Sustainability

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A clean, green, sustainable environment

The environment is continually changing influenced by climate, economic considerations and human induced impacts. There is the necessity to ensure ongoing conservation of a robust environment and community with the ability, flexibility and capacity to adapt to change and secure a sustainable future.

A widely accepted definition of sustainability is to ...meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Part of the preservation of the Adelaide Hills environment is that the surrounding landscape is not only beautiful but functional, productive and ensures a great quality of life. The district is a mosaic of native vegetation, rivers and creeks, built form, heritage and agricultural areas that create a unique landscape that attracts tourists, residents and business enterprises. There are many facets and actions that could be implemented to ensure conservation of the environment and a sustainable way of life.

Relevance to the community and council
Council and community have a role to play in maintaining and improving the environment through everyday actions and behaviours. The consequences of any action influence the impact on our carbon footprint.

How it is implemented, delivered and undertaken
We will provide leadership in striving towards more efficient use of resources, reduction in energy and water use, conservation of biodiversity, reduction in waste, resource recovery and use of local provenance food. We have already undertaken numerous actions including:

  • Biodiversity Strategy resulting in improved weed management and support of numerous Friends Groups to further build community capacity;

  • Energy Reduction program resulting in solar PV panels being installed on the Woodside Library, Coventry Library and Stirling Office and Heathfield Depot;

  • Waste Strategy including the introduction of green organic waste bins, Green Waste drop off days, Resource Recovery Centre at Heathfield;

  • Draft Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (community consultation in August 2016); and

  • Changes to council vehicles moving towards four cylinder cars and the purchase of hybrid cars.

What happens elsewhere
We, along with many other councils, are considering the purchase and promotion of electric cars and the installation of charging stations for vehicles. Solar developer Ingenero has completed Australia’s first dual-axis tracker solar array for an electric vehicle charging station on Kangaroo Island. The installation is located at the island’s airport and has been coupled with three electric cars and six electric charging stations. These vehicles are available for hire when visiting the island

Moreland City Council in Victoria is a leader in encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles to promote zero emissions transportation, and in 2012 installed Victoria's first electric vehicle 'Fast Charge' station in partnership with the Victorian Government Electric Vehicle Trial. They now have three charging stations and provide members of the public with electric cars free use of these charging stations. Electric bike recharging is also available as well and their council fleet are also changing to electric vehicles.

Whilst there are many ways we can change our behaviour, purchasers and actions the most important part is being motivated or motivating others to make more sustainable choices

A clean, green, sustainable environment

The environment is continually changing influenced by climate, economic considerations and human induced impacts. There is the necessity to ensure ongoing conservation of a robust environment and community with the ability, flexibility and capacity to adapt to change and secure a sustainable future.

A widely accepted definition of sustainability is to ...meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Part of the preservation of the Adelaide Hills environment is that the surrounding landscape is not only beautiful but functional, productive and ensures a great quality of life. The district is a mosaic of native vegetation, rivers and creeks, built form, heritage and agricultural areas that create a unique landscape that attracts tourists, residents and business enterprises. There are many facets and actions that could be implemented to ensure conservation of the environment and a sustainable way of life.

Relevance to the community and council
Council and community have a role to play in maintaining and improving the environment through everyday actions and behaviours. The consequences of any action influence the impact on our carbon footprint.

How it is implemented, delivered and undertaken
We will provide leadership in striving towards more efficient use of resources, reduction in energy and water use, conservation of biodiversity, reduction in waste, resource recovery and use of local provenance food. We have already undertaken numerous actions including:

  • Biodiversity Strategy resulting in improved weed management and support of numerous Friends Groups to further build community capacity;

  • Energy Reduction program resulting in solar PV panels being installed on the Woodside Library, Coventry Library and Stirling Office and Heathfield Depot;

  • Waste Strategy including the introduction of green organic waste bins, Green Waste drop off days, Resource Recovery Centre at Heathfield;

  • Draft Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (community consultation in August 2016); and

  • Changes to council vehicles moving towards four cylinder cars and the purchase of hybrid cars.

What happens elsewhere
We, along with many other councils, are considering the purchase and promotion of electric cars and the installation of charging stations for vehicles. Solar developer Ingenero has completed Australia’s first dual-axis tracker solar array for an electric vehicle charging station on Kangaroo Island. The installation is located at the island’s airport and has been coupled with three electric cars and six electric charging stations. These vehicles are available for hire when visiting the island

Moreland City Council in Victoria is a leader in encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles to promote zero emissions transportation, and in 2012 installed Victoria's first electric vehicle 'Fast Charge' station in partnership with the Victorian Government Electric Vehicle Trial. They now have three charging stations and provide members of the public with electric cars free use of these charging stations. Electric bike recharging is also available as well and their council fleet are also changing to electric vehicles.

Whilst there are many ways we can change our behaviour, purchasers and actions the most important part is being motivated or motivating others to make more sustainable choices