Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan 2025-2029

We declared a climate emergency in October 2019, joining a global movement to ensure safe and sustainable environments for future generations.

This means leading by reducing emissions from our own activities and services, while also supporting the community in positive climate action.

Since then, we have delivered significant progress under our first corporate emissions reduction plan, reducing its overall operational greenhouse gas emissions by 61% compared to its baseline year.

Updated targets

The plan builds on our previous successes and establishes a pathway to zero net emissions for our operations.

  • Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions): we are committed to eliminating all direct emissions by 2028.
  • Scope 3 emissions (goods, services, procurement and other supply chain sources): we are working toward eliminating these emissions by 2035.
  • No offsets: we are  committed to achieving real zero emissions through direct reductions, without purchasing carbon offsets.

We recognise that reaching real zero emissions requires a whole-of-organisation approach. By embedding climate action into daily operations and long-term planning, we are reducing environmental impacts, generating operational efficiencies and demonstrating leadership in sustainability.

Achievements

Council has already achieved several key milestones:

  • Eliminated Scope 2 emissions: since joining the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) in 2021, 100 % of electricity used in our facilities has come from renewable sources.
  • Fleet transition: the passenger vehicle fleet has partially transitioned to zero‑emissions vehicles, with a full transition expected by 2028.
  • Energy efficiency upgrades: our facilities have benefited from LED lighting installations, upgraded heating and cooling systems, improved insulation, and other energy efficiency measures.
  • Solar generation: solar PV systems have been installed on more than 85 Council buildings, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
  • Facility electrification: our smaller facilities, including community halls and childcare centres, have been electrified to replace gas systems.
  • Aquatic and leisure centres: upgrades, including efficient pumps, filtration systems and pool blankets, have improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions and set us up for future electrification of these facilities.

These achievements have laid a strong foundation for us to reach its updated emissions reduction targets.

Priority theme What are we doing?
Climate action culture and leadership We are embedding climate action across all of our services by strengthening staff capability, governance and climate-aligned decision-making.
Zero emissions for buildings We are upgrading and electrifying our buildings to reduce energy use, phase out gas and improve overall energy performance.
Green fleet We are transitioning our vehicles, plant and equipment to zero-emissions alternatives and supported by expanded charging infrastructure.
Electric leisure centres We are reducing emissions from high-energy aquatic and leisure facilities through electrification and major efficiency upgrades.
Green supply chain We are reducing emissions by integrating sustainability into procurement and working with suppliers to lower scope 3 emissions.
Maximise renewable energy We are powering our operations with 100% renewable electricity and looking to expand solar generation and storage across facilities.
Low carbon lighting We are cutting emissions by upgrading public, sports field and facility lighting to efficient LED and smart-controlled systems.
Fugitive emissions We are minimising refrigerant-related emissions through modern low-GWP systems, improved maintenance and planned replacements.
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