How we are combating climate change

We believe we can work together to reduce the impact of climate change.

In September 2019, Woollahra Council joined many other local councils in acknowledging we are in a state of climate emergency.

There are lots of steps we are taking to help reduce our carbon emissions. Here are just a few:

• We’ve increased our use of renewable energy by installing solar panels on five of our properties.
• We implemented a power purchase agreement to ensure 30% of our electricity is from renewable sources.
• We installed energy efficient lighting in our properties and we’re upgrading street lighting.
• We’re trialling an innovative new sustainable asphalt product made from recycled plastics and glass, reducing our use of virgin materials.
• We’ve encouraged the uptake of electric vehicles by providing public charging stations and amended our planning controls to facilitate their use in new developments.
• We’ve promoted sustainable transport by providing a network of cycleways and footpaths.
• We continue to regenerate our bushland areas and last year we planted 9831 new trees and shrubs.
• We harvest stormwater and are investigating further ways to reduce our reliance on potable water.
• We worked with our neighbouring councils to develop and implement the Eastern Suburbs Low Carbon Future Plan.

Students at Rose Bay Public School were excited to turn on their school's new solar system

We also support our local community to reduce – and offset – their carbon emissions by providing a number of programs and events.

Here’s how you can get involved.

Energy

• Install solar panels at home
• Sign up for Solar My School
• Upgrade to energy efficient lighting (LEDs) at home
• Contact the Australian Energy Foundation for free advice about how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce your power bills.

Waste

• Book a free e-waste collection
• Join the Compost Revolution and get a worm farm or compost bin at 80% off RRP
• Brush up on your knowledge of what can and can’t be recycled
• Keep your pre-loved goods out of landfill and give them a second lease on life.

Protecting our local environment

• Join one of our Bushcare groups and help us regenerate local bushland
• Join our HarbourCare program and work with us to combat ocean pollution
• Get involved with a Community Garden to grow your own produce alongside neighbours.

Environmental education

Come along to one of our many events throughout the year. This year we’ll be running workshops on composting and worm farming, native bee keeping and weed identification. We’re also running a series of beach clean-ups and an electric vehicle workshop.

View all our upcoming events and sign up to the Our Environment e-newsletter for all the latest event information.