Climate Change
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 applies to everyone within Queensland.
The object of the Act is to protect Queensland's environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends.
The legislation has provisions about a number of issues including the control of nuisances, management of wastes, contaminated land and the licensing of some industrial operations.
Cities for Climate Protection
Cities for Climate ProtectionTM is a Program of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), with over 500 local governments from around the world participating.
CCPTM empowers local governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It provides local governments with a strategic milestone framework, helps them to identify the emissions for their councils and communities, set a reduction goal and develop and implement an action plan to reach that target. In Australia, the Cities for Climate Protection ProgramTM is delivered by ICLEI in collaboration with the Australian Greenhouse Office
"Think Global, Act Local" is a motto that suits greenhouse action - climate change is a global issue that requires a local response. While the effects of climate change will be felt worldwide, it is the cumulative impacts of local actions that will lead to effective emission reductions. National and state governments play an important role, through funding, lobbying, policy and legislation, and local government has a critical role in creating and sustaining local solutions to greenhouse problems.
Already, many local governments in Australia have experienced weather-related events that experts predict will become more common as climate change continues. From storms to forest fires to local flooding, councils have demonstrated that they are vitally important in responding to such crises, and they are also crucial in planning for greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Council joined the CCPTM program in December 2000 and is currently working through each milestone:
- emissions inventory and forecast
- an emissions reduction goal
- local action plan
- implementing policies and measures
- monitoring and reporting
Local Action Plan
Ipswich City Council has developed a Local Action Plan (LAP) as part of it committment to the 'Cities Climate Protection' (CCP) program. The LAP is a working document that outlines proposed actions and targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Ipswich City Council region. The plan is a local initiative developed to assist local people and the environment, and will also contribute to the global aims of GHG reduction. Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have committed to achieving a reduction of GHG from projected "business as usual" emissions by 2010. This plan will assist in achieving these global targets as well as have a positive impact locally.
The LAP target is to achieve reductions in GHG emissions from various local sectors, including Council. Through the adoption of actions that will reduce Council GHG emissions, we can lead by example and have a positive impact on assisting the community and industry sectors to follow. The proposed goals are based on corporate and community baseline emission rates. The plan aims to achieve a 20% reduction from both Council and community activities by 2010.
Some actions listed in the plan have already been implemented within Council and require on-going commitment, while others are in the process of implementation. Several of the proposed actions have been successfully trialed and endorsed in other local government areas and have shown to be positive in achieving results. New and innovative actions also feature.
The actions contained within the LAP can be modified at any time during the program and not all actions may require implementation to reach the proposed reduction goals. The aim is to provide options for achieving GHG reductions. Target percentages can also be altered should adopted actions far exceed the projected goals or if these aims are not achievable.
The LAP will take effect until 2010. The achievements from this Plan will be further recognition that Ipswich City Council is committed to positive action for the local and global community and our environment.
For further information on the Local Action Plan contact Council on 3810 6666.
Energy Efficiency
Greenhouse gas is a natural part of our atmosphere, however due to ever increasing use of energy, more 'artificial' greenhouse gas is being produced than is needed. This 'extra' greenhouse gasincreases the amount of heat from the sun that is trapped in our atmosphere. This increased heat alters our weather patterns and the future of our planet.
It's up to us to make a difference! Knowing the simple things you can do around the home to reduce energy consumption is the first step. By saving energy, you will not only reduce greenhouse gas produced but will save money.
Energy Efficiency Ideas
- Dry clothes on the clothesline - drying clothes in an electric dryer costs $98.00/year and generates up to 1 tonne of greenhouse gas. Retractable or folding lines are great for small areas.
- Replace one light bulb/month with a compact fluorescent - these bulbs will last 5 years and save you up to $60.00, well and truly paying for themselves.
- Turn lights off when you don't need them - when you are watching TV at night how many lights do you really need on?
- Close blinds and curtains during the day - they cut heat entering your home up to 80% and save on cooling costs.
- Don't use standby power - turn off appliances at the wall. Standby power accounts for 10% of residential greenhouse emissions. A stereo on standby uses 45 watts of power.
- Wash up in the sink - a dishwasher load generates 2kg of greenhouse gas.
- Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth - this will save you 5 litres of water.
- Wash clothes in cold water - hot water washes generate up to 4kg of greenhouse gas per year.
- Take shorter showers - save cost of water heating and ½kg of greenhouse gas/min.
- Aim to recycle - recycle for one week - you'll be surprised at how many items you'll have.
Need a new appliance? Make a cost and greenhouse gas saving choice
- Energy Rating Labels - use this rating to buy the most efficient and cost saving model - it might cost a little more initially but will save you money long term in running costs.
- Choose the right size - do you really need a 600 litre refrigerator or a 7kg washing machine?
- Energy Star computers - these have a sleep mode and save up to 80% on greenhouse gas.
- Hot water supply - solar is best at 0.3t of greenhouse gas/year. Five star gas generates 1.3t/yr and electric is the least efficient performer at 4.8t/year.
