2019-02-12 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                              12 FEBRUARY 2019


3.   Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions from capital and operating expenditure increased by 64% and 11%
respectively. As discussed above, Scope 3 emissions are estimated using the $ spend for each
category of expenditure. This is likely to be very conservative and overestimate the emissions
from Scope 3 sources. Council is working with its suppliers to achieve actual activity data for the
major materials to further refine and improve the calculation of Scope 3 emissions.

4.   Emission Reduction Targets

The international scientific community has recognised that to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate
change, global emissions must be reduced to zero by 2050. The Noosa Council target of net zero
emissions for its operations by 2026 is an ambitious target that recognises our responsibility and
opportunity to reduce Council’s emissions at a greater rate and show leadership to the community.

To achieve this ambitious target, emissions modelling has shown that an annual reduction of 11%
year upon year is required. Council will continue to reduce emissions, however there will be a
point where emissions may reach an “emissions floor” whereby further emission reductions are not
economically or technologically feasible. To achieve net zero emissions, Council will be required
to consider alternate options including sequestration opportunities as well as generating or
purchasing carbon offsets.


Key Action 3:       The decision-making framework outlined in the Strategy will be used
                    when determining the appropriate approach to reduce emissions for a
                    specific activity.

The decision-making framework is outlined below:




Figure 3: Hierarchy of Decision Making Framework for Zero Emissions Noosa



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