Energy and Climate

Climate Change

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Climate change is a critical issue of significant changes in global climates. Climate change is a result of the build-up of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in our atmosphere. This is largely due to our heavy reliance on burning fossil fuels (petrol, gas and coal) for energy use – especially for electricity generation and transport. Greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat and contribute to higher temperatures – this is called global warming.

Darebin Climate Emergency Plan

Darebin City Council has produced a draft Climate Emergency Plan, and we want to know if you think we are on the right track.

Want more information on Climate Change?

 

 

 

Video of the Darebin Climate Forum 2016

Solar Programs

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Interested in installing solar on your property through our solar programs?

Solar Bulk Buy Program 

Applications have now closed for the 2016 round of the Solar Bulk Buy program.

The program offered Darebin households, organisations and businesses the opportunity to purchase quality solar panel systems from a trusted supplier at a great price.  Participants paid upfront for their solar system and chose from a range of sizes from 1.5 kW to 10kW or greater. All systems came with a 10 year warranty on panels, inverter and installation.

Solar Saver Program

Applications have now closed for the 2016 round of the Solar $aver program. 

This program allowed pensioners; not-for-profit organisations; and renters in social housing, in receipt of a Centrelink benefit or in housing poverty the chance to get a solar system.  Housing poverty is defined as households earning less than 80% of median income, who pay more than 30% of their weekly income on rent or mortgage payments. Council pays the cost up front and it is paid it off interest-free over 10 years through quarterly rate payments.

To register your interest for future solar programs email solar@darebin.vic.gov.au .  Don't forget to include your name, address, contact details (telephone number and email) and which of these two programs you are interested in.


Participants pay upfront for the solar system and choose from a range of system sizes from 1.5kW to 10kW. 
Participants pay upfront for the solar system and choose from a range of system sizes from 1.5kW to 10kW. 
Participants pay upfront for the solar system and choose from a range of system sizes from 1.5kW to 10kW. 

Solar Panels

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Solar electricity panels offer a cost effective way to reduce your electricity bill and reduce emissions.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert light energy from the sun into direct current electricity using solar panels mounted on your roof. The electrical charge is usually transmitted to an inverter and fed into your households electricity needs and the main electricity grid. Inverters convert direct current into an alternating current used by household appliances.

Most electricity distributed in Victoria is generated from brown coal which produces greenhouse gases. Solar energy does not produce greenhouse gases.

If you are interested in getting solar panels, please check out the current solar programs on offer.

Factsheets:


Saving Energy

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We rely on energy everyday and as energy supplies are limited, we need to conserve our usage wisely.

The Energy Conservation Hierarchy

  • Minimise energy use – use natural light, heating, and cooling where possible. Insulate your home to keep summer heat out and winter heat in and reduce the need for additional heating and cooling  
  • Use energy efficiently – choose efficient lighting such as LED or compact fluorescent globes and appliances with a high Energy Star Rating
  • Use renewable energy – consider installing solar electricity, solar hot water and switching to GreenPower
  • Offset – your remaining emissions

Darebin City Council's Community Climate Change Action Plan

The Action Plan (2009-2015), provides a framework for Darebin Council to support the Darebin community in significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The Action Plan has been prepared in response to the recognised threat and severity of climate change and its effects on the Darebin community. Darebin Council has already significantly reduced greenhouse our own greenhouse gas emissions through this plan, and is currently supporting the community to take action on this important issue.

Learn more by downloading a copy of the Community Climate Change Action Plan via this link.

Pooling Our Energy Savings

Users of Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Reservoir Leisure Centre might have noticed the regular works being undertaken over the last 2 years. We are excited to announce that the 'Pooling our Energy Savings' energy efficiency upgrades and installation of power generation technologies have now been completed.  

These upgrades are expected to deliver a reduction in operational costs of over $100,000, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2000 tonnes per year. That’s the same as taking about 500 cars off the road!  

The energy efficiency upgrades are similar to the energy efficiency measures we can all take at home, although these are on a larger scale!  We installed;

  • Onsite power generation – generating our own electricity for the buildings using natural gas which is cleaner and cheaper than coal-generated electricity from our power grid
  • Draught sealing for gaps around doors and windows
  • Double glazed doors
  • Better insulation
  • Insulated pool blankets
  • LED lighting
  • Higher efficiency air conditioning and heating systems

You can watch our 'Pooling Our Energy Savings' video below and learn more about our installation of power generation technologies and energy efficiency upgrades. 

If you want to learn more about the energy efficiency measures you can take at home, please visit www.sustainablecommunities.vic.gov.au and check our upcoming workshop schedule.

The energy efficiency upgrades and installation of power generation technology received funding from the Australian Government.

Tips for Home Builders and Renovators

All new homes and renovations in Australia are required to achieve a 6 star energy rating. 6 Star homes use less energy and save you money, as well as providing more comfortable homes. The 6 Star Standard is a flexible performance based standard and can be achieved using a variety of energy saving measures. Considering the following measures will help your home or renovation meet the standard:
  • Incorporate north facing windows, blinds, verandas and ceiling fans to help control temperature
  • Install a solar hot water system
  • Choose a gas heater with at least a 4-star energy rating
  • Install or upgrade insulation
Pooling Our Energy Savings