Bass Coast Shire Council is reporting savings of almost $30,000 in the last 12 months following a move to powering its municipal offices, streetlights and community buildings with renewable energy.
Bass Coast is one of 51 local governments to have switched council buildings and facilities to renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).
VECO is the largest ever emissions reduction project by local governments in Australia. Since launching in 2021, VECO has grown from 46 to 51 participating councils in Victoria to now be the biggest renewable energy buyers’ group in the country.
“This landmark collaboration demonstrates the value of local governments working together to tackle climate change,” Council said in a statement today.
“Approximately 172,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved by councils in the first 12 months, which is equivalent to powering up to 35,000 homes or taking 66,000 cars off the road each year. Savings are expected to increase to 220,000 tonnes per year.
“Bass Coast Shire Council has saved almost 2,000 tonnes of emissions in the last 12 months, assisting council to achieve its net zero by 2030 emissions target.”
Council said the collaboration ensures it is not only responding to a climate emergency by reducing emissions, but through the collective buying of renewable energy it has supported investment in renewables in Victoria, increasing energy stability and reducing retail energy prices.
The program also supports the delivery of Bass Coast’s commitment to achieve net zero Council emissions by 2030.
