Environmental Programs
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Council's role in conservation

Water

Save Water Target 155
Council already reports to South East Water on its annual use of water at five council owned sites that use more that 10ML per annum. These reports are accompanied by an action plan detailing the actions that have been undertaken, or that are proposed, to reduce the water use at these locations. Council is also involved in Target 155 by developing water management action plans to provide to South East Water for our sites that use between 5 - 10 ML per year. 

Water sensitive urban design (WSUD)
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a way of using our water resources, in particular stormwater, in a better way to keep our streets cleaner and greener. City of Port Phillip has worked in collaboration with its neighbouring councils to develop Water sensitive urban design guidelines and practice notes. In addition, Council is implementing several water sensitive urban design projects. Better urban water management is an essential part of the capital works program.

Energy

Environmental Capital Works Program
Current capital works projects and maintenance schedules will be assessed to ensure a minimum five star energy & water rating in performance. This project is supported by Council's primary policies to this effect - Sustainable Design Policy /Strategy (2006) and Toward Zero Sustainable Environment Strategy (2007).

Sustainable Public Lighting
This program targets energy efficient public lighting. Current actions include:

  • Public lights - a completed audit and assessment of all current public lights. This audit includes recommendations regarding more efficient lighting options.
  • Street lights - replacing all 80 Watt Mercury Vapour lights with 36 Watt T5 fluorescent lights as soon as practical, in association with electrical distribution businesses.

GreenPower Purchase
Council has purchased 25% accredited GreenPower (through Renewable Energy Certificates) for nine key council buildings and street lighting for 2008-2009. Separately, we also currently purchase 10% GreenPower for 92 smaller council sites. This purchase is limited to 25% to allow funds to be allocated to actions that reduce energy use across council operations.

Fleet Policy/Strategy
Council's fleet policy and strategy targets a fuel-efficient fleet and incentives to encourage managers to choose sustainable transport options over a fleet vehicle. Council is also working to reduce the size of its fleet and improve the fleet to provide more efficient vehicles (e.g diesel and smaller vehicle options).

Green Transport Plan
Council provides a range of sustainable work transport options for staff. This includes the Commuter Club that provides free met-cards for all work-related travel, and use of a pool of bikes.

'Green' Asphalt
Council has a Green Asphalt pilot project to utilise recycled concrete and asphalt for Council roadworks, with an intention to significantly switch over to recycled concrete and asphalt over the next 18 months.

Contractors measuring their emissions
Council is working with its contractors to get baseline data regarding the energy that is used by our contractors. This is another step to help council understand its total energy footprint.

Waste

Waste Wise organisation
The City of Port Phillip has an important role to play in the minimisation of waste and litter generated in the region. The Council is taking a lead in the municipality to minimise waste and is a certified Waste Wise Organisation, a program of Sustainability Victoria. Council's own target is to reduce the amount of waste to landfill from Council operations by 85% by 2020.