Pool and tip part of climate strategy

Solar heating at the Woy Woy pool and increased methane collection at Woy Woy tip are among the measures adopted by Gosford Council to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by the year 2025.

The council's Climate Change Mitigation Strategy will almost halve Council's emissions compared to its 2001 levels, according to carbon and energy management officer Mr Dan Waters.

The strategy, which has been in development since August 2010, would guide Council in reducing carbon emissions as well as providing direction and leadership on energy efficiency within the community, he said.

The Strategy gave overall direction for energy efficient practices and identifies new renewable energy projects.

Mr Waters said it encompassed current and future clean energy initiatives from Council.

"We have been implementing a number of projects focused on reducing Council's carbon footprint and the Climate Change Mitigation Strategy will identify opportunities and priorities for moving forward.

"Projects identified by the strategy will increase business efficiency while reducing energy and waste, resulting in a carbon reduction as well as cost savings for Council.

"We will also now develop a Carbon Management Response Plan which will document, facilitate and track the implementation of our 20 per cent carbon reduction target by 2025," said Mr Waters.

"We have been very pleased with reductions made across a number of Council assets with the installation of LED lighting at the Gosford Town Centre Car Park and further lighting efficiency installations currently taking place at the Laycock St Theatre and our administration building.

"Our recently installed solar thermal pool heating system at the Peninsula Leisure Centre is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 139 tonnes CO2-equivalent per year.

"Work is already underway on one of the opportunities identified within the strategy: Carbon emissions from the Woy Woy landfill will be reduced by increasing the methane collection system efficiency.

"While we have been able to implement these initiatives with great success, we have also been able to earmark a number of opportunities for future savings," said Mr Waters.

Media Release, 15 Aug 2012

Dan Waters, Gosford Council