We have policies, projects and other initiatives that make sure our operations and services are environmentally sustainable.

Our strategies

The Boroondara Community Plan 2017– 2027 (BCP) is our main strategic document. It guides our decisions and supports our annual plans and budgets. It also supports all of our strategies, policies and actions.

Within the BCP, there are 7 priority themes. A number of these themes guide our response to climate change and environmental sustainability.

The BCP also includes the Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. This plan recognises the potential effects of climate change. It’s required under the Victorian Government Climate Change Act 2017.

We have policies and strategies that help us meet the objectives of the BCP. The Climate Action Plan replaces Our Low Carbon Future Strategy (2009–2020).

Our projects

Actions from Our Low Carbon Future Strategy focused on tackling key sources of greenhouse gas emissions from our buildings, streetlights and vehicles.

We have made great progress in increasing the energy efficiency and low carbon technology in the buildings we own. Examples of our efforts include:

• We are powering more than 12,000 streetlights and 16 major buildings with 100% local renewable energy from a Gippsland wind farm. We will be doing this until 2030. This makes up over 85% of our total electricity use.
• We have upgraded over 7,000 streetlights with more efficient technology.
• We are installing solar panels on our buildings. This includes on our 4 aquatic centres. By June 2021, we had installed, or had committed to, over 1,133 kW of solar PV (energy captured from the solar panels) on all our office, depot and community buildings.
• We are delivering cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades at our largest buildings. Our recently completed $2.5 million project Energy Performance Contract (EPC) project is now saving 1,700 tonnes of CO2-e per year. It is also saving over $250,000 each year.
• During 2020–21, we used what we learned from the EPC project and put in place over $1 million in extra energy-saving initiatives.

Other initiatives

We run other projects and programs that support environmental sustainability within Council and the wider community. Key initiatives include:

• launch of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) program in May 2020 to keep food and garden organics out of landfill (one of the biggest changes in community waste management since kerbside recycling)
• Council Climate Change Risk Assessment (2020)
• Sustainable Buildings Policy (2016) to make sure all new or upgraded buildings are environmentally sustainable and all Council building projects get at least a 5-star standard in the Green Building Council of Australia’s rating system
• Living for our Future program to help teach our community about energy efficiency and other sustainability issues
• providing the latest energy efficiency and renewable energy advice to residents and businesses through the Australian Energy Foundation
• Our Compost Revolution program offers advice and discounts for residents on products such as worm farms and compost bin
• the Teacher Environment Network program to help schools to include sustainability in their curriculum and in the way they work
• building roads using recycled asphalt, which includes materials such as recycled soft plastic bags, glass and leftover cartridge toners; and reusing asphalt recovered from our other road projects
• being a member of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action to deliver programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support our community to adapt to climate change with other eastern suburbs councils.

In 2020, we consulted with our community on the Climate Action Plan.

During the first phase of the consultation, we heard from more than 1,500 community members. We randomly selected one-third of these community members to take part. In 2021, the second phase of the consultation told us we were mostly on the right track. We found out that our community supports us in taking bold steps to reduce our impact on climate change. You can find out more about the consultation process in our research report.

We also considered community feedback from the Boroondara Community Plan refresh consultation.

Other considerations in developing the plan

Our Climate Action Plan aims to help the City of Boroondara find the best ways to reduce emissions and be more sustainable.

When we developed this plan, we looked at:

• community feedback
• how our operations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions
• how the Boroondara community contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
• how climate change is connected to other environmental issues, such as biodiversity and water availability
• other ways we can help reduce the effects of climate change outside our own operations
• how much we need to reduce emissions ‌to avoid the worst effects of climate change
• what data we have available to track and report on how well we're doing
• what data we aren’t able to collect.

Council emissions

We started recording our emissions in 2007–08. We call this our baseline year. In our baseline year, the emissions were 26,837 tonnes of CO2-e. Since then, we’ve checked greenhouse gas emissions across all the buildings and services we manage.

