Council’s sustainability efforts pay-off

6 September, 2019Posted in: Environment
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Solar panels on roof

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair has commended a Council-led program for reducing Council’s energy consumption and costs for the 2018/19 financial year.

Established in 2012, the Revolving Energy Fund (REFund) generates ongoing funding for projects that reduce energy consumption.

“Last financial year seven energy projects contributed to just over $56,000 in financial savings,” the Mayor said.

“But more importantly we’ve avoided putting nearly 305 tonnes of greenhouse gas into our environment,” the Mayor continued.

“To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to the annual use of around 76 average cars.”

The Mayor credited Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee and staff for laying the foundation of the REFund’s success.

“The financial savings achieved through the program will be transferred from Council’s energy budget back into the fund to support future energy management projects,” said the Mayor.

Future projects include a LED lighting upgrade at the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre and a solar upgrade at Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre.

“Our changing climate affects us all,” said the Mayor. “Council is committed to working with our community to reduce the impacts of climate change.”

“It’s through energy management programs such as the REFund that Council is working towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation.”

“I encourage all residents and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through actions such as LED lighting, improving insulation or investing in solar panels,” he added.

For more information and tips on how to become more energy efficient visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/energy-efficiency.