Maroondah Council lighting the way on energy efficiency

Council is in the next phase of a project that will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 15,000 tonnes over the next decade.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Nora Lamont said this was equivalent to removing about 300 cars from the road each year for the next 10 years.

“We are cutting greenhouse gas and reducing the burden of rising energy costs by replacing existing lighting at our aquatic and leisure facilities, Aquahub and Aquanation, with energy-efficient LED lighting,” Cr Lamont said.

“LED lights have an operating life of between 30,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to existing high-intensity lights which have a lifespan of about 5000 hours and involve an expensive process to replace. Replacing these high-intensity lights must be done during daylight hours, often meaning sections of our leisure centres need to be temporarily closed, causing some disruption to operating hours,” Cr Lamont said.

Cr Lamont said that in addition to substantial electricity and maintenance cost savings, the project would significantly contribute to reducing gas emissions to help meet Council’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2020.

Further energy-efficient upgrades include the installation of solar power with battery storage capabilities at Realm and Aquahub, and high efficiency hot water boilers and variable speed drivers for pool pumps at Aquahub and LED pool hall lighting at Aquanation.

Council will invest a total of $1.58 million in 2017-18 towards the project rollout, a move that will bring annual cost savings of more than $242,500 and an estimated 1500-tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions each year.

The savings will be made possible through an Energy Performance Contract (EPC).

“Maroondah has worked with three other Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action member councils (Yarra Ranges, Knox and Boroondara) to jointly procure an EPC program – the first of its kind in the Australian Local Government sector,” Cr Lamont said.

“A fundamental element of the EPC process is that savings are contractually guaranteed by the energy services company. Savings delivered by the project will be retained and reallocated towards other Council priorities,” Cr Lamont said.

Cr Lamont said this was an important initiative that delivered real benefits in terms of cost savings and reduced energy emissions.

“For example, a detailed energy-saving study completed for Aquahub shows a guaranteed annual saving of $144,764, with a minimum nine-year return on investment. This equates to a substantial $1.5 million saved over a 10-year period,” Cr Lamont said.

“Every dollar Council can save through energy-efficient upgrades is a dollar that can be spent on improving services and amenity for our community.”

Cr Lamont said Council was keen to build on the success of its Street Light Project by extending energy-efficient upgrades across other council sites.

“Council is in the last stage of its Street Light Project, which once complete, will see 5720 street lights replaced with energy-efficient LED alternatives, reducing energy consumption and associated costs by around 77 per cent.

“The capital investment and estimated savings are necessary to maintain Council services in a rate called environment into the future,” Cr Lamont said.