Tuesday 20 February 2007

Council sets renewable energy benchmark

Eden Imlay Magnet
Thursday 15/2/2007 Page: 10

Bega Valley Shire Council was recognised yesterday as the first New South Wales local council to purchase renewable energy from Country Energy for 100 per cent of its sites.

Believed to be the first in the state to undertake such a substantial environmental commitment, the council will power all 197 of its sites - including water and sewerage facilities, sporting grounds, buildings, swimming pool and streetlights - with renewable energy over the next five years.

"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.

Country Energy's regional general manager south eastern David Bellew presented council with a plaque in recognition of their efforts to combat climate change. Country Energy and council have also formed an environmental partnership that includes energy audits of all major sites.

The aim is to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and ultimately reduce council's operating costs, benefiting ratepayers through financial and environmental savings.

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