Tuesday 20 February 2007

Bega Valley Shire Council goes green

Eurobodalla Shire Independent
Thursday 15/2/2007 Page: 4

Bega Valley Shire Council has been recognised as the first NSW local council to purchase renewable energy from Country Energy for 100 per cent of their sites, taking a strong lead in combating climate change.

Over the next five years, the council will power all 197 of their sites - including water and sewerage facilities, sporting grounds, buildings, swimming pool and streetlights - with renewable energy.

"There are all sorts of pressures in the community, and worldwide, to do something about global warming, so as a council we have committed to making improvements. We decided to take charge," Mayor Tony Allen said.

Prior to the new 'green deal', council consumed almost seven million kilowatt hours of energy each year, emitting more than 7000 tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By purchasing renewable energy for 100 per cent of their sites, their operations will effectively be carbon neutral, having no impact on global warming.

Country Energy's regional general manager south eastern David Bellew congratulated council on leading the way in environmental conservation, and encouraged locals to follow council's lead by also purchasing renewable energy from Country Energy.

0 comments: