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Revised
Greenhouse
Reduction
Strategy
2013 - 2023
June 2018

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 1
Executive
summary
In 2013 Brimbank City Council adopted the Greenhouse
Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 (the Strategy) to realise
its vision for a ‘City that is adaptive and resilient to
changes in short and long term climatic conditions’.
The Strategy established a Council greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions target of a 50% reduction in 2011
emissions by 2022/23, and a commitment to support
significant reductions in community greenhouse
emissions and an action plan to direct effort.
To date, Council has achieved a 24% reduction in
reduction in its GHG emissions, and established
programs to enable residents and businesses to also
reduce emissions. Managing GHG emissions as a
strategic principle has also been embedded into key
documents including the Brimbank Housing Strategy
and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD)
Framework.
An additional 6700 tonnes of emissions reduction (1100
tonnes per annum) is now required between 2018 and
2023, to meet Council’s GHG emissions target.
Notwithstanding the success in reducing Council’s
own emissions, analysis indicates that Brimbank’s
community-wide emissions are continuing to grow.
Council cannot reverse this trend alone and strong cross
institutional collaboration on transformative initiatives
is needed to achieve a downward shift in community
emissions.
At the Strategy’s midway mark, this review takes stock
of progress achieved to date, identifies a roadmap for
Council to achieve its greenhouse emissions target and
guides efforts to scale up community action.
The following strategic recommendations seek to direct
effort over the next five years:
Maximise rooftop solar
Solar photovoltaic (PV) projects carried out on Council’s
facilities are achieving substantial emissions reduction
and energy savings and will continue to play a critical
role in achieving Council’s emissions reduction target.
Upgrade main road street lights
Approximately 6,478 main road street lights are still
utilising inefficient high pressure sodium fittings that
could be upgraded to LED. The emissions reduction
potential of this single opportunity is estimated to be
1,860 tonnes.
De-carbonise energy contracts
Options to directly purchase renewable energy at prices
competitive with conventional energy contracts are
now possible – a renewable energy procurement option
will be investigated to replace Council’s current energy
contracts which end in 2020.
Transition fleet
The move to electric vehicles will likely come to
encompass all of Council’s fleet in the coming decades.
To commence this process a Fleet Transition Plan is
required to guide development of the infrastructure
required for this technological shift.
Strengthen Environmentally
Sustainable Design (ESD) planning
controls
Stronger ESD land use planning controls are required to
improve the sustainability outcomes from development
in Brimbank.
Prioritise sustainable transport
modes
Transport is a critical area of focus for managing
community emissions. Council will prioritise public and
active travel by advocating for improved public transport
services, expanding the cycle path network, and trialling
EV charging stations at community facilities.

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2 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Background
Climate change is occurring due to the build-up of heat
trapping ‘greenhouse’ gases in the Earth’s atmosphere,
caused primarily by human activity.
Since 1880 global mean air temperature has risen by
around 0.85 oC, and is projected to increase a further
0.3_4.8 oC by 2080-2100 depending on different
scenarios of greenhouse gases, aerosols and land
use change. Global mean sea level rise is projected to
increase by 26-82cm, which even at the lower projection
will devastate coastal cities and low lying areas (CSIRO/
Bureau of Meteorology 2016, Climate Change in
Australia).
In Melbourne and within Brimbank, the effects of a
changing climate include an overall warming trend, less
rainfall and more frequent and extreme severe weather
events such as heatwaves and floods.
The implications of these changes for global society and
the natural systems on which all life depends, present a
serious challenge to political and economic systems.
In the face of this challenge, action to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been committed
to by the vast majority of nations in accordance with the
Paris Climate Agreement.
As a signatory to the Agreement, Australia has
committed to significant cuts in its national GHG
emissions. Achieving these cuts will require coordinated
action by all levels of government, including state and
local governments.
In 2013, in the context of global negotiations to form
agreement on climate change action, Brimbank City
Council endorsed the Greenhouse Reduction Strategy
2013-2023 (the Strategy).
The Strategy established a bold vision for:
A City that is adaptive
and resilient to changes
in short and long term
climatic conditions
.
Council’s Sustainability Framework outlines the key
pathways and guiding principles to achieve this vision.
Greenhouse
(Carbon)
Guilding
Principles
• Avoid detrimental
temperature
rises
• Utilise reliable
and timely
information
• Climate
justice/
equality
Key
Pathways
• Greenhouse
(Carbon)
mitigation
• Climate
change
adaptation
Outcomes
A City that is
adaptive and
resilient to
changes in
short and long
term climatic
conditions

