Melton City Council has made a commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and to use more renewable energy in a plan that would equate to taking 4000 cars off the road or powering 2000 homes every year.
Council officially pledged its green target to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio in a recent letter outlining its emissions reduction plan.
The move to make Council more 'green' will actively support the Victorian Government in its own plans towards net-zero emissions across the state by 2050.
To achieve the ambitious target, Council will change its entire electricity supply to a renewable energy source such as solar or wind power and will install solar panels on the top ten energy consuming sites including the Civic Centre in Melton, Caroline Springs Library, and Melton Waves Leisure Centre.
City of Melton Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik said Council was proud to take proactive steps to address climate change.
"I'm really excited at the prospect that our organisation will be fully powered by green energy in less than 20 years," Cr Majdlik said.
"Transitioning to a renewable energy future will not only address climate change and protect the environment, but will also benefit the local economy, create jobs, and lower Council's costs.
"We're talking about the annual greenhouse gas equivalent to powering 2000 homes or taking over 4000 cars off the road."
"This is the beginning of our contribution towards getting the entire state of Victoria to net-zero emissions and it's something we can all be very proud of.
"Achieving this will mean we're doing our part towards creating a more sustainable future, for our generation and for future generations to come. That's the ultimate goal."
