|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Murdoch University researchers are doing their bit to help local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The team is working under the guidance of the United Nations Cities for Climate Protection Program, which is run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office. “It all comes down to thinking globally and acting locally,” said project manager Bryce Bunny. “The aim is to help local governments to reduce their greenhouse emissions by, in some cases, as much as 30 per cent on 1998 levels by 2010. This is somewhat in accordance with the Kyoto Treaty requirements. “In Australia local governments have the capacity to influence activities that contribute up to 50 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through building codes and planning regulations.” Mr Bunny and researcher Ms Cesira Leigh provide an energy management advisory service and support for local government policies. “We are helping local governments to set an example within their communities,” said Mr Bunny. “For example, we can advise about sources of green power and research which is the best energy efficiency for vehicles and appliances. “We also run workshops on issues such as energy efficient design for local government members who would not normally make decisions regarding greenhouse issues. “There has been a really positive response, because local governments can help the environment while making massive savings on their energy bills.” Western Australia currently has 29 local governments involved in the scheme, and more are being enticed to join the program on an ongoing basis. The energy management advisory service is contracted to run until June 2002. |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
Editor: Pepi Smyth
Produced by the ">Office
of Community Relations, Murdoch
University |
||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
