Council at vanguard of change

News Weekly
Wednesday 26/3/2008 Page: 17

Bega Valley Shire Council is a leader in combating climate change and was the first local government authority in NSW to buy renewable energy from Country Energy for 100 per cent of its sites. Over the next four years, the council will power all 197 of its 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," the Mayor, Cr Tony Allen said. Prior to the `green deal', council consumed almost seven million kilowatt hours of energy each year, emitting more than 7,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

By buying renewable energy for all its sites, council's operations will effectively he carbon neutral, having no impact on global warming. When the green energy deal was signed, Country Energy's regional general manager for the south east, David Bellew congratulated council on leading the way in environmental conservation and encouraged locals to follow council's lead by also buying renewable energy from Country Energy.

"Bega Valley Shire Council is really setting the benchmark for other councils," Mr Bellew said. "Their commitment to using 100 per cent renewable energy is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 36,000 tonnes over the next four years. "Purchasing renewable energy is a simple way that we can all help protect the environment. "You cannot underestimate the difference just one home can make.

"Generally, 100 per cent renewable energy customers save eight tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, which is equivalent to taking just over two cars off the road." Bega Valley Shire Council has supported a community objective of reducing energy use by 50 per cent and the generation of 50 per cent clean renewable energy by the year 2020.

"It's a big challenge to meet the 50/50 by 2020 targets, but our council is committed to doing its part for the environment," Cr Allen said. Council joins a growing number of environmentally- aware homes and business that have already made the `switch' to electricity bought from renewable sources that cannot be depleted or can be replaced.