- Ovens - fan forced ovens generate 35% less greenhouse gas than conventional ovens.
- New car - fuel efficient cars save you money and save in greenhouse emissions. Check the Australian Greenhouse Office Fuel Consumption Guide at http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/fuelguide/.
- AAA rated showerhead - save on water costs and 1kg of greenhouse gas/5 minute shower.
- Dual flush toilet - if replacing your toilet install a dual flush. The 3 litre half flush can save you $21.00/yr in water costs.
- Front loading washing machine - use less energy, water and detergent saving up to $30.00/yr.
- Air conditioner - Do you really need one? Curtains, blinds, quality insulation and ceiling fans can assist greatly in keeping your house cool.
Building or renovating? Here are some energy efficient ideas
- Face north - orient your house to the North and ensure living areas are located away from the western sun.
- Eaves - ensure your house has adequate eaves to keep sun out in summer and allow it to penetrate in winter.
- Insulation - insulate walls and ceiling cavities to reduce transfer of heat into the home.
- Windows - ensure window locations encourage through flow of air. Windows are also energy rated - check http://www.wers.net/
- Shading - plant shade trees on the western side of your home to limit heat onto the house.
- Gardens - choose native plants - they need less water and are used to our hot and humid climate.
- Bathrooms - choose AAA rated taps and showers and install dual flush toilets.
- Kitchens - choose appliances with a high energy rating and fit AAA rated taps.
- External surface - choose an external surface that does not require constant painting and upkeep with other toxic materials which emit a lot of greenhouse gas in their production.
- Hot water heating - choose gas boosted solar hot water or heat pump hot water heaters for lowest ongoing water heating costs and low greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information on energy efficiency around the home, and other ways you can make a difference please call Council on 3810 6666.
Greenhouse Gas
What is the 'Greenhouse Effect'?
Greenhouse gases are a natural part of out atmosphere. They act as a blanket around the earth, trapping heat that is required for us to live. Too much greenhouse gas can result in too much heat being trapped in our atmosphere, which can have devastating effects on our way of life.
Greenhouse gases include:
- carbon dioxide
- methane
- nitrous oxide
- chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- and are also produced as a by-product of different forms of energy usage. Australia has a large per capita energy usage rate. This means that we generate more greenhouse gases from 'energy' use than other countries at a similar stage of development.
Consequences of Global Warming
As the Earth's temperature rises it will have a gradual but very serious effect on both the environment and us. Temperature rises may result in the following-
- A rise in sea levels and subsequent impact on coastal and inland regions
- Cyclones will affect towns further south in Australia
- Floods, droughts, heatwaves, and storms will occur more often and be more severe
- There may not be as much rainfall making some land unsuitable for farming
- Some plants may not be able to survive in hotter weather
- Changes could be seen in breeding sites for animals and insects. Some may disappear others will increase.
- Mosquito breeding sites could increase resulting in more people contracting diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and Ross River Virus.
So what, you might say, but what are the real consequences?
- Economic impacts associated with loss of agriculture, damage from severe weather and relocation of communities, increased building materials to cope with cyclones, disease control and treatment.
- Environmental impacts caused by erosion, heavy runoff, changes in biological diversity, drought and loss of pristine coastal areas.
- Social impacts of community relocation, destruction of homes, increased heat related disease and conditions.
Sources of Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when we burn fossil fuel to produce electricity. It is also increased by cutting down trees that would normally turn CO2 into oxygen for us to breathe.
- Nitrous Oxides (NOX) are also produced during fossil fuel burning and are released from fertilisers.
- Methane is produced when the waste in our landfill sites breakdown.
- The exhaust from the cars that we drive everyday produce certain greenhouse gases (and other airborne pollutants).
- Chlorofluorcarbons (CFCs) are found in air conditioning units and refrigerators. These gases are also responsible for causing the hole in the ozone layer.
What Can be Done?
Australia is one of the largest generators of greenhouse gases in the world. The Commonwealth Government released the National Greenhouse Strategy in 1998 to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we as a country emit.
Ipswich City Council joined the International Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program in December 2000. This is an international program involving many local authorities all over the world. The CCP program is aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we produce in our locality.
The program has five key milestones that include:
- an emissions inventory and forecast (milestone 1)
- an emissions reduction goal (milestone 2)
- local action plan (milestone 3)
- implementing policies and measures (milestone 4)
- monitoring and reporting (milestone 5)
Ipswich City Council is currently working through the milestone process to achieve greenhouse gas reduction in the Ipswich area.
As part of the process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Council has developed an action plan. This action plan identifies areas within Council that can be modified or improved to reduce energy consumption and also includes the education of staff in the use of appliances and equipment in a more efficient way. Likewise Council will work with the 'community' as a whole to assist in identifying areas where these energy and greehouse gas savings can also be made.
It is not possible to eliminate all greenhouse gases, but by reducing their production, we can lessen the impact they have on our environment.
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