MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is one 13 Australian municipalities certified as a carbon neutral business after meeting the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisations.
The shire’s carbon neutral policy adopted in 2016 confirmed a commitment to operate with zero net emissions by 2021 and become certified as carbon neutral.
Since introducing the policy, the shire’s total emissions have been reduced by about 16,679 tonnes CO2-e, 36 per cent of the previous emissions.
“I could not be happier and prouder to share the news that the shire is now operating with zero net emissions, fulfilling our commitment to becoming carbon neutral,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said.
“Climate change is a global issue affecting everyone. We prioritise local offset projects and seek out Victorian offset projects where available. Our offsetting activities have contributed to reducing emissions in New South Wales, Queensland, abroad in India and China, as well as preserving and enhancing biodiversity in Victoria.
“We can still do more and we are committed to doing even more. This is just the beginning for us.”
Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions included keeping an emissions inventory, limiting emissions where possible by making new buildings energy efficient, reducing the need to travel and reducing waste, implementing best value actions to reduce emissions, and offsetting residual emissions by funding projects that reduce emissions locally, nationally and internationally.
The shire has reduced emissions by installing LED street lights and installing rooftop solar panels and energy efficient lighting, heating and air-conditioning in buildings.
It has also required its supply chain to reduce emissions, buys carbon neutral products and has diverted more waste from landfill and captures landfill gas.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 October 2021
