Yarra Ranges Shire Council has installed more than 2000 solar panels on its buildings across the municipality, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint and saving hundreds of thousands in bills.
Earlier this year, Yarra Ranges had installed 2000 solar panels, marking the halfway point for its solar installation under the Carbon Management Program.
Under the program, more than 4000 solar panels will be installed, thousands of lighting systems will be updated to LEDs and boilers will be upgraded to reduce Council’s carbon footprint and save money on power bills.
Executive Officer of Environmental Stewardship, Simon Woodland, said that 700kW of solar power had been installed to date which, along with energy efficiency, will save Council about $400,000 per year on today’s rates.
“You may not be able to see them because they’re tucked away neatly and safely on rooftops, but they’re working throughout the year, reducing our emissions by 770 tonnes a year,” Mr Woodland said.
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“The thing that excites me about these systems is that they’re not just going to help us meet out 2020 greenhouse reduction target, but that they’re going to save Council money for 20, 30 years up on our rooves.”
To date, panels have been installed at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, Monbulk Hub, Belgrave Library, Coldstream Community Hall, Mount Evelyn Reading Room, Rolling Hills Childcare Centre, Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, Yarra Junction Library, Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre, Council’s Anderson Street offices and the Yarra Centre.
Future sites include Burrinja Cultural Centre in Upwey and Council’s Anderson Street office car park.
The Carbon Management Program details works to upgrade Council’s buildings with solar panels and energy-efficient lighting and heating from December 2017 to June 30, 2018.
