2016-05-10 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                      10 MAY 2016

                                                                                      Attachment 1

                                                                               Council Policy
                                              CARBON REDUCTION POLICY
Corporate Plan Reference:                     A Sustainable Council

Endorsed by Council:                          <Insert Date of Ordinary Meeting >

Policy Author:                                Executive Manager


POLICY BACKGROUND
On 24 September 2015 Council agreed to the development of a Carbon Reduction and Energy
Efficiency Plan and on 19 November 2015 Council adopted its Sustainability Principles, with
those principles to be incorporated into Council’s key strategy documents. The first principle
noted that resources are to be sustainably managed so that the lifestyle of the community is
preserved, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Noosa has a beautiful natural environment and its community is known for a strong commitment
to sustainability and protection of that natural environment. Consequently, Noosa Shire sought
and received recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aiming to achieve a sustainable
balance between humans and the environment.

Although there is no legislative requirement for councils to have an energy or carbon plan or to
establish carbon emissions targets, many local governments are taking the initiative to be both
proactive and resource efficient. Some Australian local government areas have already
committed to zero emission targets with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
climate change.

As a leader in developing and managing the sustainability of the shire, Council’s own actions to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions demonstrate its commitment to this issue.
Through information and guidance, the community can also be supported to improve
sustainability at the household level.

COUNCIL POLICY
Council commits to a reduction in carbon and greenhouse gas emissions with a view to
establishing a zero emissions target in Council’s operations and services. We will lead by
example and become an inspiration to the Noosa Shire community and beyond.

We seek to take meaningful action to reduce the organisation’s impact on climate change by
reducing our overall energy requirements through a combination of energy efficiency measures
and transitioning to renewable energy sources. In doing so we will build a Council that is
increasingly resilient to rising energy and petrol prices and better able to meet our agreed
sustainability principles.
The Policy will drive greater efficiency in Council’s use of natural resources by:
a)    Investing directly in appropriate actions - It is important for the long-term sustainability
      of Council’s operations that we are efficient and effective. This includes gaining a better
      understanding of current energy usage and reducing the amount of electricity and fuel
      consumed, especially where sourced from fossil fuels. Council can potentially make
      improvements via new technologies and options that focus on clean energy.


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