Council hits 100 percent renewable energy target five years early

Published on 07 February 2022

Byron Shire Council is now sourcing 60 percent of its total electricity needs from one wind farm in the NSW Southern Tablelands. The remaining 40 percent is being sourced from certified GreenPower projects.

The two-year wind energy contract, which began on 1 January, means that Council has now achieved its 100 percent renewable energy target five years ahead of its 2027 goal.

“In 2017, Council resolved to source all of the energy it needs, for operational purposes, through renewable sources by 2027 and it is great news that this target has already been achieved,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.

“Achieving 100 percent of our energy needs from renewable sources also means we are making good progress towards our objectives in the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025.”

“It certainly gives me hope that when we put our minds to it, we can make real changes to address climate change and reduce our carbon footprint,” the Mayor said.

“Demand-management is very important too, and to that end, we are reducing our energy usage across Council this year by implementing new energy efficiency measures at the Mullumbimby Administration Building, continuing our innovative pump station renewal program and progressing the bulk lighting upgrade for Byron’s street lights,” he said.

Find out more at Net Zero Projects - Byron Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)

For media enquiries contact Council’s Media and Communications Team on 6626 7243.