A healthy community is both one that takes care of it's environment, and one that has a diverse range of community groups who have the resources and skills to be sustainable in to the future.
The City of Albany community has said it would like to see a 'clean, green and sustainable City' one which embraces
- renewable energy and energy efficient practices
- sustainable waste practices
- development and maintenance of relevant and functional infrastructure.
The City is focused on the challenges of implementing energy efficiency, water management, sustainable travel, fleet and plant management, carbon offset and waste management.
To find out more about the initiatives being introduced for each of these challenges please read more below.
The City of Albany supports community groups and organisations by providing a program of capacity building workshops throughout the year.
The workshops vary depending on the needs of the community groups - past workshops have included grant funding, volunteer management, and accessible clubs.
For information on any future workshops, contact the Community Development Team on 6820 3023.
As governments are significant users of energy in the community, there is an opportunity to increase energy efficiency within the City’s operations and to demonstrate to the community it’s efforts in reducing energy consumption.
As part of the City's Carbon Reduction Strategy, actions on energy reduction has been broken down into 4 key areas where the most energy is currently consumed and where the biggest savings can be made. These areas include
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
- street lighting
- internal building lighting
- alternative energy supply.
By encouraging improved energy practices relating to the 4 identified key areas, the City will be able to provide improved services and amenities, while reducing the City’s energy use and carbon emissions.
Residents can do their bit to reduce energy and contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change by taking easy steps in their homes. Visit this website for more information:
Water is essential for life and with growing pressure on water resources from population growth and the effects of climate change it is critical for governments to effectively manage this precious resource.
Reducing the City's water consumption and improving water quality can be achieved in range of ways including:
- water efficiency in City facilities and building
- improved irrigation system and scheduling practices
- improved turf maintenance practices and planting regimes
- accurate measuring and recording of current water use
- supporting principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design
The City is currently working towards developing a Water Management Plan that will guide actions in the coming years.
Residents can contribute to reducing their water consumption by implementing a few easy actions these might include converting gardens to local waterwise species, taking shorter showers and installing water efficient appliances. To find out more about what you can do visit the Water Corporation website here
The need to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from transport is becoming a major challenge for business and the community, with transport contributing more than 80% of the carbon emissions across Australia.
The City of Albany owns, controls, manages and maintains an extensive range of fleet and plant which currently includes 66 fleet vehicles and 85 pieces of plant, with 2014/15 replacements totalling approximately $1.64 million.
There are a number of strategies that the City already incorporates in it’s operations to achieve a reduction in GHG emissions such as
- vehicle performance through fuel efficiency measures
- maintenance, service, and renewal programs
- driver behaviour programs
- replacement programs
- green fleet initiatives.
Residents can do their bit to reduce emissions from travel by participating in a range of sustainable travel programs including the City's TravelSmart initiative. To find out more read below.
Most people will recognise that trees play an essential role in the environment by providing oxygen and absorbing carbon in the atmosphere. Depending on the type, size and condition of a tree, the average single tree can absorb as much as 22 kilos of carbon a year.
Tree planting initiatives such as street tree planting can also add value to our community by:
- Providing shade and protection from the elements
- reducing heat and glare
- improving mental health and well being
- providing habitats for diversity of fauna
- adding moisture and oxygen to the air
- enhancing aesthetics within the streetscape
The City is currently developing a street tree database that will include a City wide audit of street tree specimens. This information will be used to formulate a tree management and planting strategy throughout the City.
The planting strategy will enable the City to develop and retain attractive and sustainable streetscapes, while reducing our carbon footprint.
The TravelSmart Albany initiative is being implemented to help community members and visitors to use their cars less and choose alternatives such as walking, cycling and public transport. The initiative helps schools and businesses to plan and implement programs to encourage their students and staff to walk or ride to work and school. The program also helps to promote the benefits of active transport for peoples health and the environment. The TravelSmart Officer position is funded by Department of Transport with projects implemented under the program funded by a range of partner organisations and the City of Albany.
The waste sector greenhouse gas emissions accounted for 3% of Australia's total domestic emissions in 2009.
The City has a Strategic Waste Plan (2014) which analyses the current operations and develops action plans to improve services and reduce waste to landfill. Actions identified include:
- coordinate a regional approach with adjacent local governments
- review of landfill data collection systems
- increase recycling to minimise waste stream to landfill
- facilitate education programs
- manage facilities to best practice
- investigate new waste technologies
There are a range of programs and initiatives that the community can participate in to reduce their waste and minimise their impact on the environment.
To find out more about your recycling and waste management options please visit the 'Tips & Recycling Centres' of this website.