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 3
The Strategy’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions is underpinned by community education and
action. It seeks to achieve multiple community benefits
- such as improved air-quality, resource efficiency and
energy affordability - whilst achieving deep cuts to
Council’s greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting
climate change action within the broader community.
The Strategy adopted a Council emissions target,
a commitment to support significant reductions in
community greenhouse emissions and an action plan to
direct effort.
Importantly, by addressing the issue directly through
facility and infrastructure improvements, Council is
building economic resilience into its operations and
services.
Five years into the Strategy’s implementation, Council’s
greenhouse emissions have been reduced by 24%,
primarily through works to street lighting and buildings.
In 2014 Council provided in-principle support to the
Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action’s (WAGA) Low
Carbon West Strategy, which provides a roadmap for the
transition of Melbourne’s west to a low carbon economy.
Initiatives to support community greenhouse emission
reduction in Brimbank have since been established and
are garnering early results, forming a strong basis for
community action in the coming years.
Going forward, the priorities and challenges will be to
achieve further emissions reductions in main road street
lighting and Council’s buildings, and in technologically
complex areas such as fleet. Scaling up community
based initiatives that enable a downwards shift in
community greenhouse emissions will also be a key
priority over the next 5 years.
Climate
adaptation
The Strategy’s focus on climate change mitigation (i.e.
reducing GHG emissions) is separate to Council’s work to
address the impacts of climate change on our services
and the community - known as climate adaptation.
Climate adaptation within Brimbank is addressed
through Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework
2017 and is also reflected in the principles and actions of
strategies that support climate adaptation. This includes
but is not limited to the Brimbank Sustainable Water
Management Strategy, Brimbank Habitat Connectivity
Plan and the Brimbank Urban Forest Strategy.
Purpose
and scope
The purpose of this document is to review the key
aspects of the Strategy including the guiding principles
and targets, and to update the action plan to ensure the
2022/23 target is achieved.
The scope of the review is the performance of Council
in reducing its greenhouse emissions, and in supporting
community greenhouse emission reductions.

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4 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Council target
The Strategy committed Council to the following
2022/23 target set against a 2011 greenhouse gas
emissions baseline.
Council
Emissions in
2011 (Baseline)
26,588
tonne CO2-e
per annum
2022/2023
Target
50%
reduction
(13,294 tonnes
CO2-e per annum)
As of June 2017, Council has achieved a reduction of
its GHG emissions of
24% on 2011 levels to 19,850
tonnes
. This achievement is despite a substantial
growth in the number of Council facilities and in street
lighting since the 2011 baseline year. A further progress
update on emissions is planned for July 2018 which is
expected to show deeper cuts based on a number of
solar and energy efficiency works completed in 2018.
An additional 6700 tonnes of emissions reduction
(1100 tonnes per annum) is now required between
2018 and 2023, to meet Council’s target of a 50%
reduction in emissions by 2022/2023.
Council Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trend
and Forecast
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000 5000 0
Baseline
(2010/11)
Waste
Buildings
Fleet
Streetlight
Required
Reductior
2017-2023
GHG T CO2-e
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
Looking beyond 2023, the current ‘decarbonisation’
trajectory of emissions reduction will take Council to
carbon neutrality by approximately 2033.

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 5
Social and
economic
benefits
In addition to the greenhouse emissions reduction
achieved to date, the Strategy is helping to deliver social
and economic benefits to the community.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
delivered to date are saving Council approximately
$540,000 p.a. in energy costs, representing a payback
of 5-6 years on the capital invested. These savings are
shown in the table below. Importantly, these savings will
rise over time as energy prices increase. This is shown in
the table below.
It should also be noted that the cost of implementing
energy efficiency and renewable energy is decreasing
dramatically – for example the cost of solar PV has fallen
from around $2.50/watt to around $1/watt since the
strategy was adopted in 2013.
Program Capital Spend
$3,144,693
Annual Savings in 2017
$537,400
Simple Payback (Years)
5 years 10 months
20 year projected savings
Circa $11M
Added benefits that are also being realised through the
greenhouse reduction program include:
Design innovation
– Further to reducing the
environmental impact of new buildings, Environmentally
Sustainable Design standards are encouraging
innovation in areas such as staff health and wellbeing,
more natural light and low impact materials.
Image:
Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, a 5 star Green Star
building
Maintenance
– Due to the increased durability of LED
technology, the Street Lighting Upgrade Project has
reduced maintenance overheads for more than 11,000
lights. Replacement of older lighting and appliances in
buildings is also helping to reduce maintenance and
improve indoor environmental quality.
Energy Affordability
– In their primary stage of
implementation in Brimbank, residential and business
energy retrofit programs are providing important
support towards energy affordability in the wider
community.
Improved facilities
– Lighting quality and thermal
comfort are being improved as a result of lighting,
heating and cooling upgrades.
Image:
LED and sky lighting upgrade at Keilor Basketball Stadium

