Going green saves more than money

Penrith Press, Page: 16
Tuesday, 2 May 2006

BLUE Mountains Council has saved about $15,000 a year in energy consumption and maintenance costs simply by going green. Green energy is generated from the sun, wind, water or biomass rather than from burning coal which releases greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Mayor Jim Angel said the council had significantly cut down energy use in council buildings over the past few years by adopting new practices. "In the first year of our Energy Performance Contract project we achieved an annual 40 per cent energy saving in lighting," he said.

"Since then we have reduced 136 tonnes of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions each year - the equivalent of removing 30 cars from the road." Cr Angel said the council had installed solar panels at Katoomba and Glenbrook pools and switched to T5 street lights which was similar to an 80 watt globe but used only one-third of the power. "For every 100 streetlights we change over, we stop around 14 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere," he said. The council's car fleet will also get an overhaul, changing from six to four cylinders, and the council is looking at ways to get more people to use public and alternate transport.

A Green Power information campaign was recently launched in council libraries and sports centres. Blue Mountains State LaborMP and Environment Minister Bob Debus said the average Australian household emitted more than eight tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. "By switching even a fraction of your energy needs green, you can help reduce greenhouse gases," he said. "The Green Power tick of approval means that the energy you are buying from your supplier must come from renewable and environmentally friendly power sources."

For more information on Green Power, go on-line at www.greenpower.com.au