Council has resolved to be net zero by 2030 (Council) and 2050 (Community), in line with science-based international and government commitments.

This means the amount of greenhouse gases we remove and avoid equals or exceeds those which we produce, resulting in an overall zero increase in emissions.

Achieving these net zero targets will contribute to averting the worst impacts of climate change and keeping our planet liveable.

To meet this resolution, Sutherland Shire’s draft Climate Strategy is being developed within the framework of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy network, which we joined in July 2021.

The draft Climate Strategy includes the measurement of current greenhouse gas emissions for both the Council and the Community. With this information we can set targets for reductions, implement actions to achieve those targets, track and report our success. We’re confident we’ll be a net zero emitter of greenhouse gases by 2030 and doing our part in tackling climate change.

How much greenhouse gas is Council and Sutherland Shire emitting?

Council Emissions 2020/21

Our Environmental Science Unit has crunched the numbers and we’ve found that in the financial year 2020-21 council emitted 16,869 tonnes of greenhouse gas with the two largest sources being our electricity use and natural gas. Together this totalled 73% of our emissions. Our smallest source is from petrol, e10 and LPG which together make 1% on the chart.

Community Emissions 20/21

We also found that for the same period, our community released 1,979,018 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Electricity use was the largest source of emissions producing 50%, followed by transport at 30%, waste at 16%, gas at 3% and wastewater at 1%.

What will our emission reduction targets be?

Based on our 2020-2021 emissions, the following targets have been identified to get Council to Net Zero emissions by 2030:

  • 85% electrification of light passenger fleet, plant & equipment
  • 5% heavy fleet transition to fossil fuel alternatives (trucks, utes, etc)
  • 100% of energy supplied by non-fossil fuels
  • Four-fold increase in solar generation and storage
  • 80% of Council operational waste diverted from landfill
  • 20% reduction in construction embodied emissions

Based on our 2020-2021 emissions, the following targets have been identified to get our community Net Zero emissions by 2050:

  • Three-fold increase in roof top solar generation
  • 20% reduction of per person travel emissions
  • 80% of new passenger vehicles being electric
  • 80% of organic waste diversion from landfill
  • 30% of waste emissions reductions per person

Our journey to net zero emissions

Reaching net zero emissions involves reducing six main carbon emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4, SF6, HFCs, PFCs) across all sectors in the economy (energy, transport, land use, industrial processes, agriculture, and waste) from the atmosphere down to zero.

In practice this means implementing the emissions reduction hierarchy of avoid, reduce, replace or switch and offset, with a focus on avoid and reduce through energy efficiency, electrification, active transport, and renewable energy. Offsets will be our last resort.

To achieve this, council's draft Climate Strategy establishes three key focus areas:

  • Thrive: Supporting our community to reduce their emissions to enable people and nature to thrive together.
  • Design: Our parks, urban landscapes, homes, and the connections between them will be built sustainably in balance with nature.
  • Lead: We lead by example through renewable energy, circular economy, and net zero fleet, construction, services, and facilities.

Here's some  of the work we're doing while the Climate Strategy is being drafted.

  • Committing to renewable energy. In addition to the solar arrays currently installed on Council buildings, as of 1 July 2022, Council now sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. This has already resulted in a 59% drop in emissions from our 2020/21 baseline.
  • Constructing roads from recycled materials, such as our Bundeena Drive roadworks.
  • Encouraging fossil fuel-free movement through our Active Transport Strategy.
  • Sequestering carbon locally, supporting biodiversity, and reducing the heat island effect through street tree planting and our Greenweb program.
  • Introducing electric vehicles to our corporate fleet, with plans for more.
  • Promoting the environment and sustainability across Council departments and daily business via our internal ‘Take Action and Go Green’ group.

The Pavilion Entertainment Centre Solar PanelsSolar panels at The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre,  30 Eton Street, Sutherland NSW

Case Study:  Council Going Off-Grid

  • The Anglers Club was originally connected to the main grid by 5 power poles that required replacement and going off-grid was found to be a significantly cheaper option than replacing them.
  • 22 solar panels were installed that can generate 11kW of energy an hour, and a battery that can hold 30kW of energy.
  • A new switchboard was also installed, and additional energy reduction updates were made, including a switch from floodlights to LED outdoor lights and an energy-efficient hot water heat pump system.
  • The off-grid system has been up and running since July 2023.
  • The removal of the powerlines has opened views for residents of Botany Bay.
  • The Anglers Club is now fully energy-independent, and there are no ongoing energy bills for Council.
  • This system will save approximately 1.7 tonnes of C02 emissions annually, the equivalent of 28.1 trees growing for 10 years.

Anglersclub