By BEN CAMERON
Pollution emissions savings from green power usage by Cardinia Shire residents and businesses equated to more than 2000 cars being taken off the road last year.
NSW Department of Trade and Investment data revealed 2275 shire residents took up green power in 2013, with the biggest uptake of 1022 customers in the 3810 postcode – Pakenham, Pakenham South, Pakenham Upper and Rhythdale, consuming 2576 megawatt hours of electricity.
Second was the 3782 postcode – including Clematis, Emerald and Avonsleigh – with 254 customers.
However only 101 businesses took on green power over the same period, with the largest number also in the 3810 postcode with 42 businesses, consuming 201 megawatt hours of electricity.
A council spokesperson said residential green power usage cuts in emissions was equivalent to 1961 cars being taken off the road for a year.
Business usage was equivalent to 110 cars off the roads.
Council Environment Officer Brett Munckton said the data revealed the “significant environmental benefit” that is being achieved by residents.
“It shows that 6800 tonnes of CO2e emissions reductions are being achieved by GreenPower purchase in the shire by residents and businesses,” he said.
“That is the equivalent average annual emissions of over 2000 average cars.
“Purchasing GreenPower ensures that electricity is provided by renewable systems such as solar and wind power helping to support Australia’s renewable energy industry as well as reducing impacts on the environment.
“GreenPower is available to all residents. There is a range or marketing benefits available to GreenPowered businesses including being able to use the GreenPower customer logo on their marketing materials.”
The council recently approved its Aspirational Energy Transition Plan which seeks to make the council carbon neutral by 2024.