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6 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Achieving
the target
To continue Council’s progress towards achieving
the target, further capital investment and strategic
approaches are required across Council’s major
emissions sectors.
New energy procurement models are required to
increase the renewable energy content of purchased
electricity.
New facilities coming online during the remaining
Strategy period will need to employ low carbon design
and technologies as per Council’s Environmentally
Sustainable Design Framework.
The following section identifies key opportunities to
further reduce emissions and provides a ‘roadmap’ to
achieving the target over the remaining Strategy period.
Council’s emission profile
Council’s overall greenhouse emissions profile consists
of four key sectors including:
• Streetlights (electricity)
• Buildings (electricity and gas)
• Fleet (exhaust emissions)
• Waste (landfill methane emissions)
The graphs below highlight the change from 2011 to 2017
in the contribution of GHG emissions from each sector.
2011
2017
The key profile change since 2011 has been a major
reduction in street lighting emissions, down from 51% in
2011 to only 37% of Council’s overall emissions profile.
A relatively smaller reduction in buildings emissions
from renewable energy and energy efficiency (4%),
and slight increase in fleet emissions has occurred.
Accordingly, these two sectors now make up a greater
relative portion of the overall profile (40% and 22%
respectively).
In 2018 street lighting, buildings and fleet still represent
substantial emissions sources and will be the focus of
abatement in the coming five years and beyond.
Waste
Waste
Buildings
Buildings
Fleet
Fleet
Streetlight
Streetlight
1%
22%
40%
37%
1%
16%
32%
51%

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 7
Street lighting
There is significant potential for further emissions
reductions within Council’s street lighting network,
beyond that already achieved. Street lighting upgrades
conducted to date have replaced nearly all mercury
vapour 80W fittings used in local streets with high
efficiency LED.
There are 6,478 main road street lights (4152 of these
are 100% Council managed, with the remainder cost
shared 50/50 with VicRoads) still utilising inefficient
high pressure sodium fittings that could be viably
upgraded to LED.
The emissions reduction potential of upgrading these
lights is estimated to be 1,860 tonnes at this point in
time and will likely increase over time as LED efficiency
improves. The investment required to realise these
savings is estimated at approximately $5 million, with
a payback of 9-10 years. The cost of implementation is
expected to reduce over the coming 2-3 years as more
LED lighting products are approved for main road use.
Councils within the WAGA region have begun
implementing main road lighting replacements,
providing a good source of knowledge and experience
that Brimbank can now draw on.
Buildings
Works to improve the energy efficiency of Council
buildings have started to deliver cost and emissions
reductions. This work, nevertheless, will need to
continue in earnest to achieve Council’s emissions
reduction target.
Desktop analysis indicates that there is still enough
roof space to develop a further 1.5 megawatts (MW) of
solar PV capacity at Council sites. If Council utilises all
available roof space on its buildings, approximately 2200
tonnes of emissions abatement could be achieved.
Historically, energy efficiency improvements such as
lighting and insulation upgrades have presented the
lowest cost form of GHG emissions abatement. While
Solar PV costs are now generally on par with energy
efficiency upgrades, energy efficiency opportunities
in Council buildings have not been exhausted and will
continue to be developed and implemented where
viable.
Since adoption of the 2013 Strategy, a complementary
approach to renewable energy installations in buildings,
in the form of Virtual Power Plants (VPP), has been
conceptualised and is now being trialled in Australia.
VPPs aggregate multiple distributed energy assets such
as solar PV, cogeneration plants and batteries through a
central controlling mechanism to act as a single ‘power
plant’, consolidating and distributing power as required
within the assets network and potentially to the grid. By
providing a reliable source of carbon neutral power to
the grid at night and during peak demand events VPPs
are seen as an integral component to decarbonising
the electricity sector. They are also a way for Council to
maximise its own renewable energy generation.
As Council continues to develop solar PV, as well as
batteries and electric vehicles in years to come, VPPs
will become a viable opportunity. To prepare for this
technology, Council is participating in a WAGA led trial of
VPP technology with other Western Region councils.

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8 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Fleet
Council’s fleet related emissions have remained
relatively stable throughout the Strategy period to
date, fluctuating between 4500-4000 tonnes per year
despite an increase in total kilometres travelled per
year. The containment of fleet emissions growth is due
largely to improved fuel efficiency standards.
Affordable, high performance passenger and commercial
electric vehicles (EVs) will likely become widely available
in Australia in the next 2-5 years. When powered by
renewable energy, EVs are essentially carbon neutral
and can enable substantial reductions in fleet based
emissions. Before a transition to EVs can occur,
underlying infrastructure such as a network of charging
stations and a renewable energy fuel source is required.
Analysis of Council’s fleet makeup and operational services
indicates a majority of GHG and harmful particulate
emissions are attributable to kerbside waste collection
and road cleansing vehicles. Greenhouse emissions from
Council’s fleet are shown in the graph below.
To maximise the potential benefits, the incorporation of
EVs should focus on kerbside waste and road cleansing
vehicles as a priority. Trialling passenger fleet vehicles as a
first step may, however, will provide an important culture
change that is practically achievable in the short term.
Fleet GHG Emissions Profile 2017
The move to electric vehicles will likely encompass all
of Council’s fleet in the coming decades. To ensure this
process is initiated in a considered and efficient way, a
‘Fleet Transition Plan’ will be developed. This Plan will
guide the development of the underlying renewable
energy and charging station networks required as well
as vehicle procurement.
Waste
Analysis continues to confirm operational waste as
a relatively small component of Council’s corporate
emissions profile.
Despite this, infrastructure and awareness campaigns
that support sustainable waste practices in Council
facilities are an important and visible aspect of Council’s
commitment to sustainability.
Passenger
Waste
Collection
Bus
Commercial
Truck
Ute / Van
2%
61%
19%
7% 11%

