Council has undertaken a range of alternative energy projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing cost.

The City of Port Phillip has reduced energy consumption and improved the quality of air in 14 of its major buildings with its direct digital control (DDC) air conditioning system that is monitored from one PC.

The DDC is another example of how Port Phillip has achieved energy savings and other benefits through working closely with its contractors to develop leading technological advances. The partners in this project are Pioneer Pty Ltd, JMD Electrics and Siemens Building Controls.

Benefits of the DDC

• When the ambient temperature reaches 20C the system switches to economy cycle where air is drawn in from outside through filters. This simultaneously reduces energy consumption and increases the life of the unit
• Drawing in fresh air increases the quality of air in offices which has positive benefits for both increased productivity and reduced sick leave (illnesses resulting from airborne bacteria)
• Air is pre-filtered by a bag filter and then again by an electrostatic filter which kills bacteria and bugs
• A tea-tree dosing bag to kill bacteria was trialled mid 2001
• Demonstrated significant financial savings
• Any changes to the system required during after-hours functions in council buildings are promptly serviced by technicians accessing the system via laptops and telephone
• The council is currently fitting power consumption devices to units to determine energy use that will provide a reading for economy cycle and non-economy cycle

The City of Port Phillip has installed a world first in public lighting along the path of the St Kilda and Port Melbourne foreshore.

Developed by Showers International in conjunction with the City of Port Phillip, the research and development of the lighting was a four years project. The positioning of the power adaptor in the base of the pole is a direct result of the council's involvement.

This revolutionary light project has attracted a high level of interest from other councils and organisations Australia wide.

Benefits of DIO lights

• Reduce electricity consumption by up to 80 per cent
• Significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimises visual pollution, ensures light is directed for its purpose
• As the power adaptor has been installed in the base of the pole maintenance costs are reduced and risk management decreased as technicians will not be climbing ladders to change globes.
• The 'long life' globes - anywhere between 100,000 to a million hours - means less waste in the form of light globes going to landfill.
• Can be retrofitted to existing structures, resulting in no cost to install new structures
• Low voltage - 18v compared to 240v conventional lighting
• Impact and moisture resistant
• Security lighting has 'moonlight' as the standard, rather than bright light, so shadows are not created for people to hide in
• Provides light with reduced heat resulting in less attraction of insects which cause ongoing contamination and damage problems in conventional lighting
• Allows for both brightness and direction control of lighting.

With these benefits this lighting technology will revolutionise public lighting and pay for itself.

DIO lights are made exclusively for Showers International by LumiLeds which is a joint venture between Agilent Technologies (formerly Hewlett-Packard) and Philips.

For further information visit the Showers International website - www.myshowers.com.

See the Dio Light Case Study for details about the City of Port Phillip foreshore and park lighting project.

The City of Port Phillip has created an energy neutral council chamber by installing 12 solar panels on the roof of St Kilda Town Hall to power the energy efficient fluorescent light tubes. The power that is generated by the panels is fed directly into the mains power grid and drawn back on when the lights in the chamber are turned on or equipment used. Excess power that is generated and not consumed is sold off by the council as Greenpower to customers of the electricity company.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Environmental Policy & Programs.