Council Makes Significant Strides in Reducing Emissions

Wingecarribee Shire Council is proud to announce significant progress in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Council has reduced its operational emissions by 30% in the 2023/2024 financial year, bringing the total reduction to 57% since 2015/2016 (the baseline year for greenhouse gas reporting).  

This achievement of reducing emissions from 23,095 to 9,912 tCO2-e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) is comparable to taking approximately 2,866 average cars off the road for a year. 

Key Achievements: 

Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement: Council has partnered with six other NSW councils to secure 100% renewable energy for the majority of its sites for a decade. This strategic move has drastically reduced electricity-related emissions by over 90%.    

Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Council has implemented energy-saving measures, including the installation of solar panels across facilities and the conversion of streetlights to LEDs, which has reduced energy demand for streetlighting by 48% since 2015/16.  

Wingecarribee Shire Council remains committed to further reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the NSW Government's goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050. 

While significant progress has been made in reducing electricity-related emissions, Council is also actively addressing other emission sources, including sewage treatment, vehicle and plant fuel, and gas usage. It is exploring innovative solutions, including advanced sewage treatment processes that minimise methane emissions, and the proposed replacement of gas boilers at the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre with electric heat pumps powered by renewable energy.