Council recognised as sustainability leader

Northern Beaches Council’s sustainability credentials have been underlined by Council receiving Bronze Partner status from the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage program.

The Sustainability Advantage Recognition Scheme provides public acknowledgement of the sustainability achievements of member institutions.

Since joining in October 2016, Council has been working towards achieving Bronze Partner status.

Projects that helped Council achieve the recognition were lighting upgrades at buildings, carparks and sports fields, heating and cooling system upgrades as well as installation of solar panels at Cromer and Balgowlah depots.

The program also took into account Council’s efforts to measure resource use and waste generation and to develop strategies for reduction as well as initiatives to embed sustainability through all of Council’s business units.

These projects as well as other Sustainability Advantage program activities are also helping Council towards meeting its climate change pledges as part of the Cities Power Partnership.

Implementing the sport lighting upgrades alone generated 56 Energy Saving Certificates. The newly installed Cromer and Balgowlah solar PV systems are providing 40% of the energy at each site and are on track to save Council 121 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Going forward, Council plans more solar PV installations, implementation of new community waste services, accelerated streetlight improvements and a new environment strategy.

With these plans and actions, we are starting the process of achieving Silver Partner status.

Council wishes to thank all staff involved for their efforts in achieving this important Bronze Partner recognition.