Woy Woy power units help win trophy

The use of power factor correction units at the Woy Woy Sewage Treatment Works is claimed to have contributed to the awarding of an environmental trophy to Gosford Council

The Council has been awarded the special trophy for its efforts to cut greenhouse gases under the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program.

Council has completed a study of the greenhouse gases produced in the region.

Results of this study will help council produce a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal (Milestone 2 of the CCP program) and a Local Greenhouse Action plan (Milestone 3).

Action under this plan will target council's in-house emissions and those of local residents and businesses.

Council has taken a number of measures to cut greenhouse gases, according to the council's community liaison officer Ms Vicki Brown:

"Power factor correction units have been installed at Erina Depot, Woy Woy Sewage Treatment Works, Kincumber major sewer pumping station and the Gosford administration building," she said.

"Timers have been fitted on lights in the administration building to stop lights being left on all night and over weekends;

"Energy-saving tri-phosphor fluorescent tubes have been fitted in the administration building, and insulation has been installed at offices at the Erina Depot."

Through their planning powers, building codes and spending policies, local governments have a strong influence over as much as half of their local communities' greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) CCP Program Manager, Maria Simonelli.

"Our pioneer councils have shown they are willing to take action on greenhouse gases and have already made some big savings," said Ms Simonelli.

"Councils are finding out they can save money at the same time they save the planet."

Ms Simonelli claimed the energy savings were recycled into local job creation.

"They are helping to diversify their local economies with a broad range of green growth industries including energy-efficiency services for buildings, recycling, solar and wind power and alternative transport fuels."

The program is funded by the Federal Government with $13 million to be spent over five years.

November 15