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 9
Roadmap to
Council target
By compiling the key opportunities identified, the
following table outlines a ‘roadmap’ for meeting Council’s
50% reduction target by 2022.
Reduction Opportunity Reduction
Potential
(T CO2)
Simple
Payback
(yrs)
Maximise Council
Roofs for Solar (1.5MW
Additional Solar Capacity)
2200
~5
Main Road Street Lighting
Upgrade
1860
~10
Further Building Energy
Efficiency Upgrades
400
~8
Large Scale Renewables
(Power Purchase
Agreement or Direct
Investment)
>2240 -
Total
6700
~7-8
The reduction opportunities shown in the table above
are the most viable and readily achievable solutions at
this time. Detailed business cases that demonstrate cost
effectiveness will be developed for each opportunity.
The reduction opportunities are prioritised based on
their relative cost per tonne of emissions reduced
and their ability to achieve additional benefits such as
improved infrastructure and amenity.
At present, ‘behind the meter’ opportunities such as
solar and energy efficiency retrofits are unlikely to be
sufficient to meet the target.
In this context, development of a large scale renewable
energy procurement option will be required to address
Council’s ‘residual’ emissions footprint once all solar and
energy efficiency opportunities have been exhausted.
Options to directly purchase renewable energy at
prices competitive with conventional energy contracts
are now possible. Procurement options could entail
direct investment in the construction of a renewable
energy facility, or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
with a renewable energy developer or retailer - or a
combination of both.
In 2017 WAGA completed a Large Scale Solar Feasibility
Study that examined both models. It is recommended
that Brimbank undertake detailed investigations into
both options including financing.
A specific fleet ‘opportunity’ has not been included in the
roadmap at this stage as a firm estimate of what can be
achieved in the coming five years is yet to be developed.
It is anticipated, however, that fleet will play a role in
reducing emissions over the coming five years through
a combination of increasing fuel efficiency, vehicle use
optimisation and trialling of EVs.
As the Strategy proceeds it will be important to remain
open to new opportunities and technologies as they
arise and develop.

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10 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Community
emissions
As part of the Strategy, Council has committed to
facilitate, monitor and advocate in support of significant
reductions in GHG emissions from the Brimbank
community.
A community GHG emissions baseline and projection
was established in 2012 as part of the Low Carbon West
Strategy. This analysis indicates that community wide
emissions in Brimbank have increased over the past
decade and are projected to continue over the coming
2-3 years, albeit at a slower rate. As shown in the graph
below, the increase in emissions is primarily from the
commercial and transport sector.
Brimbank Community Emission 2006-2012 &
2020 (Projected)
Despite the overall increase in community emissions, it
is important to note that 15% of Brimbank households
have now installed solar PV, providing a combined solar
capacity of 32 MW. This is the 8th highest capacity
by Local Government Area in Victoria. Large scale
commercial solar PV systems are also growing in number,
including Victoria’s largest rooftop solar system located
at Sunshine Plaza.
Image:
1.4MW rooftop solar in Sunshine Town Centre
On the measure of energy efficiency, Brimbank residents
also perform well, with average daily household energy
consumption here 13% below the national average
(ABS). These positive trends in both solar and energy efficiency
form a strong basis for Brimbank to establish itself as
leader in the low carbon economy. The high penetration
of rooftop solar capacity presents an attractive ready
made market for the burgeoning energy storage
industry.
Low carbon West
In 2014, Council provided in-principle support to the Low
Carbon West Strategy developed by WAGA, LeadWest
and RDA Western Melbourne. Council is an active
member of WAGA and has hosted the Alliance since
2016. Low Carbon West includes 20 priority actions to
reduce greenhouse emissions across all sectors in the
WAGA region. These actions were based on extensive
consultation with WAGA’s member councils and with
major stakeholders. This Strategy also refers to and
aligns with existing plans for the region, including
council plans, greenhouse and economic development
strategies, and other important regional plans such
as the Western Transport Strategy. Accordingly, Low
Carbon West has helped guide Council’s own greenhouse
actions.
The community programs and recommendations
described herein are largely in accordance with the Low
Carbon West Priority Actions.
Waste
Transport
Industrial
Commerical
Residential
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000 500 0
kt CO2-e
2006 2012 2020

