Transcript Env 2016 - Post Paris - A greenhouse emissions reduction target for

Post Paris: a greenhouse emissions
reduction target for Macedon Ranges
Shire Council
.
Silvana Predebon
, Environmental Policy Officer
Overview
 Where / What / Who is Macedon Ranges Shire
 Setting a target - drivers
 Setting a target - process
 Setting a target - challenges
 Next Steps
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Macedon Ranges Shire – regional context
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Macedon Ranges Shire - settlements
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Macedon Ranges Shire - overview
• Area: almost 50,000 ha (1,747km2)
• Population at 2015: 45,308
• Population at 2036: 64,654
 many towns: Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend, several smaller towns
 Council services: 2 offices, 1 depot, 2 aquatic centres, 2 centres,
approx. 100 smaller buildings, 3 transfer stations (no landfill)
 “environment” work of Council: traditionally on natural environment
EXCEPT – 1st regional council to join CCP in 1997
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Setting a target - drivers
• A new environment strategy, adopted 22 June 2016, with 4 key themes,
1 is Climate Change NB: timing wrt Paris
• Community expectations / advocacy / action on climate change
• Alignment of stars: assets, audits, streetlights, costs, experience
• Investment in external service (Planet Footprint): using info / reports
from the service to save money and reduce emissions
• Politics: regional to state to Paris
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Setting a target - process
• Reconcile energy data / Establish baseline emissions profile for
council operations
• Collate info / business cases: audits, streetlights, CVGA solar study
• Commission a Greenhouse Reduction Pathways Plan: info to follow
• “Translate” climate change action to work of staff across Council
(demonstrate do-ability and benefits for Council)
• Acknowledge work done to date - maintenance and capital - and
potential to further prove value of work to Council
 Communicate with and within Council and community
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Setting a target - challenges
• Minimising risks around making commitments
• Responding to rate capping: “spend to save”
• Politics / Timing: regional / state / Paris
• Limited capacity within Council: disadvantage and / or
advantage
• Meeting community expectations
=>Benefits of setting a target in a considered manner
(vs “set a target then work out how to get there”)
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Setting a target - process in GRPP
Ironbark Sustainability was engaged to develop the plan, staff:
Reviewed / Considered:
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Goals in IPCC 5th Assessment Report (AR5)
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Climate Change Authority Interim Goals
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Goals at other Councils
(EG: science-based based goal (at Moreland)
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The opportunities for reduction at Macedon Ranges
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Setting a target - process in GRPP
Opportunities for reduction modeled on:
• The energy hierarchy
• Initial Capital Cost
• Payback period / return on investment
• Ongoing Costs
• Feasibility of actioning
• Co-benefits (eg: resilience of assets)
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Macedon Ranges Environment Strategy
To reduce greenhouse emissions from Council’s
operations by 25% by 2020-2021, from 2014-2015
baseline year.
The Council Plan / Council budget key actions for 2016-2017:
 Changeover approx. 2000 streetlights to LEDs
 Install pool covers at 2 aquatic centres
 Upgrade heating at Kyneton Town Hall
NB: adds to recent work re LEDs at Gisborne, design of new buildings
AND Develop a Climate Change Action Plan
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Next Steps: Mitigation and Adaptation
• Council Plan 2016-2017: Develop Climate Change Action Plan
• Future Targets (higher targets? renewable energy targets?
checking the science)
• 2012 Early Adaptation Plan – due for review? – process TBC
• NB: timing with forthcoming state Climate Change Adaptation Plan
vs legislative requirements post 2020
• Acknowledge related community climate action eg: Solar Towns,
MASH3, Climate Change Grants
• Explore potential for partnerships with community eg: MRSG
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Questions???
Contact Details:
Phone: 5421 9679
Email: [email protected]
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