Carbon neutrality is a state of net zero greenhouse gas emissions* or having a carbon footprint of zero. It means taking actions to reduce and remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as an organisation puts into it.

*Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (tCO2e). GHG emissions are therefore also referred to as carbon emissions.  

Climate change is caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and trap excessive amounts of the sun’s heat. Warmer global temperatures have changed our climate, in Australia, this has caused more frequent hot weather, fewer cold days, shifting rainfall patterns and rising sea levels. Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety and work; as well as reducing habitat and biodiversity. 

Climate Active is an Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification program helping to drive voluntary climate action by Australian organisations. Climate Active carbon neutral certification is rigorous and credible and is awarded to organisations, products, events and services that have been independently verified to have achieved a state of carbon neutrality.

Carbon offsetting is a way for organisations to cancel out carbon emissions they are not able to eliminate, by investing in projects that reduce or remove emissions. Council has invested in projects around Australia and internationally that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere to mitigate the emissions that we cannot eliminate. Many of these projects also have additional environmental and social benefits.  

The offsets projects we have invested in for the 2022-23 financial year are:

• Jawoyn Fire Project - This project reduces emissions from uncontrollable wildfires through strategic, controlled savanna burning. It protects important wildlife and delivers significant social, cultural and economic benefits to Indigenous Australians.  
• Salavatli Geothermal Energy - Located on the southern hillside of the Aydın Mountains, this 7.98MW project was the first renewable geothermal power project in Turkey. Renewable energy produced displaces polluting, fossil fuel-generated electricity, and provides local employment.
• Sanya Landfill Gas Power - This 2MW project in Hainan Province China uses methane gas from landfill to generate electricity which displaces polluting, fossil fuel-generated electricity, and provides temporary and permanent local employment.
• Green Infrawind and biodiversity - Gold Standard offsets from a 300MW wind power project in India are paired with biodiversity credits from a project using traditional land management methods for biodiversity conservation at Mt Sandy in South Australia. Wetlands and woodlands between the Coorong National Park and Lake Albert are one of the last remaining areas of native vegetation in the region, and the land forms a strategic wildlife corridor and is of great significance to the Ngarrindjeri people, the indigenous local nation. Renewable energy produced displaces polluting, fossil fuel-generated electricity, and provides local employment.

Council set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2022 in the Sustainability Strategy 2016-2022 ( PDF 4.54MB). In 2022 Council initiated the process to become Climate Active Carbon Neutral certified, and in December 2020 this certification was achieved.

• To achieve and maintain Climate Active carbon neutral organisation certification, Council is required to
• accurately report annual carbon emissions from Council operations,  
• actively reduce carbon emissions where possible, and  
• invest in high quality carbon offset projects to cancel out the effect of any remaining emissions.

Key actions undertaken by Council to achieve carbon neutrality include:

• Installed more than 1,350 kW of solar PV on 54 Council facilities.  
• Purchased 100% renewable electricity for all Council buildings and operations through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).VECO is the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by local governments in Australia.  
• Delivered building energy efficiency upgrades to 8 key Council-owned buildings via an Energy Performance Contract program with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA).  
• Replaced more than 7620 inefficient mercury vapour and high-pressure sodium streetlights with energy efficient LEDs since 2017.  
• Achieving 5-Star Green Star As-Built certification for Nunawading Community Hub by implementing sustainable building features.
• Incorporating Council's Environmentally Sustainable Design policy in all aspects of Council operations, particularly in the design, construction, and maintenance of Council buildings and infrastructure, since February 2021.  

Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change, along with increased population that places greater demand on open space, sporting grounds and leisure facilities presents significant challenges to steadily reducing Council’s water use.

However, Whitehorse City Council has been working to reduce water consumption through a range of water conservation and alternate water source initiatives including:

• installation of water saving and harvesting equipment
• use of water sensitive design principles in capital works projects
• planting of sports fields with dry season grasses and improving irrigation systems
• ongoing investment in water efficiency initiatives for Council buildings
• Ongoing planting of drought tolerant plants in reserves and gardens

Whitehorse City Council is an active member of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA), along with eight other local Governments. 

EAGA's goal is to respond to the challenges of climate change by working collaboratively on regional programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate regional climate change adaptation. 

To find out more about Council’s work through EAGA, visit the EAGA website.

On behalf of Council, the Environment and Sustainability Reference Group (ESRG) consults with key stakeholders, seeks specialist opinions and enables community participation in environmental sustainability issues, initiatives, policies and strategies.

The group includes two Councillors, community representatives and Council staff and was founded in 2021.

The objectives of the ESRG are as follows:

• Provide a forum for environment and sustainability issues to be reviewed and considered prior to the decision going to Council.
• Assist in the preparation or review of key environmental sustainability strategies and policies.
• Assist in the design and delivery of specific environment and sustainability programs by Council.
• Provide input on issues of environmental sustainability.
• Monitor the progress of Council action and management plans relating to environmental sustainability.
• Provide coordination, liaison and communication with other Council appointed community groups and key external stakeholders.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from community members who would like to join the ESRG.

Applications need to meet the following criteria:

• Live or work in the municipality of Whitehorse.
• Have background knowledge in climate adaptation or mitigation strategies, waste minimisation or circular economy practices, or water conservation techniques.
• Have connections to established community groups.
• Are willing to commit to four meetings per year for a two-year term.

Youth representatives are encouraged to apply.

Read the terms of reference ( PDF 186.88KB).

For further information please contact Cassie Lukies at 0434 874 443 or Belinda Moody at 0466 556 403.