'BUTTERFLY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD' WINS NATIONAL CLIMATE AWARD
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST CARBON-NEUTRAL kindergarten, situated in Melbourne's Albert Park, has gained a national climate accolade at the Cities Power Partnership Awards, held in Sydney last night.
The Climate Council's Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia's energy landscape.
The Butterfly Effect, a joint project between Albert Park Kindergarten and City of Port Phillip, saw the kindergarten work with the council over a six year journey to become Australia's first carbon neutral certified early childhood education and care service. The project was named Community Engagement Project of the Year at last night's awards.
David Craven, director of the Cities Power Partnership congratulated Albert Park Kindergarten and City of Port Phillip on their win, saying that The Butterfly Project shows that meaningful action on climate change can be taken at every level of the community.
"Every part of the Australian community has an important role to play in tackling climate change, and The Butterfly Project shows how a partnership with City of Port Phillip helped a little childcare centre realise their ambitious goal to reduce their climate impact," he said.
This year's awards saw a record-breaking number of entries, which David Craven said reflects the extent to which local governments are emerging as a vital part of Australia's climate solution.
"The local climate solutions on display at these awards are tangible proof that Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change," he said.
"From carbon-neutral kindergartens through to ambitious projects installing solar battery systems in thousands of homes and businesses, Cities Power Partnership councils are leading the way with practical local climate solutions."
The Cities Power Partnership Awards celebrated outstanding work from local governments in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement and project funding as well as individual climate champion awards.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: Next Gen Energy Storage Program, ACT Government
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Winner:Energy Efficiency Achievement
Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme, ACT Government
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: Smart Moves Newcastle, City of Newcastle
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: The Butterfly Effect, Albert Park Kindergarten and City of Port Phillip
Project Financing Innovation Award
Winner: Carbon Revolving Reserve, Blue Mountains City Council
Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Cr Tony Wellington, Mayor of Noosa Shire Council
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Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Adam Clarke, Program Coordinator, City Innovation and Sustainability, City of Newcastle
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