Maitland City Council is leading the way in energy efficiency and sustainability improvements with the successful completion of Council’s New Future Project. In April the project reached its final milestone with the completion of the last of 38 energy efficiency and sustainability projects that completed across 32 different Council sites.

 

With funding received from the Australian Government, this project aims to reduce Council’s carbon footprint through decreasing energy usage and expenses, as well as setting an example for the community.

 

Maitland City Council’s Manager Infrastructure Strategy and Works Programming, Chris McGrath says, “Through this project not only is Council reducing its own carbon footprint, but we are raising awareness in the community about the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. This project is a model that we hope other businesses and organisations around Maitland can learn from and appropriate.

 

“In addition to the environmental and economic savings, the project has had a number of other benefits such as improved usability of Council’s community centres and recreational facilities, enhanced visibility and safety in Council car parks and an enriched community understanding of energy efficiency”.

 

As a result of the project Council has achieved significant energy efficiency savings. It is expected by the conclusion of the project a reduction of 1,269,155 mega joules of energy usage will be achieved, saving Council an expected $100,000 pa. The success of the project has resulted in lighting and air conditioning upgrades and installation of solar hot water systems and variable speed drive motors at various Council sites, including childcare and community centres, recreational facilities and car parks. A full list of sites and projects is available on Council’s website.

 

Maitland City Council will continue its commitment to improving energy efficiency and raising awareness in the community by providing a range of information and initiatives including the provision of ‘Save Power Kits’ from Council libraries and customer service centre.