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 11
Community
programs
Residential
A range of residential energy efficiency and solar
programs are being delivered, with additional programs
to be rolled out in 2018.
In late 2017 Council launched a solar bulk-buy and
energy efficiency program aimed at driving the uptake
of residential solar PV in Brimbank. Delivered by a social
enterprise group, the program to date has delivered
several solar workshops that have reached over one
hundred residents.
Two other targeted residential programs, Healthy
Homes and Solar Savers, will commence in the second
half of 2018. Healthy Homes will support thermal
comfort retrofits for high needs households. Solar Savers
will provide attractive solar deals for pensioners.
Council has also endorsed an Amendment to the
planning scheme that seeks to strengthen planning
controls for ESD. This amendment will incorporate
environmentally sustainable design measures when
assessing planning permit applications for development
and will include sustainability objectives under key
themes including Energy efficiency; Water resources;
Indoor environment quality; Stormwater management;
Transport; Waste management; and Urban ecology.
If the ESD Policy is included in the Brimbank Planning
Scheme, it will require a range of assessment tools to be
used for assessing ESD in residential, commercial and
industrial development, with greater requirements as
development increases in size and scale. The standards
will drive energy and water efficiency, mandate
rainwater tanks, renewable energy and green spaces
and improve indoor daylight and amenity.
Industrial / Commercial
In 2015 the Victorian Government passed legislation
enabling councils to establish environmental upgrade
agreement (EUA) loans to assist local businesses to
improve their energy efficiency, to lower operating costs
and to generate green jobs.
In 2017 Council endorsed involvement in the EUA
program. This program has already facilitated
development of a major commercial solar system in
Derrimut and is targeting 4-5 projects per year.
To compliment the EUA scheme, Council has also
committed to ‘Energy $mart’, a preferred suppliers
panel for commercial energy and water efficiency
upgrades. This panel provides a reputable base of
suppliers to assist Brimbank businesses in implementing
improvements to their assets and to achieve resource
efficiency gains.
Transport
Transport is a critical area of focus for managing
community emissions and one that overlaps other
community health concerns including air-quality, noise
pollution and neighbourhood walkability and amenity.
From a greenhouse reduction perspective, Council’s
approach to transport is to prioritise public and active
transport modes and to support the uptake of electric
vehicles and associated infrastructure.
Since adopting the Brimbank Walking and Cycling
Strategy in 2008, Council has constructed 41km of off
and on road cycle routes at a cost of approximately $11
million. The Walking and Cycling Strategy was renewed
in 2016 with plans for further network improvements.

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12 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Council’s Transport Priorities Paper, ‘Unlocking the
Opportunities’, will be updated in 2018 with a renewed
focus on public and active transport options.
While these initiatives have been successful in lifting
cycling and public transport usage, the proportion
of trips made using sustainable transport modes in
Brimbank is still relatively low compared to other parts of
Melbourne at around 16% of all trips made.
Electric vehicles present an opportunity to reduce
vehicle related emissions. Supporting this technological
transition in Brimbank will be an important consideration
for Council in coming years.
Immediate support measures proposed for EVs include
trialling charging stations at Council facilities and
advocating to the State and Federal governments for
greater incentives to purchase EVs, such as registration
discounts and tax breaks.
The coming five years is also likely to also see the
proliferation of privately operated charging stations
and networks and Council will work with industry
stakeholders to attract this infrastructure to Brimbank.
Municipal waste
In 2018 Council endorsed a new Brimbank Waste,
Recycling and Litter Strategy. Waste minimisation
approaches form a core principle, supported by landfill
diversion programs including initiatives such as kerbside
and organics recycling. These programs remain an
important aspect of lowering our community’s waste
related emissions.
Action plan
progress
At the five year mark of the Strategy, Council has
implemented 22 of the 41 actions, with an additional 14
in progress and five yet to commence.
A review of progress by each of the nine action
themes provides instructive commentary about overall
performance to date. The traffic light signal below shows
those actions; completed (green); commenced and
continuing (amber) and not commenced (red).
Council emissions
1. Leadership
1.1 Develop and implement annual
greenhouse reporting within Data
Management Framework
1.2 Participate in external partnerships and
advocate for public policy
1.3 Deliver communications for environmental
awareness
Since adoption of the Strategy, Council has provided
climate change leadership within the western metro
region with initiatives such as an Environmentally
Sustainable Design Framework, through to significant
infrastructure projects such as the street lighting
upgrade and large scale solar rollout. Brimbank is also
host council for the Western Alliance for Greenhouse
Action.
GHG emissions reporting is now one of Council’s core
annual performance measures. Importantly emission
reporting is reflecting Council’s firm and long-term
commitment to action on climate change.
To ensure Council’s work in this space is also
empowering the wider community, a focus on
environmental education, facilitation and advocacy is
forming an important aspect of the Strategy’s activities.

