Climate Change

Changes to the earth's climate as a result of the greenhouse effect are becoming more evident. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that heats up the earth's surface, but the increase of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the earth's atmosphere is heating the earth much faster than before.

This warming of the earth is evident from observations of:

• increases in global average air and ocean temperatures;
• widespread melting of snow and ice; and
• rising global average sea level.

In recognition of the threat of climate change, Marrickville Council established a target in 2001 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2010. In order to work towards this aspirational target a number of projects focused on energy and transport have been and continue to be implemented to reduce the organisation's greenhouse gas emissions. 

Energy

Stationary energy is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases in NSW this is primarily a result of coal-fired electricity generation. Marrickville Council has adopted a position of opposing all new coal-fired power stations in NSW on the grounds that it is incompatible with mitigating dangerous climate change. Council supports investment in energy efficiency measures and renewable power sources.

Marrickville Council is reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency measures and investigating sources of renewable energy. As part of Council's Energy Saving Action Plan a number of initiatives have been implemented to reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions:

• Energy efficient lighting refurbishments at a number of corporate and community facilities
• Installation of solar panels at Tillman Park Child Care Centre
• Replacement of old air conditioning units with energy efficient air conditioners at some Child Care and Community Centres
• Installation of a pool blanket and heat pumps to reduce heating requirements at swimming pools

Council's Major Projects will aim to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy saving projects have reduced Councils energy consumption steadily over the last four years.

Wind Energy

Renewable energy, such as wind power, can help us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also represents an opportunity for the Marrickville community to take action to generate energy locally from a renewable source.

In early 2009 Council was approached by Aerogenesis Australia Pty Ltd (Aerogenesis) to investigate Tempe Lands as a potential site for an urban wind farm. Aerogenesis had identified Tempe Lands as a suitable site due to its access to a good wind resource. Aerogenesis are still undertaking their own independent feasibility investigations and have not at this stage confirmed their interest in this site.

Given the level of interest from the community in this preliminary proposal of a wind farm at Tempe, Council are committed to keeping the local community informed about any progress. Updates will continue being provided to residents by direct post and on the website.

• Possible urban wind farm at Tempe Lands: Update letter for residents

Transport and Peak Oil

One of Council's fuel efficient hybrid vehicles.

Transport is the second biggest contributor to greenhouse gases in NSW this is primarily from road transport.

Marrickville Council has demonstrated it's commitment to reducing transport related greenhouse gas emissions by signing the Oil Depletion Protocol and establishing an internal working group to reduce fuel consumption.

The Oil Depletion Protocol (ODP) was established to encourage a world wide reduction in the consumption of, and dependence upon, oil. The protocol is an international agreement designed to deliver these reductions in a collaborative way. Individuals, businesses, non-government organisations and governments have signed up to the ODP.

In August 2007 Marrickville Council became the first local Council in Australia to sign the Oil Depletion Protocol. As a signatory to the Oil Depletion Protocol, Council has committed to reducing its oil consumption by 3% per annum.

In the 2008-2009 financial year Council reduced oil consumption by over 6% on 2007-2008 levels. This has been achieved by reducing fuel and engine oil consumption through the following initiatives:

• introducing the use of a 20% biodiesel fuel across the heavy vehicle fleet;
• trialling the use of 100% biodiesel in four resource recovery trucks;
• encouraging the use of 10% ethanol blend fuel in the passenger vehicle fleet; and
• purchasing more fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles.

Council reports annually on fuel consumption as part of the Peak Oil Action Plan. Oil and fuel consumption has decreased over the last three years.