Go Back

Achieving Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency

Share Achieving Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency on Facebook Share Achieving Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency on Twitter Share Achieving Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency on Linkedin Email Achieving Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency link

Council is committed to becoming a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, if not sooner. During the development of the Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2017-2036, the community told us that they want to live sustainably and reduce their ecological footprint.

In response to this, Council has already implemented a number of sustainability measures for its own operations, including:

  • 90% of Council’s electricity is now powered by renewable energy
  • under the Hawkesbury City Solar program, Council has installed 2,776 solar panels producing 764kW across 12 Council facilities and saving 800 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year
  • changed street lighting

Council is committed to becoming a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, if not sooner. During the development of the Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2017-2036, the community told us that they want to live sustainably and reduce their ecological footprint.

In response to this, Council has already implemented a number of sustainability measures for its own operations, including:

  • 90% of Council’s electricity is now powered by renewable energy
  • under the Hawkesbury City Solar program, Council has installed 2,776 solar panels producing 764kW across 12 Council facilities and saving 800 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year
  • changed street lighting to LED street lights saving more than 3,260 tonnes CO2e emissions over the next 20 years
  • installation of LED lighting in Council facilities
  • Council has also been working on its recycled water management which during the recent drought allowed Council to offer the ‘Baling for our Backyard’ initiative. Bales of Lucerne were offered to local farmers at a discounted rate. The bales were grown using recycled water from Council’s McGraths Hill Waste Water Treatment Facility

Council is now developing a Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy to further its commitment to reduce emissions and become more environmentally sustainable.

By completing this short survey, you will be contributing to Council’s approach to becoming a net zero emissions organisation. You will also be letting Council know how we can assist you to reduce your household or workplace emissions. Have your say about how you feel about Council’s initiatives, and tell us what you are already doing to reduce your ecological footprint.

Your feedback is valuable. The survey should take you less than 10 minutes to complete.

Should you have any enquiries with respect to this matter, please contact Adriana Genova, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator on (02) 4560 4444 or attention email enquiries council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

  • Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy on public exhibition

    Share Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy on public exhibition on Facebook Share Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy on public exhibition on Twitter Share Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy on public exhibition on Linkedin Email Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy on public exhibition link

    Council has a commitment to become a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, if not sooner. Additionally, the Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2017-2036 outlines that the Hawkesbury community aspires to become a carbon neutral Local Government Area. In order to establish a pathway to achieving these aspirations and direction, Council has recently prepared a Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy.

    The Draft Strategy outlines a plan to guide Council, and the community to achieve emissions and water reductions across Council’s operations and the broader local government area. The Draft Strategy will assist to deliver a climate resilient community with economic benefits for council and the community through decreased operational costs and environmental benefits. The implementation of this Draft Strategy requires collaboration and coordination across Council, and stakeholders, including residents, businesses and state government agencies.

    Following technical analysis of the emissions sources, population projections and the development and implementation of the actions referenced in the Draft Strategy, the following targets for emissions reductions and water efficiency have been recommended:

    Council Operations

    • Net Zero Emissions by 2030 or earlier
    • No net increase in potable water use (Sydney Water Mains)
    • All non-potable water demand to be serviced using recycled water

    The Hawkesbury Community

    • 25% reduction in emissions relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2028
    • 60% reduction in emissions relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2036
    • Net Zero Emissions by 2050 through strategies and carbon offsets
    • No net increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2028
    • Under 5% increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2036
    • Under 25% increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2050

    The Draft Strategy covers 6 Strategies towards a net zero resilient Hawkesbury, including:

    1. A more resilient and renewable powered grid
    2. Greener suburbs and better design
    3. Low carbon and local transport
    4. Towards a zero-waste community
    5. Drought resilient, green centres
    6. Council leading by example

    At its meeting on 8th December 2020, Council resolved to place the;

    The Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy is on public exhibition for the period Friday 18 December 2020 to Monday 15 February 2021.

    The Draft Strategy can be viewed during the exhibition period:

    • Council’s online community engagement site www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au,
    • at Council’s Administration Office, 366 George Street, Windsor between 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

    Council would welcome the opportunity to engage with and seek feedback from all stakeholders regarding the Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy. Written submissions in relation to the Draft Strategy can be:

    The last day for the receipt of submissions is Monday 15 February 2021

    Should you have any enquiries with respect to this matter, please contact Andrew Kearns, Manager Strategic Planning Manager on (02) 45604604 or Adriana Genova, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator on (02) 4560 4558.

Page last updated: 11 Dec 2020, 10:31 AM