Reducing Moreland's emissions

Moreland's Contribution to Climate Change

In 2005/6, energy use by the Moreland community led to 1,880,800 tonnes of greenhouse gases being emitted.* In visual terms this is equivalent to around 38 billion balloons (1 balloon = 50 grams) or around fourteen tonnes per person. One tonne of carbon dioxide would fill the size of an average home.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Moreland come from a range of sources including residential energy use, commercial and industrial energy use, transportation and waste.**

More than half of these emissions come from electricity usage, the vast majority of which is generated through burning brown coal in the Latrobe Valley. For more details on household energy use in Moreland download this fact sheet from the Victorian Department of Sustainability and the Environment ***.

Our local greenhouse emissions are estimated to grow unless we take actions to curb our energy usage today.

Moreland goes for Zero Net Emissions!

In April 2007 Moreland City Council endorsed its Climate Action Plan 2007 - 2012. The plan is Council's attempt to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions from both Council operations and the wider community.

The plan provides Council with the tools to take emission reductions further than ever before. In fact, the plan is committed to a goal of zero net emissions for Council operations by 2012 and zero net emissions for the Moreland Community by 2030.

Zero net emissions is achieved through firstly reducing emissions as far as possible and secondly, compensating for remaining emissions through purchasing GreenPower and other offsets.

This target is much more ambitious than state or federal greenhouse reduction goals, and will involve the whole of Moreland getting involved. Together we can make a difference to climate change.

To download Moreland City Council's Climate Action Plan 2007-2012 visit the Moreland City Council website.

Zero Carbon Moreland Campaign

In late 2008 the Moreland Energy Foundation received funding from the Australian Government to commence the Moreland Solar City project, in partnership with the Moreland City Council, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Sustainability Victoria. Zero Carbon Moreland is one of the main campaign streams within this project.

In its first stage the Zero Carbon Moreland campaign aims to engage 10% of the Moreland community in actions to reduce their greenhouse pollution by 20% by 2010. Although this seems like a big task, many households, businesses and community groups throughout Moreland are already well on the way to achieving zero net emissions. Whether you own a home, rent, run a business or work for someone else, there are steps you can take to be part of achieving zero net emissions by 2030 in our community.

By joining the Zero Carbon Moreland campaign you will receive assistance and support to measure your current carbon footprint from your home and activities, and develop a plan to reduce it to zero over time.

To find out more have a look at the Zero Carbon Moreland website

Sources:
*Australian Bureau of Statistics for Moreland 2006, using year population and state-based per capita consumption data.
** Towards Zero Net Emissions for the NAGA Region 2009.
*** Victorian Department of Sustainability and the Environment, residential energy use study 2009