encourages action according to long term cost benefits to Council, represented in Figure 6 below: Figure 6: The energy hierarchy Benefits of taking action In addition to the environmental benefits associated with reducing greenhouse emissions, there are a number of other benefits to reducing emissions from Council operations. These include: Mitigating the impacts of growing energy Increasing the property value and reduces maintenance and operation costs. Reducing Councils exposure” to likely future prices on carbon “carbon Improving amenity and comfort in buildings and therefore improving productivity by occupants Improving resilience of buildings to heat waves and other extreme weather events Reducing emissions associated from operations through various energy efficiency, renewable energy and fuel substitution projects also brings a number of social benefits such as improved comfort in buildings and demonstrated commitment and leadership to the broader community. Buildings Figure 7 below shows the relative emissions from the ten” user sites of electricity, and “top serves as a guide to identify where to focus efforts for reducing emissions. Figure 7: Council’s 2015-2016 greenhouse emissions profile (kWh and % total) Council has many sites with relatively low electricity consumption which together, consume 18% of Councils’ total electricity consumption (grouped as in Figure 7). While it may “other” seem that action at any one site will not have a great impact, it is important to continue minimising emissions from these sites as opportunities arise, to reduce their cumulative impact on Council’s environmental and financial footprint. Reducing energy consumption in Council buildings In terms of the energy hierarchy, actions should first focus on reducing energy consumption. While some gains can be made in this area through works such as ensuring computers and printers switch to standby after a set time of no use, and maximising insulation and sealing gaps around windows and doors to reduce the need for heating and cooling, substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions are also possible through individual behaviour and practices (for example, switching off equipment and lights). There is also the potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions from Council’s profile through ensuring facilities are used efficiently. This may involve rationalising
encourages action according to long term cost benefits to Council, represented in Figure 6 below: Figure 6: The energy hierarchy Benefits of taking action In addition to the environmental benefits associated with reducing greenhouse emissions, there are a number of other benefits to reducing emissions from Council operations. These include: Mitigating the impacts of growing energy Increasing the property value and reduces maintenance and operation costs. Reducing Councils “carbon exposure” to likely future prices on carbon Improving amenity and comfort in buildings and therefore improving productivity by occupants Improving resilience of buildings to heat waves and other extreme weather events Reducing emissions associated from operations through various energy efficiency, renewable energy and fuel substitution projects also brings a number of social benefits such as improved comfort in buildings and demonstrated commitment and leadership to the broader community. Buildings Figure 7 below shows the relative emissions from the “top ten” user sites of electricity, and serves as a guide to identify where to focus efforts for reducing emissions. Figure 7: Council’s 2015-2016 greenhouse emissions profile (kWh and % total) Council has many sites with relatively low electricity consumption which together, consume 18% of Councils’ total electricity consumption (grouped as “other” in Figure 7). While it may seem that action at any one site will not have a great impact, it is important to continue minimising emissions from these sites as opportunities arise, to reduce their cumulative impact on Council’s environmental and financial footprint. Reducing energy consumption in Council buildings In terms of the energy hierarchy, actions should first focus on reducing energy consumption. While some gains can be made in this area through works such as ensuring computers and printers switch to standby after a set time of no use, and maximising insulation and sealing gaps around windows and doors to reduce the need for heating and cooling, substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions are also possible through individual behaviour and practices (for example, switching off equipment and lights). There is also the potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions from Council’s profile through ensuring facilities are used efficiently. This may involve rationalising