Tuesday 15 November 2011

Boroondara Sustainability Network meeting - Our Low Carbon Future Strategy

Boroondara Sustainability Network meeting - Our Low Carbon Future Strategy

  • Date: 7pm Tue 15 November 2011.
  • Venue: Boroondara Room, Council Offices,  8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell (Melway 59 J1)
  • Purpose of meeting: An opportunity to provide input to the Our Low Carbon Future strategy for 2012-2015

Attendance

Carolyn Ingvarson, Heinz Kreutz, Mick Nolan, Peter Campbell (minutes), Robert Brown, Mathew Dixon (Council), Nicola Hoey (Council), Michaela Skett (Council), Jenny Henty.

Apologies

Liz Burton, David Coote, Garry McDonald

Presentation

Briefing notes for discussion at the meeting (PDF)

Lighter Footprints submission

General discussion points

  • T5 street lighting is progressing and will provide siginficant emission reductions.
  • The Asburton Pool Cogenergation plant is operational.  A template is being developed for further similar installations within Boroondara and elseware.
  • The Boroondara community has much higher emissions than Council buildings and operations, so the strategy could extend to influence emission reductions within the community.  
  • Transport sector provides opportunities for reducing emissions - shifting car trips to bicycle, walking and public transport.  Opportunity to set targets for modal shifts.  Carbon emission reductions associated with modal shifts not currently estimated or measured. A meeting the Council's transport department could flesh this out further.
  • Improved cycling network.  Council has been making good improvements on existing paths such as the Anniversary Trail and Gardiners Creek bike path.  However, a more comprehensive network of safe cycling paths - separated from other vehicles and suitable for local and family use - is needed across Boroondara
  • Waste. Opportunities for Council to promote use of worm farms and other waste minimisation strategies.  Methane production and associated energy generation from landfill is not currently accounted for in Boroondara as waste is transport to Western suburbs landfill rather than to the Clayton landfill (part owned by Council)
  • In home display meters show energy usage and can strongly influence efficiencies and behaviours in homes.  There is an opportunity for Council to identify and promote a cheap and effective In Home Display for residents.
  • Reducing traffic near schools promotes walking and cycling as low emission alternatives.  The impetus for this needs to come from School communities rather than Council.
  • A Revolving Energy Fund could be established to fund energy efficiency initiatives, the benefits of which can accrue back to the fund for re-investiment.  For example, this could be used to replace all remaining electric hotwater systems and bar radiators in Council buildings.
  • Rate savings could be achieved by reducing Council expenditure on energy, or increases in rates could be avoided.  This needs to be quantified.
  • Transport of recycled water to ovals and reserves has siginficant carbon emissions.  These could be avoided by installation of local stormwater capture and usage.
  • Backyard food swaps, Sharehood and Sustainabilty Street are Local community initiatives such as can provide means for people to share information and local resources.
  • Independant assessments (e.g. 20%) or random audits of compliance with the Sustainable Building Policy could improve adherence to it.
  • Council is interesting in supporting community-initiated projects associated with emission reductions and sustainability.
Further feedback and input to the Our Low Carbon Future Strategy can be sent to Michaela Skett via Michaela.Skett@boroondara.vic.gov.au

Visit to Ashburton Cogeneration Facility

The formal opening of the Ashburton Cogeneration facility is scheduled for 15 December, but this be a very limited opportunity for viewing the generator.
Action: Peter Campbell to liaise with Mathew Dixon to schedule a evening tour of the Ashburton Cogeneration facility with BSN members.

Next meeting

  • Eco Living Centre consultation, 7pm Wed 30 November 2011.

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