Inner West and Woollahra councils 100% powered by renewable energy

By ERIN MODARO

Woollahra Council and The Inner West Council have announced that they are now 100% powered by renewable energy with the Inner West also 100% divested from fossil fuels. Both council’s committed to the switch to renewables earlier in the year, along with 23 other NSW councils for “one of the largest renewable energy deals for local government”.

The switch to green energy has been enabled by a $180 million deal with ZEN Energy, brokered by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC). The 25 participating councils announced the deal in February of this year, representing an area of about 38% of NSW’s population.

Woollahra Council says that as of July 1, 74 council sites will be run with solar energy, bringing their total carbon emissions down by 50%.

Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne said “taking action on climate change is a priority for Council”.

“This agreement is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing this important issue by reducing our carbon footprint, and a great outcome for the environment.”

Inner West first council to use no fossil fuels and 100% renewables

The Inner West Council says it’s the first Australian council to be 100% divested from fossil fuels as well as 100% powered by renewable energy.

“Three years ago we became the first Council to become 100 percent divested from fossil fuels,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

“Now, we are procuring 100 percent of our electricity needs from renewable sources.”

Cr Byrne says that the Inner West Council has also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

“We are taking serious action on climate change by thinking globally and acting locally. We are determined that Inner West continues to be a national leader in sustainability.”