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 13
2. Policy
2.1 Develop and implement Ecological
Sustainable Design Policy (Council
Buildings)
2.2 Develop and implement Green Fleet Policy
2.3 Develop and implement Corporate Green
Travel Plan
2.4 Review and update Purchasing Policy to
incorporate sustainability principles
2.5 Develop and implement a Peak Oil
Strategy
2.6 Develop and implement Sustainable Public
Lighting Guidelines
2.7 Continue to implement Thermal Comfort
Guidelines
2.8 Mid-Strategy Review and Action Plan
update
An important policy achievement to date has been
adoption of an Environmentally Sustainable Design
(ESD) Policy for Council Buildings. The policy sets out
ambitious design standards for Council facilities that
will drive resource efficiency and aid the health and
wellbeing of staff and community.
Thermal Comfort Guidelines and an ongoing Smart
Travel Plan are also helping to maintain the energy
efficient operation of our buildings and to promote
sustainable commuting options for Council staff.
A review in 2018 of Council’s overarching Procurement
Policy enabled the introduction of sustainable
procurement principles into all areas of Council
expenditure.
With regards to those actions not yet commenced, the
development of a Fleet Transition Plan in 2018/19 will
fulfil the intent to develop a Green Fleet Policy. Peak
oil concerns will also be addressed through the Fleet
Transition Plan.
Sustainable Public Lighting Guidelines will be developed
as part of the next phase of street lighting upgrades to
ensure consistency with future lighting installations.
3. Finances and Procurement
3.1 Purchase Green Power
3.2 Source funding and grants
In 2013 Council’s flagship energy efficiency project,
Power Down, attracted more than $2.5m in Federal
Government funding from the Community Energy
Efficiency Program (CEEP). This allowed the project to
achieve substantial emissions abatement particularly in
the street lighting network.
Currently, a range of State and Federal funding programs
provide opportunities for Council to maximise outcomes
within this Strategy.
Long term financing is available through the Clean
Energy Finance Corp., innovation grants through the
Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and Victorian
government funds.
Green Power, essentially a premium loaded onto
standard energy tariffs, is not considered to be cost
effective for Council at present. Alternative options
to procure large scale renewable energy directly are
currently being considered, which hold the potential to
achieve below conventional energy rates.
4. Data Management
4.1 Review and Implement Data Management
Framework
In 2017 Council established a centralised utility
database that brings together consumption, cost and
environmental data relating to energy, water and fuel
use. The system tracks utility billing issues and will
enable better consumption monitoring over time.

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14 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
5. Engagement and Behaviour Change
5.1 Develop and implement greenhouse
behaviour change program
A number of corporate behaviour change initiatives
have been developed and are ongoing including the
Smart Travel Plan, Car-pool the West and Plastic
Free July. Engagement with staff is also a common
aspect of implementing energy efficiency and other
environmental initiatives to ensure intended outcomes
are achieved.
6. Improved Infrastructure and Processes
6.1 Develop and implement energy efficiency
program for Council buildings and assets
6.2 Identify and implement viable renewable
energy installations on Council sites
6.3 Implement 80W Mercury Vapour upgrade
6.4 Improve cycling infrastructure
6.5 Increase use of public transport
6.6 Continue to implement Waste
Minimisation Strategy
6.7 Increase use of recycling and composting
facilities
6.9 Conduct Waste Audit
Over the last five years, Council’s street lighting and
building assets have undergone major improvements to
lower their emissions footprint, and to reduce the impact
of rising energy prices and to incorporate renewable
energy. Over the next five years, achieving further
reductions in these areas and transitioning Council’s
Fleet towards electrification will be vital to meeting the
Strategy target.
Since 2008, Council has constructed 41km of off and on
road cycle routes at a cost of approximately $11 million.
With regards to Action 6.5, programs tailored towards
transforming public and private infrastructure such as
transport networks, hospitals and industrial precincts
need to be scaled up to achieve a downwards shift in
community emissions (e.g. Environmental Upgrade
Program, electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives
etc.). This task, however, cannot be achieved by
Council alone and will require strong cross institutional
collaboration.
In 2018 Council endorsed a new Brimbank Waste,
Recycling and Litter Strategy. Supporting this Strategy is
a range of landfill diversion programs including kerbside
recycling, the Garage Sale Trail concept, and organics
recycling which will all contribute to lowering waste
related greenhouse gas emissions.
Community emissions
7. Engaging and Educating
7.1 Deliver Residential education programs
and forums
7.2 Deliver Business and Industry
engagement programs
7.3 Deliver sustainability in schools program
7.4 Review and update website Content
7.5 Continue to provide Sustainability
Advisory Services
7.6 Continue to provide environmental awards
7.7 Deliver waste education programs
A number of climate change programs for residents and
business have been established. These include Positive
Charge, Environmental Upgrade Agreements and Energy
$mart. Two additional programs, Healthy Homes and
Solar Savers, will also launch in 2018.

