On 21 June 2021, the City of Subiaco, a suburb of Perth, became the first city in Western Australia to reach the goal of becoming certified carbon neutral. This certification is part of the federal Climate Active program.
Subiaco has been working toward this goal for some time. And, in March 2020, it set a goal of becoming carbon neutral and switching to 100% renewable energy. The goal is to hit both milestones by 2025. The first has been reached well ahead of schedule.
How Did the City Become Carbon Neutral?
The City of Subiaco took several steps to implement its carbon neutrality plan. They introduced solar panels and invested in energy-efficient systems. They increased efficiencies in water use and waste reduction, and they purchased electric and hybrid vehicles.
Beyond that, the city invested in carbon neutrality offsets. These are projects that can be used to put oxygen back in the air, thus minimizing and offsetting the carbon emissions created by the city. Subiaco invested in the following projects:
=> Reforestation of The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor in Western Australia
=> Fire management and carbon farming project in the Aboriginal Savanna, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
=> Wind power generation in India
These offsets have helped the city reach zero carbon emissions, but that isn’t the end. Subiaco must continue to uphold its carbon-neutral status each year to stay certified by the Climate Active program. The city plans to do just that, and it’s not stopping there.
Under its Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan, it has also committed to:
=> A 20% energy consumption reduction by 2025
=> Updating all fleet vehicles to meet the Climate Change Authority standards by 2025
=> Using 100% renewable energy by 2025
=> A 45% reduction of operational greenhouse gas emission by 2030
Renewable Energy
One of the biggest sources of renewable energy in Subiaco and in the whole of Australia is solar power. The city itself has had more than 1,292 solar panel installations. Solar panel companies in Perth are working hard to make solar panels available and affordable. Residential solar panel use is increasing in Western Australia as community batteries become available, making it a more sustainable energy source.
Arise Solar is a leading provider of solar panels for both residential and commercial use. We can help you take advantage of the environmental and financial benefits of solar power. For a quote or more information on a solar panel energy system, contact our team today.
