The City of Onkaparinga has slashed its corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent over the past decade, following a slew of energy-reducing projects.

The drop, from 15,065 tonnes of CO2e in 2010-11 to 8,733 tonnes in 2018-19, comes in the wake of council energy reduction projects such as changing 12,000 streetlights to 14-watt LED technology in 2018 – slashing their electricity use by 40 per cent – and a program to ‘green’ council-owned buildings.

The emissions reduction was boosted by an increase in renewable energy use at state level.

Council’s electricity use has also dropped by 35 per cent since 2010-11.

Mayor Erin Thompson says the emissions reduction is a fantastic result for the environment, demonstrating how council’s long-term commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is paying off.

“City of Onkaparinga has been serious about reducing its carbon footprint for a long time, and we’ve been measuring our emissions for over 20 years.

“The 42 per cent reduction is really pleasing, but the work doesn’t stop here. We’ve been involved in a number of significant projects since to further reduce our emissions and future-proof our region from the impacts of climate change.”

Other exciting energy-reduction projects completed or underway in 2019-20 include:

• Installation of 1,000 solar panels at council’s three highest energy-consuming sites.
• Circular procurement targets prioritising the use of recycled materials in council projects
• Use of 10,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt in roadworks across the city.
• The first South Australian road built using recycled soft plastics and glass.

A corporate emissions target will be taken to elected members by the end of 2019-20, which will be included in a Climate Change Response Plan currently under development.