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Energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions

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Knox City Council continues to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We also support residents and business to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and transition to clean energy.

Our ongoing commitment

Council has multiple programs and new initiatives to improve energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions.

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Climate change protection plans

In 2001, we joined Cities for Climate Protection. Together, we agreed to lower greenhouse emissions.

Soon after, Knox Council adopted the Knox Greenhouse Action Plan 2003 – 2010.

In 2007, we reduced corporate greenhouse emissions to 30 percent below our 1998/99 levels.

In 2012, Council adopted the Climate Change Response Plan. This continued our work in reducing and adapting to Climate Change.

The plan supports the Council’s efforts in 5 ways:

  • achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals
  • offsetting greenhouse gas emissions
  • adaptation to climate change
  • developing strategic partnerships
  • improving air quality.

In late 2019, Council:

  • reaffirmed our commitment to Climate Change action
  • supported a motion to take urgent action by developing a Climate Response Plan in 2020.

On 27 September 2021, Council adopted the Climate Response Plan 2021–2031 to address the impacts of climate change.

The plan provides a roadmap for:

  • Council to reach net zero emissions by 2030
  • the Knox community to reach net zero emissions by 2040.
Climate Response Plan 2021–2031

On 27 September 2021, Council adopted the Climate Response Plan 2021–2031 to address the impacts of climate change.

The plan provides a roadmap for:

  • Council to reach net zero emissions by 2030
  • the Knox community to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

View the Climate Response Plan 2021-2031

Energy efficiency upgrades at community facilities

Works included LED light replacements and solar panel installations at small-to-medium community buildings.

In 2019/20, we carried out energy efficiency upgrades to:

  • Murrindal and Liberty Ave Children’s Centre
  • Knox Gardens Pavilion
  • Knoxfield Children’s Centre
  • Carrington Senior Citizens Centre.
Energy Performance Contract (EPC)

Council adopted the Energy Performance Contract in 2019.

This invested $1.85 million into energy efficiency upgrades at:

  • Knox Leisureworks
  • Rowville Community Centre
  • Knox Leisureworks
  • Rowville Community Centre
  • Ferntree Community Arts Centre and Library
  • Knox Community Arts Centre
  • Knox Regional Netball Centre.

These capital works include LED lighting, solar panels and cooling/heating systems.

The upgrades reduce Council’s greenhouse emissions by 45 per cent each year.

It also saves around $210,000 each year in operational and maintenance costs. Reducing our operating costs keeps our fees low for people who enjoy the facilities.

Street light upgrades and renewable energy source

Since 2016, we’ve replaced 10,600 street lights with energy-efficient LED globes. This has reduced our energy use by over 75 percent.

In 2020, Council arranged to buy renewable energy from a Gippsland wind farm.

This energy will power the street lights for nine years, starting from 1 July 2021. Council is looking to save more energy through LED street lights on major roads.

Revolving Energy Fund

Council established this fund in 2008.

It reinvests savings from energy reduction projects into future projects, like:

  • lighting upgrades
  • solar panels
  • external blinds
  • skylights
  • insulation.
Eastern Alliance for Green Action

Knox Council worked with seven neighbouring councils to form the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action.

This alliance enables economies of scale through joint initiatives.

It also helps the Council and community reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure Policy

Council updated this Policy in 2019.

The Policy improves the environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure projects in Knox.

Electric cars and charging stations

In 2019, Council added three electric cars to our fleet to reduce fuel emissions.

Knox Civic Centre carpark has two public electric car charging stations. Residents can re-charge their cars for free at the Civic Centre.

Programs for Knox residents and business

Council have partnered with two major organisations to provide advice and support. 

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Energy-saving advice

Residents and businesses can get free energy-saving advice and connections to reliable industry suppliers from the Australian Energy Foundation.

Knox Council has joined with Solar Savers, a local government initiative, to make solar easy and affordable for Knox residents.

Environmental upgrade loans for business

Council can help your business access an Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) program. This loan will help you save money and improve your economic and environmental performance.

Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) loans for building upgrade works are repaid via quarterly council rates. A lender provides the upfront capital for the works, which the business then repays through the council rates system over periods of up to 20 years.

More about environmental sustainability

Learn more about making your home and business more environmentally sustainable.

Need help?

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Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.

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