Header image: Kempsey Shire Council, Chargeworks Pty Ltd supplied by Kempsey Shire Council
Our Sustainable Councils initiative helps local governments in regional NSW save energy and money, reduce emissions and set a path to net zero. In 2021, our Sustainable Councils initiative supported Kempsey Shire Council to install a 99 kW solar photovoltaic system as part of their long-term Renewable Energy and Water Strategy.
As part of that strategy, the council identified the Kempsey Civic Centre as a perfect site for solar due to the building’s high level of daytime energy use by staff.
The solar system:
- generates 144 MWh of energy per annum
- saves 117 tCO2e in carbon emissions each year, which is equivalent to running 53 average Australian passenger vehicles for a year
- represents a 40% reduction in the civic centre’s annual carbon footprint.
The solar system is also estimated to save $26,000 per annum, freeing up more of the council’s budget to spend on other sustainability initiatives.
The uptake of solar in the Mid North Coast of NSW has been significant, and Kempsey Shire Council has become a leader in the sustainability space, working to encourage more solar projects like this, both within the council and in the local community.
Watch the video case study here.
Councils are well placed to understand the risks that climate change poses for their community in their area. They can also help lead the actions required to reduce the impacts on the community.
Find out more about how government and local organisations can take action.