Council depot reduces electricity consumption by 80 per cent

Noosa Council has successfully reduced electricity consumption at its Depot on Eumundi Noosa Road by 80 per cent since implementing a number of emission busting initiatives over the past 18 months.

The Depot accommodates 105 staff members and was one of Council’s largest electricity consumption sites.

As part of its Zero Emissions Strategy adopted in 2016, Council is aiming to have the organisation at zero net emissions by 2026.

Noosa Council Carbon Reduction Project Officer Annie Nolan said the Depot was an obvious but ambitious place to start making changes.

“The Depot’s old air conditioning system was replaced with a new inverter air-con system, ceiling insulation was improved and the fluorescent light tubes in the building were replaced with LED lighting,” Ms Nolan said.

“Further to that, a 50 kilowatt roof top solar system was installed which has had a great impact on overall electricity use.

“The 80 per cent reduction in consumption also means that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity use have also reduced by 70 tonnes – which is equal to taking 23 cars off the road!”

As well the environmental benefits, the emission lowering efforts have also significantly lowered outgoing costs at the Depot.

“The monthly electricity bills are now nearly half of what they were before the Zero Emissions Strategy initiatives were implemented,” Ms Nolan said.

“Reducing our impact on the environment and saving money is a great outcome for Council and the community.”

19 December 2018