City of Melville is thrilled with the announcement of funding of more than $518,000 to increase renewable energy generation, reduce reliance on grid electricity and cut carbon emissions to help meet its key focus of a clean, green and sustainable City for current and future generations.
The City estimates the projects funded by the grant could save it more than $104,000 annually in energy costs.
The $518,110 in funding was awarded through the Federal Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and their Community Energy Upgrade Fund Program earlier this year and feeds four important energy saving projects across the City of Melville;
- Additional Solar PV arrays at the City of Melville Civic Centre to increase renewable energy generation and reduce emissions.
- Upgraded Building Management Systems (BMS) to intelligently control air-conditioning and lighting systems and optimising energy efficiency through automation, real-time monitoring, and adaptive scheduling.
- Installation of a Solar PV array and battery at Point Walter Reserve to increase renewable energy generation, reduce consumption and emissions.
- Replace irrigation pumps with more energy efficient systems.
All grant funded projects align with the City’s Corporate Climate Action Plan and carbon emission reduction targets and meet several outcomes for the community apart from the large energy cost savings.
They include improved air quality through reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy resilience where the incorporation of battery storage systems can provide backup power during grid outages or emergencies.
It is estimated that the City’s Civic Centre will reduce grid electricity reliance by approximately 21% and the Point Walter Reserve changes will reduce grid electricity reliance by up to 40% per annum.
Comments attributed to City of Melville Manager Sustainability and Climate Action Dorian Hughes: “The projects funded by this grant will lead to improved operational efficiency,” Mr Hughes says.
“Upgraded Building Management Systems (BMS) capabilities will enable more precise monitoring and control of energy consumption across facilities.
“The BMS upgrades will result in approximately 28 tonnes of emissions reductions and $23,000 of total annual energy savings.
“Expanding and upgrading our renewable energy generation infrastructure through increased solar power and battery energy storage systems will lead to ongoing reduction in the organisation’s carbon footprint.
“This aligns with the City’s environmental sustainability goals and demonstrates proactive efforts towards mitigating climate change. It is estimated that approximately 118 tonnes of CO2–e will be abated by this project per annum.
Comments attributed to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair “The City’s adoption of renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices will have a positive impact on the local community,” Mayor Mair says.
“By embracing renewable energy technologies and optimising energy management practices, the City stands to achieve tangible and lasting improvements in both financial performance and sustainability metrics.
“It promises a range of significant outcomes, including cost savings, environmental benefits, enhanced operational resilience, and positive community impact.
“These outcomes collectively reinforce the City’s commitment to responsible resource management and position it as a leader in sustainable development within its sector.
“The success of this Project can serve as a model for future initiatives within the organisation and beyond.”
Image:
City of Melville Manager Sustainability and Climate Action Dorian Hughes, with Mayor Katy Mayor and Member for Tangney Sam Lim with one of the new solar panels part of the renewable energy upgrades.