Glenorchy's Greenhouse Action

Glenorchy's Greenhouse Action is an exciting new project aiming to reduce Glenorchy's greenhouse gas emissions. The project, funded from May 2007 to May 2008, is being delivered through a partnership between Glenorchy City Council, Sustainable Living Tasmania and the Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Water Resources (Australian Greenhouse Office). It is taking place only within the Glenorchy City Council municipality and will be limited to the funding available.

Energy rebate scheme

As part of this project, Glenorchy residents have been given the opportunity to purchase energy efficient products, including insulation, heat pumps and solar hot water systems, with a significant rebate (roughly a third off retail price).

Expressions of interest closed on June 20, and are being processed by a selection committee. Successful applicants will contacted shortly and will receive information about suppliers, primarily based in Glenorchy, who will offer discounts on top of the rebates offered (see below).

Energy saver packs, including 4 energy saving lightbulbs, draught tape and a thermometer, are available from Glenorchy City Council and Sustainable Living Tasmania for just $10. Water saving showerheads are also available from these outlets for $13.

Community transport project

Travel to school
As part of the project, local schools are being assisted to reduce the number of children traveling to school by private car. In 1970, 90% of school, children walked or cycled to school. By 2006, that figure had dropped to 9%! There are multiple benefits of reducing car travel to school :

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution
• Reducing traffic congestion around school gates at the start and end of the school day, therefore increasing safety
• Improving the health & fitness of participating children
• Building links within the local community
• Supporting participating schools' climate change curriculum

Options for reducing car travel to school include Walking Buses, cycling and car-pooling programs, and increased uptake of public transport. We are working with interested schools to assess the best options for them, based on the location and needs of the school and their community.

Travel to work
Sustainable Living Tasmania is also working with the Glenorchy City Council to reduce car travel by council staff. Strategies are being developed to make it easier for staff to adopt alternative ways of getting to work, such as walking, cycling, car-pooling and using public transport. We aim to achieve a 10% reduction in car trips made by council staff, both in travelling to work and for council business.