Due to ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint, our emissions are now below 6,000 tonnes CO2-e. This is over 80% less than our baseline year and is more than the target set in Our Low Carbon Future Strategy, which was 30–40%.

Though this is a great effort, data shows that Council’s emissions make up less than 1% of emissions in Boroondara. We still have a big role to play in helping our community reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Boroondara.

Council emissions over time

Since our baseline year in 2007–08, we’ve tracked our emissions each year. This includes actual emissions and emissions from vehicle use that have been offset by buying Australian Biodiversity Regeneration Offsets.

Greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 to 2014

Greenhouse gas emissions from 2014 to 2021

Greenhouse gas targets

Most of our electricity now comes from renewable energy. This has been an important factor in reducing our own emissions. Compared to our baseline year in 2007–08, we’ve reduced emissions by more than 80%. One of the best and most cost-effective ways for us to keep reducing our energy use is by continuing to improve our facilities that use renewable electricity. However, these actions won’t be enough to achieve our new emissions targets. We’ll continue to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and other local projects and programs that reduce our energy use and emissions.

We have set a target to be carbon-neutral by 2022. We’ll achieve this by investing in greenhouse gas offsets that can be measured and proven. We have set this goal for one year after the adoption of our Climate Action Plan. This will give us enough time to work out the best way to achieve it. As we keep improving our own operations, we won’t need to buy as many offsets. This is because our level of emissions will shrink as we use less greenhouse gases.

Our greenhouse gas targets align with 4 objectives:

1. Reduce energy use and pollution.
2. Prioritise cleaner energy alternatives.
3. Look for cost-effective approaches.
4. Look for options that invest locally and offer lasting benefits for Boroondara.

When we set our targets, we thought about:

• what we can achieve
• objectives that’ll continue to push us to do better.

We may not hit every target, but we’ll do more if we have the opportunity. We’ll review our targets as part of an update to the Climate Action Plan in 5 years or sooner if required.

Key targets

We will:

• be carbon-neutral by 2022
• reduce our actual emissions by 90% by 2030 (compared to our baseline year in 2007–08)
• reduce our actual emissions by 100% by 2040 (compared to our baseline year in 2007–08).

Supporting measures

• install more 1MW (megawatt) solar PV (energy captured from solar panels)
• collect 65ML (mega litres) of water from alternative sources per year
• increase the number of street trees from 66,000 to 80,000
• reduce the number of Council buildings that use gas by 50%
• increase the land managed for biodiversity from 51 hectares to 61 hectares
• make sure our vehicle fleet is 90% electric (or other low emissions options).

Greenhouse gas targets

Local governments don’t have broad legislative or financial control over major community emissions sources. These are mostly controlled by state and federal governments. For example:

• electricity generation and distribution
• transport policy
• planning controls
• agricultural regulations.

We also don’t have much control over taxes, levies​ or other financial incentives. We have a role in these matters, but we can only be a partner in the solutions. We aren’t able to enforce an outcome.

Our aspirational targets for the Boroondara community will be harder to achieve. They’ll need support from Council and the whole community. They can only be achieved if other levels of government and the Boroondara community are committed to the same path.

We aren’t able to mandate a target like other levels of government. Instead, we’ll partner with the community, businesses and institutions to meet our targets.

Key targets

We have targets for the Boroondara community that are aspirational. These are for our community:

• be carbon-neutral by 2035
• reduce emissions by 60% by 2030 (compared with 2020 emissions)
• reduce emissions by 100% by 2040.

Supporting measures

• support the installation of more 50,000 kw (kilowatt) solar PV (currently 27,000 kw) across Boroondara by tripling the number of buildings with solar energy systems. (this target is for all buildings in Boroondara)
• support residents and schools to plant 50,000 new native plants, including 10,000 trees
• increase the tree cover in Boroondara from 28% to 30%
• make sure there’s a place to charge electric vehicles (EVs) within 2 km of all activity centres
• provide sustainability workshops and education opportunities for 3,000 people each year
• support the community to only use 130 litres of water per person per day
• divert at least 80% of waste from landfill.

