The City of Stonnington joined 46 other Councils (the Victorian Energy Collaboration) on 1 July 2021 in a commitment to switch to 100% renewable energy. Since then, all of Council’s electricity consumption has come from renewable sources. Wind farm generated renewable energy sourced through Red Energy is now powering our town hall, sports grounds, our golf course, depot and community centres.
We have also decreased our natural gas use to get to a level that now only accounts for half of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key focus area for the next exciting phase of the transition from gas to electric consumption.
To do this, we’ve engaged energy efficiency consultancy Bridgeford Group, to undertake a review of our existing natural gas assets in order to develop a strategic roadmap for the switch to all-electric equipment and ensure replacement technologies are fit for purpose.
The 5-year roadmap includes the replacement of equipment such as cooktops, ducted heating and hot water systems, with induction, split system and pump models, as well as the transition to electric vehicles. Due to improvements in technology such as heat pumps, chillers and induction cooking, all-electric equipment can now be used as a substitute for gas equipment while achieving the same outcomes, is just as efficient, and a cheaper alternative in the long-term.
This project is integral to Council’s zero-carbon targets, and will ensure our city thrives in a changing climate. By planning for the removal of ageing gas assets and facilitating our increased use of renewable energy, Council is leading the way in the reduction of harmful emissions and delivering on strategic priorities as outlined in the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Sustainable Environment Strategy and Council Plan.
