Switch off for the Places We Love in 2016
Published on 15 March 2016
All around the world people are getting ready to switch off for Earth Hour, with Mildura Rural City Council joining the cause and turning off lights for one hour.
All non-essential lights at three of Council’s top energy-consuming buildings – the Alfred Deakin Centre, Deakin Avenue Service Centre and Madden Avenue Service Centre will be switched off between 8:30pm and 9:30pm this Saturday 19 March 2016.
Council is encouraging local residents and businesses to do the same and also turn off electrical appliances in a bid to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted through electricity consumption – one of the main energy sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Portfolio Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Judi Harris said this was the sixth year Council would participate in Earth Hour, with Council constantly looking at ways to reduce its impact on the environment.
“As part of its Energy Management Plan 2012- 2017, Council set a target to lower its corporate energy consumption by 30% by 2017 (based on 2005/06 levels) and have already achieved a reduction of over 25%.” she said.
“We are on track to achieve these ambitious goals thanks to a number of practical measures undertaken in recent years such as installing solar hot water systems at pools, community sporting facilities, Council depots and park facilities.”
Council has also conducted energy efficient lighting upgrades in several Council buildings, depots and community facilities. Solar panels have been installed at seventeen Council sites including the Madden Ave Offices, The Alfred Deakin Centre, Mildura Arts Centre and Merbein Community Hub. All up the solar panels have a 278kW capacity which can generate enough power to run approximately 55 average-sized homes.
“Staff are required to turn off lights when they leave a room, shut down computers at the end of the day and use resources such as photocopiers and printers only when necessary,” Cr Harris said.
“By reducing our energy usage, we not only help the environment but we also reduce the day to day running costs of our buildings.”
While Council is participating in Earth Hour, the organisation also plans to go beyond the hour to make more sustainable changes for the future. Cr Harris encouraged others to do the same and to visit www.sustainablemildura.com.au for simple ideas and tips on how they can live more sustainably at home.
“Participating in Earth Hour is a great initiative, but we need to keep up the good work all year round.”
More information about Earth Hour is also available online at www.earthhour.org.au where people can register to show their support.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au