The sky’s the limit

Solar panels to help council nail 50 per cent emissions cut

ROOFTOP solar panels will be placed on the biggest public buildings in Geelong, as the council chases aggressive carbon emission cuts.

The City of Greater Geelong has forecast a $1.31 million investment program in energy projects, after proposing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half over the next four years.

The 50 per cent target, which was endorsed by the city’s administrators this week, will be up for public discussion before it is formally adopted.

Council officers had pitched a more modest aim of reducing emissions by 30 per cent, but chief administrator Kathy Alexander said the 50 per cent target provided better value.

“I think it’s beholden on us to make that commitment, recognising the return of investment on both the council and the environment,” she said.

To slice the 2014-15 rate of emissions in half by 2020, the council has identified a $681,000 spend on roof- top solar installations at eight civic venues.

The 530kW suite of works includes substantial additions to existing panels at City Hall and the National Wool Museum, and new large systems at the sports and aquatic centres.

The council will also look at funding opportunities for large-scale solar projects, having previously examined siting a venture at the disused Corio landfill.

Energy efficiency and conservation measures worth $634,000, such as fuel-efficient vehicles and LED street lighting, will also be pursued.

However, the bulk of the savings would be made through the $71,573 annual purchasing of accredited offsets.

These would make up 42 per cent of the 50 per cent total.

The reduction would cut deeper than the target marks set by state and federal governments over the next decade.

Dr Alexander also reiterated the council’s long-term plan to reach zero net emissions, which was in line by a Victorian target of being carbon-neutral by 2050.