Emissions milestone for city

KNOX City Council has reached a major milestone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The council announced during its ordinary meeting last month that it had achieved a Milestone Five rating in the worldwide Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP).
It is one of 20 Victorian councils participating in the program, and is the 18th municipality to now commit to the next stage, CCP Plus.
As part of its objective to reach Milestone Five status, the council developed the Knox Greenhouse Action Plan in 2003 with the goal of cutting emissions by 30 per cent by 2010.
The measures taken to reduce emissions by two per cent so far resulted from an energy audit last financial year, according to mayor Jenny Moore.
Cr Moore said as a result energy saving techniques were implemented.
“Recommendations from earlier audits were also implemented at the Ferntree Gully Community Centre and Library and Amaroo Gardens,” she said.
“Evaporative air conditioners were installed at a number of childcare centres, replacing boxtype air conditioning units.
“Lighting voltage controllers were installed at Boronia Basketball Stadium.
“Four gasboosted solar hot water units were installed at Amaroo Gardens.”
Chandler Ward councillor Ben Smith said the council now purchased 10 per cent of its electricity for street lights and several facilities from alternative power sources such as wind farms.