AS Bathurst Regional Council completes installation of solar panels at its Peel Street depot, it has been awarded the ‘Gold Standard’ for its commitment to environmental responsibility and accountability in energy reporting and performance by independent energy audit company Planet Footprint.
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Since 2008, Bathurst Regional Council has utilised the services of Planet Footprint to track energy and water use as a way of building the case for action and change.
According to the director of Planet Footprint, Dean Jackson, Bathurst Regional Council has excelled in its continuous monitoring and management of energy and water costs, consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Council has been successful in utilising Planet Footprint’s service to build accountability and transparency throughout council and has demonstrated a commitment to engaging staff in improving energy, financial and environmental performance,” Mr Jackson said.
“Only 26 councils from nearly 200 councils nationwide who subscribe to Planet Footprint were successful in achieving ‘Gold Standard’, so it is a real achievement and Bathurst Regional Council should be proud of their commitment and achievements.”
Bathurst mayor, Councillor Monica Morse said this recent award again demonstrates council’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
“Council was recently awarded Skillset’s Sustainability Award and now receiving Planet Footprint’s ‘Gold Standard’ award shows that our efforts are paying off, and council is being recognised by leaders in the industry, she said.
In response to escalating energy costs and the increased importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Bathurst Regional Council took the proactive step of employing a sustainability strategy officer in 2009.
Since then, council has installed more than 50kW of solar power, conducted energy audits of its largest facilities, replaced more than 2500 inefficient office lights, installed solar hot water at seven sites and developed a staff resource efficiency team.
The latest instalment in this program is a 27.47kW system at the Council’s Peel Street depot.
In total 84 x 327W panels installed on north western side of store roof which produces around 120kWh / day. This is equivalent to powering around eight Bathurst homes.
It is expected to pay for itself within four years and is funded through Council’s Revolving Energy Fund.
Cr Morse said although the energy requirements of the organisation continue to grow, council has been able to stabilise its overall energy use and offset the cost rises at some of its facilities which is delivering real cost savings.
