a 22-kilowatt charger at the Council offices and chambers.
Other charging locations can be found on the Hobart Electric Vehicle Charging Station Map.
We hope to have more electric vehicles in our own fleet. We already have four electric vehicles, and would like to increase this.
Home Energy Audit Toolkit
We like to help local businesses and residents use energy more efficiently. People can borrow the Home Energy Audit Toolkit for free, to measure energy use at home or work and identify ways to use less energy and save money.
You can contact our reception to borrow the kit, and more information can be found on the Aurora Energy website.