Brimbank council was among three Melbourne councils to take out the top honours for their work driving renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives at the Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards was held on September 7, to recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Brimbank took home the energy efficiency achievement award for its Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, which is the first all-electric aquatic centre in Australia.
Brimbank Mayor Bruce Lancashire said they were very proud of the centre’s world-leading sustainability features, and thrilled to win the energy efficiency achievement award.
“This all-electric aquatic facility, powered by renewable energy, demonstrates our commitment to reaching net zero for council operations by 2030,” said Cr Lancashire.
“The centre’s operation has already demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving a 76 per cent energy use reduction compared to conventional gas-powered aquatic centres since its opening.”
Merri-bek council was highly commended in the energy efficiency category for its Solar and Thermal Subsidy program, and Yarra council won the collaboration award for its innovative business renewables buying group.
Cities Power Partnership director Dr Portia Odell congratulated the councils, noting that the winning entries were shining examples of local councils leading clean energy solutions.
“It’s great to see three Victoria councils continue to take bold, collaborative approaches to climate solutions,” Dr Odell said.
“We know that community pools are notorious for being massive energy suckers – they are expensive to run, produce loads of carbon emissions and are difficult to electrify.
“To see councils like Brimbank take this on is no small feat.
“The local climate solutions on display at these awards are tangible proof that Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change and play a critical role delivering climate solutions.”