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 15
8. Facilitating
8.1 Incorporate local greenhouse information
into Council’s community leadership
program
8.2 Provide multi language communications
8.3 Investigate suitable community renewable
energy and offsets options
Multi-language communications are currently limited
to language link services highlighted in Brimbank’s
Environment Newsletter and residential waste
Information.
Community energy models and the role Council has in
facilitating community energy is to be investigated.
Council’s 2010 community leadership program included a
specific Environmental Leadership Program. An updated
environmental focus will be re-incorporated into the
next program starting in August 2018.
9. Enabling
9.1 Introduce ecological sustainable design
requirements into planning process
9.2 Continue to provide support programs for
residential retrofit
9.3 Develop and implement Sustainable
Transport Strategy
9.4 Continue to implement Waste
Minimisation Strategy
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning is currently considering a request by Council to
strengthen ESD requirements in the Brimbank Planning
Scheme.
Renewal of Council’s Transport Priorities Paper in 2018
will advocate for prioritisation of sustainable transport
modes.
10. Advocating
10.1 Advocate for infrastructure improvements
10.2 Advocate for increased policy
development
10.3 Source increased funding
10.4 Participate in Regional Partnerships
Council and WAGA have advocated to the Victorian and
Federal governments on a range of energy efficiency
and renewable energy policy concerns.
External funding has been sourced through the
Community Energy Efficiency Program and further
funding is currently being pursued through State
Government programs (Climate Change Innovation Fund,
New Energy Jobs Fund etc.).
Council remains a core member of WAGA and has
recently become a member of the Council Alliance for a
Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE). This association
of Victorian councils is committed to the creation of a
sustainable built environment within and beyond their
municipalities. The focus of this group is on applying
Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles
to the built environment through the statutory land use
planning system.

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16 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Revised action plan
Over the remaining 5 years of this Strategy, Council will aim to meet our Strategy target and take firm steps to
support community greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The updated action plan commits Council in practical ways
to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations and achieve real benefits for our community.
Greenhouse Action Plan – Council Emissions
Action
Description
Benefit Timeframe Resource
Implications
1. Leadership
1.1 Continue to
implement annual
greenhouse
reporting
Continue to publish Greenhouse
Progress Reports that track Brimbank’s
greenhouse emissions and uptake of
renewable energy and energy efficient
technologies by Council and the wider
community.
High Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
1.2 Continue
participation
in external
partnerships and
advocate for public
policy
Continue membership with WAGA,
CASBE and Resilient Melbourne to
support regional emissions reductions,
and regional policy collaboration and
development.
Continue partnering with SV and SMF
to facilitate increased investment in
community emissions abatement/
renewable energy.
Develop new collaborations and/or
partnerships with Network Operators
(Jemena & Powercor) to develop
community emissions reduction and
energy efficiency opportunities and
programs.
High Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
2. Policy
2.1 Implement,
monitor and review
the Brimbank
Environmentally
Sustainable Design
Framework
New buildings and building upgrades to
achieve objectives and requirements of
Council’s ESD Framework.
High Ongoing from
2017/18
Within
construction
budget for new
buildings
2.2 Develop and
Implement a Fleet
Transition Plan
Develop a five year Transition Plan that
guides the incorporation of electric
vehicles and underlying infrastructure
requirements.
High 2018/19
Subject
to Council
annual budget
allocation

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 17
Action
Description
Benefit Timeframe Resource
Implications
2.3 Continue to
implement the
Smart Travel Plan
Provide incentives and infrastructure
to encourage sustainable transport
modes by staff (Myki rebates, Staff Bike
Fleet, Car-pooling app.).
High As required Within existing
Sustainability
operating
budgets
2.4 Develop and
Implement
Sustainable Public
Lighting Guidelines
Update existing public lighting policy
and incorporate greenhouse reduction
principles into Urban Lighting Strategy.
High 2020/21
Within existing
operational
budget
2.5 Review and update
Purchasing Policy
to incorporate
sustainability
principles
Brimbank Procurement Policy to
incorporate and advance sustainable
procurement principles.
Medium Ongoing from
2017/18
3. Improved Infrastructure
3.1 Implement viable
renewable energy
installations on
Council sites
Continue rollout of rooftop solar
PV program to all Council buildings
(targeting 1.8 MW by 2023).
High Ongoing
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation
3.2 Investigate
potential for a
large scale solar
facility at a Council
site or other land
Carry out a feasibility study for a large
scale solar farm at Council site or other
land:
• Technical and grid connection
requirements
• Recommended development model
including community investment
models.
High Ongoing
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation
3.3 Trial virtual power
plant technology
Trial Virtual Power Plant energy
management systems across Council
distributed energy assets and
collaborate with network operators on
deployment options.
High Ongoing
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation
3.4 Implement
upgrade of main
road high pressure
sodium lights to
LED
Replace all high pressure sodium (main
road lights) with LED lighting.
High 2020/21
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation
3.5 Establish
renewable energy
supply and
charging station at
Sunshine multi
deck carpark
Develop a rooftop solar array and
electric vehicle charging stations at
multi-deck carpark as a site for trialling
EVs in fleet.
High 2019/20
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation

