2020-12-08 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       8 DECEMBER 2020


Council small electricity consumption sites
Council has numerous small sites that use electricity from the grid. These “small sites” consume
less than 100,000kW per annum. There has been an 18% reduction in emissions from electricity
consumption at these sites in the 2019/20 carbon footprint compared to the previous years.
    A 36 kW solar system was installed at the Noosa Day Respite Centre in November 2018 and
      has reduced electricity consumption and emissions from the grid by 64%.
    The 10kW system from the Tewantin Admin building was repurposed to Pomona Depot when
      the new large system was installed on the Tewantin building.
    A 20kW system has been installed at the Cooroy Butter Factory in May 2020
Council Controlled Streetlight (Rate 3)
Emissions from Council-controlled streetlights (Rate 3) in 2019/20 were equivalent to emissions in
2019/20. As Rate 3 lights fail, they are replaced with more efficient LED lights.
4.    Scope 3 emissions
Scope 3 emissions showed a reduction of 7% compared to the previous year. Emissions from the
transport and distribution of electricity and fuel have reduced by 28% compared to the previous
year due to the reduction in electricity consumption from the grid as a result of energy efficiency
and solar installation.
The methodology used to calculate embedded emissions in purchased goods and services was
improved in the 2019/20 calculation and this is reflected in 8% reduction as compared to previous
years.
A 3rd party specialist carbon measurement and management consultancy, Pangolin & Associates
undertook a gap analysis of Council’s carbon footprint methodology as compared to the
requirements of the Climate Active standard. The consultant’s report recommended emissions
from business travel, employee commute and leased assets were also included in Council’s
footprint.
In the 2019/20 Carbon footprint report, business travel was included. Council officers will
endeavour to obtain accurate data for employee commute and leased assets for inclusion in future
carbon footprints.
5.    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, however a recent report4 advises that
global emissions need to reach net zero by 2030 to avoid runaway climate change impacts. 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 and is in line with this recent report
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.




4 Spratt, D ., Dunlop,I., & Taylor (2020) Climate Reality Check 2020.   Breakthrough – National
Centre for Climate Restoration


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