Canterbury Council Will Become Energy Efficient, Says Mayor
Three Canterbury Council facilities are to receive energy-efficient upgrades, benefiting not only the environment but also the ratepayers. The upgrade is part of the Community Energy Efficient Program spearheaded by the federal government.
The council received $159,887 from the federal government’s Community Energy Efficient Program in order to fund the project. The council also forked out $79,943 to make sure the project is completed.
The monetary grant will be used to install new lighting technology at the Riverwood Community Centre, Lakemba Library and Campsie Library.
New energy-efficient lighting fixtures will be used to modernise these three facilities, and motion sensors will also be installed but will only be used on demand. The funds will also cover the improvement of the facilities’ air conditioning systems to increase efficiency.
Upon the project’s completion, the Canterbury Council expects to enjoy energy savings of 600,690 MJ annually. This figure is equivalent to more than 30 households’ electricity use per year. In terms of monetary value, the council will expect to see a slash on their energy bills of around $40,000.
The energy-efficient technological upgrade will allow the council to cut down on their maintenance costs as such modern fixtures tend to last longer than regular lighting systems.
Additionally, staff and visitors of the said buildings will enjoy better indoor lighting and comfier facilities.
Brian Robson, the Canterbury Council Mayor, said, “Following the completion of works, workshops and tours for local residents, library users, visitors and local businesses will be run to showcase the technology and provide information about energy efficiency.”
Other Additional Sustainability Projects
Apart from applying for funding from the Community Energy Efficiency Program, Mayor Robson has continued to write cheques to local Canterbury schools to fund projects under the Sustainable Schools Grants Scheme.
Various school projects were built using the grants, including the worm farm and vegetable garden at Mel’s Primary School and the Indigenous Bush Tucker Garden at the McCallums Hill Public School.