Key actions

The actions in our Climate Action Plan will set Boroondara on a path to meet our targets.

Some of these actions are ready to roll out, and some need more planning and development. Other actions require new or updated policies to reach our goals and targets.

We have identified these actions as achievable priorities by our community and staff. We have also researched best practises to reduce and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Dependencies and future planning

Some of the actions need commitments from partners. Others depend on technology being available. Our Plan currently shows how we can take those actions when it’s possible. For example, around 8% of our greenhouse gas emissions that come from natural gas are for heating buildings and pools. Another 8% comes from our vehicle fleet, which includes large waste collection vehicles. These percentages come from our baseline year of 2007–08.

Natural Gas reduction

In 2021, 40 % of our emissions came from natural gas usage. We've set a target to halve the number of our buildings that use natural gas by 2030.

Actions

• Support smaller buildings to use electric power.
• Explore ways to support larger buildings and pools to use electric power.
• Consider heat pump technology for larger facilities and aquatic centers.
• Collaborate with other Victorian councils to trial different technologies.

Vehicle Fleet transition

We have set a target to convert 90% of our passenger fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) or other low emissions technology by 2030. 

Actions

• Start with light vehicles.
• Gradually include heavier vehicles over time.
• Continue to look for new opportunities to transition larger vehicles.

Collaboration and continuous exploration of new technologies are essential to achieving these targets.

Partnership actions

1.9 Implement a community solar PV, battery and energy efficiency bulk buy program.

1.10 Help large energy users to switch to renewable energy via a Power Purchase Agreement or other way.

1.11 Give advice and support to encourage Environmentally Sustainable Design standards in building, renovation and development (as well as requirements of Planning Scheme and Building Regulations).

1.12 Deliver energy efficiency workshops, advice and support programs for community and businesses.

1.13 Support businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.

1.14 Encourage community to offset emissions.

1.15 Develop a program to support energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for Boroondara homes and businesses.

Actions to adapt to climate change

1.16 Maintain an Emergency Management Plan that considers the likely effects of climate change.

1.17 Improve the Environmentally Sustainable Design in our buildings over time.

1.18 Promote the benefits of cool roofs.

1.19 Support vulnerable and low-income residents to upgrade home energy efficiency.

Policy and advocacy actions

1.20 Support more Environmentally Sustainable Design in our Planning Scheme through our policies and advocacy.

1.21 Advocate for better environmental sustainability standards for new commercial and residential developments.

1.22 Advocate for the Victorian Government and Federal Government to adopt ambitious emission targets.

1.23 Develop a Natural Gas Transition Plan to support the use of low-emissions alternatives to natural gas at our buildings.

Actions to adapt to climate change

3.7 Increase the amount of water we collect from other sources, such as rainwater, and support people to use less water. This will reduce our need for mains water.

3.8 Update and implement our Integrated Water Management Plan.

3.9 Build the capacity of our infrastructure, such as buildings and drains, to withstand storm and flooding events.

Policy and advocacy actions

3.10 Maintain an Integrated Water Management Strategy and Action Plan for Boroondara.

3.11 Implement and promote actions to reduce urban stormwater runoff

3.12 Make sure building sites are managed well and are taking care to avoid pollution going into our waterways.

3.13 Develop a winter irrigation strategy for Boroondara.

3.14 Develop and implement updated soil management and irrigation management plans for a healthier open space.

Actions to adapt to climate change

4.13 Implement our Shade Policy and look for opportunities to improve the shade on walking routes.

4.14 Install lighting for shared paths, as well as paths in reserves and parks to encourage walking and cycling. We’ll also think about the effects of light pollution.

