Reducing greenhouse emissions
Avoiding using energy
The average Brimbank household uses approximately 14 kWh of electricity and 150 MJ of natural gas everyday, which equates to about 9.7 tonnes of greenhouse emissions entering the atmosphere annually.
Typically 10% of this is used by appliances being on ‘standby’ mode, which draws electricity even when it’s not being used. The best thing to do is turn all appliances off at the wall when not in use. The same goes for lights and other appliances when rooms aren’t occupied.
Also ask yourself, do I need it? Remove unnecessary items from your house such as the second fridge that is seldom used but is on all the time, or avoid purchasing additional appliances in the first place.
Make your energy use more efficient
Technology found in household appliances and lighting are being modernised to provide a more environmentally and economical alternative to households.
The federal government have introduced an energy rating label for all major appliances including fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and more. The mandatory label not only gives a quick assessment of the product’s energy efficiency rating but also an estimated annual energy use.
When purchasing a new appliance, be sure to choose one that has the highest rating and lowest estimated energy use that you can afford.
Alternative energy sources
In Victoria, 96% of our electricity is generated from coal fired power stations located in the LaTrobe Valley. These are amongst the most inefficient and greenhouse intensive in the world.
To combat this you can convert to onsite renewable energy, GreenPower or combination of both.
Onsite renewable energy
By choosing the sun or wind as a source of your energy you can significantly reduce your electricity bills, and your environmental impact. This usually takes the form of solar panels, solar hot water systems or even wind turbines.
Council currently operates programs that help residents with installing their own renewable energy.
GreenPower
Accredited GreenPower is a program that supports renewable energy projects - that help reduce the greenhouse intensity of our electricity supply.
The amount of greenhouse emissions from the electricity supply is reduced and a small cost is added to the bill. GreenPower is offered in a range of percentage amounts relating to your usage including 10, 25, 50 and 100%.
To participate contact your electricity retailer to purchase GreenPower on your behalf.
Offsetting emissions
The final step in making a low carbon home is offsetting any residual emissions. For a household this usually relates to your natural gas use or any electricity that isn’t sourced from renewable energy.
Offsets relate to programs that reduce carbon elsewhere in the community like tree planting, renewable energy projects, reducing emissions from landfill and recycling projects.
By purchasing carbon offsets you contribute to these programs.
Further Information
For more information please call 9249 4000 or email environment@brimbank.vic.gov.au