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18 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Action
Description
Benefit Timeframe Resource
Implications
3.6 Expand Brimbank’s
bike and
pedestrian path
network
Continue to expand Brimbank’s bike and
pedestrian path network in accordance
with the Brimbank Cycling and Walking
Stategy including investigation of
opportunities to promote the network
through physical signage or digital
resources.
High
3.7 Improve end
of trip cycling
Infrastructure
Continue to incorporate infrastructure
that supports cycling to existing and
new buildings.
Medium Ongoing
Within
construction
budget for new
buildings
3.8 Increase use of
recycling and
composting
facilities
Increase access to composting and
recycling facilities at Council buildings
including the use of on-site system’s
such as worm farms.
Low Ongoing
Within current
facility
operating
budgets
3.9 Conduct Waste
Audit
Conduct waste audit of Council’s
corporate operations to establish up to
date emissions baseline and efficiency
opportunities.
Low Ongoing
Within existing
Sustainability
operating
budgets
4.. Finance and Procurement
4.1 Large scale
renewables power
procurement
opportunities
Initiate and pursue renewable energy
collaborative purchasing model.
High As required Within existing
operational
budget
4.2 Funding
Actively seek out and apply for funding
that will accelerate achievement of
Council’s greenhouse reduction targets.
High Ongoing from
2017/18
Within existing
operational
budget
5. Engagement and Behaviour Change
5.1 Develop and
implement
greenhouse
behaviour change
program
Continue the corporate sustainability
program that will include emissions
reductions as a focus through waste
minimisation, energy efficient
behaviour and sustainable transport.
High Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
6. Management
6.1 Develop Utilities
Database
Management
System
Operate the Utilities Data Management
System to support environmental and
financial efficiencies.
High Ongoing
Within existing
IT operational
budget

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Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023 19
Greenhouse Action Plan – Community Emissions
Action
Description
Benefit Timeframe Resource
Implications
7. Engaging and Educating
7.1 Deliver residential
energy efficiency
and solar programs
and forums
Partner with local community
organisations to facilitate solar and
energy efficiency bulk buy programs
for residents including workshops and
communications.
Medium Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
7.2 Deliver business
and industry
engagement
programs
Continue to deliver community solar
and energy efficiency bulk buy program
for businesses including workshops,
communications and finance.
Medium Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
7.3 Deliver sustainability in
schools program
Continue to deliver a range of services
for Brimbank schools including
Teachers Environment Network,
Resource Smart and Kids Teaching Kids
Program
Medium Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
7.4 Deliver waste
education
programs
Continue to deliver education programs
around Council’s waste services (such
as the Brimbank GEMS program)
that promote greenhouse emissions
reductions.
High Ongoing
Within existing
operational
budget
8. Facilitating
8.3 Investigate
community
renewable energy
and offsets
options
Investigate opportunities for
community based renewable energy
projects including localised energy
creation, local energy trading, and
carbon sequestration.
High 2018/19
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation

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20 Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023
Action
Description
Benefit Timeframe Resource
Implications
9. Enabling
9.1 Introduce
environmental
sustainable design
requirements
into the Brimbank
Planning Scheme
Introduce stronger requirements
for assessing environmental design
into the Brimbank Planning Scheme
for residential and non-residential
developments.
High Ongoing
Subject Council
annual budget
allocation
9.2 Continue to
provide support
programs for
residential energy
retrofits
Continue to support and/or offer
retrofit programs and incentives that
assist residents in reducing their
emissions.
High 2020/21
Subject
to Council
annual budget
allocation
9.3 Renew Transport
Priorities Paper
to increase
prioritisation
of sustainable
transport modes
Advocate for the prioritisation of
sustainable transport modes in
Brimbank, including public transport,
cycling, walking and electric vehicles
High 2018/19
Within existing
budgets
9.4 Continue to
implement Waste
Minimisation
Strategy
Implement Council’s Waste
minimisation strategy actions including
garden waste pickup services, organic
waste pickup investigations and
compost and worm farm purchasing
opportunities.
High Ongoing from
2018/2019 Subject
to Council
annual budget
allocation
10. Advocating
10.1 Advocate for
infrastructure
improvements
Advocate for improved infrastructure
(such as better public transport,
alternative waste processes and energy
management technology) that support
emissions reductions in Brimbank.
High As required Within existing
operational
budget
10.2 Advocate for
renewable
energy and
energy efficiency
for vulnerable
community
members
Advocate to other levels of government
for policies and projects that facilitate
energy efficiency and renewable
energy for social housing, rental
properties and vulnerable demographic
groups.
High As required Within existing
operational
budget
10.3 Participate
in regional
partnerships
High As required Within existing
operational
budget

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Brimbank City Council
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9249 4000
Email
info@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Post
PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020
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