Policy and advocacy actions

4.15 Review and update our Integrated Transport Strategy.

4.16 Develop a Bicycle Strategy.

4.17 Develop a Public Transport Strategy.

4.18 Advocate for freight emissions to be reduced. This includes offering incentives for electric trucks and anti-idling.

4.19 Advocate for all Victorian transport projects to provide ready-to-use electric vehicle and bicycle charging infrastructure.

4.20 Advocate for fast charging in service stations.

4.21 Review our Car Share Policy and Procedures to provide support for sustainable transport.

4.22 Advocate for more tram stops to be built that are in an appropriate location and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.  

4.23 Support local business hubs that help ‌reduce commuter travel.

4.24 Develop a Council Fleet Transition Plan to support more use of low-emissions vehicles by Council.

Actions to adapt to climate change

5.8 Support more home food gardening, as well as community gardening and composting.

5.9 Explore options for waste disposal other than landfill

Policy and advocacy actions

5.10 Develop a Circular Economy Strategy for Boroondara to replace the current Waste Minimisation and Recycling Strategy.

5.11 Advocate for greater environmental sustainability in the National Construction Code.

Partnership actions

6.11 Provide workshop programs and sustainability festivals.

6.12 Provide regular sustainability education and advice through our communication channels, including the Boroondara Bulletin.

6.13 Support more sustainability measures through the planning permit process. This includes creating a new Environmentally Sustainable Development Planning Officer position at Council.

6.14 Help develop an Environmentally Sustainable Development policy to include in the Boroondara Planning Scheme. This will be part of our membership in the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE).

6.15 Provide a program of sustainability support and advice for schools and young people.

Actions to adapt to climate change

6.16 Develop options for the use of alternative permeable and heat-reducing surfaces in roadways and pathways.

6.17 Develop a Climate Action Plan and Risk Management Strategy for Boroondara.

6.18 Implement actions to respond to climate change risks for Boroondara.

Policy and advocacy actions

6.19 Update our Procurement Policy and make sure it emphasises ‌sustainability.

6.20 Develop a Litter and Pollution Reduction Plan for Boroondara.

6.21 Consider climate change impacts in relevant reports and decision-making.

6.22 Include climate action into all our new and revised policies, processes and strategies.

6.23 Advocate for and support more Environmentally Sustainable Development through the planning scheme.

6.24 Look for ways to improve air quality in Boroondara, such as anti-idling education around schools.

6.25 Look for ways to improve how we collect and monitor data for reporting on climate actions and impacts.

6.26 Advocate to other levels of government and relevant agencies to provide funding for Local Government Authorities and communities to take action to respond to climate change.

The broad nature and impact of climate change means that it’s not possible to include all actions in a single document.

The Climate Action Plan will be supported by a range of other specific strategic documents, as outlined below. Some of these strategies already exist. Other strategies will be developed or refreshed as part of the actions of this plan.

Our Boroondara Community Plan includes the Health and Wellbeing Plan, which must respond to climate change under the Local Government Act 2020.

Strategic links will include:

• Urban Forest Strategy (new strategy as an action of this plan)
• Open Space Strategy
• Integrated Water Management Strategy
• Urban Biodiversity Strategy
• Sustainable Transport Policy
• Public Lighting Policy (refresh of our current policy to include sustainability)
• Sustainable Procurement (refresh of our current policy to better include sustainability)
• Council Fleet Policy (refresh of our current policy to better include sustainability)
• Circular Economy Strategy (refresh of our Waste Minimisation and Recycling Strategy)
• Climate Change Adaptation Plan (new strategy as an action of this plan)

Our monitoring and reporting each year will include:

• our greenhouse gas emissions
• a snapshot of emissions from the community
• waste, recycling and FOGO data
• tree planting and renewal data
• data on our water use and how we are collecting it from other sources
• our biodiversity actions
• information on our workshops and community support programs.

We’ll review and update the Climate Action Plan in 5 years. We’ll also review and update the Implementation Plan every 2 years. These updates will include a community check-in survey.