Reducing Moreland's emissions

Moreland's Contribution to Climate Change

In 2001, energy use by the Moreland community led to 1,837,895 tonnes of greenhouse gases being emitted.* In visual terms this is equivalent to around 37 billion balloons (1 balloon = 50 grams) or around ten 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. See the Moreland Greenhouse Fact sheets in the resources section for further information.

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.

Our local greenhouse emissions are estimated to grow (by up to 50% by 2020) 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 2020 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.

Zero Carbon Moreland Campaign

In late 2008, the Moreland Energy Foundation in partnership with Moreland City Council will be launching a new Zero Carbon Moreland campaign.

Although this seems like a big task, many households, businesses and community groups throughout Moreland are already well on the way to achieving zero carbon 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 click here

Sources:
*Australian Bureau of Statistics for Moreland 2001, using year population and state-based per capita consumption data.