Bayside Climate Change strategy - Community summary - Bayside City Council
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1
Bayside Climate
change strategy
Community Summary
2 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
The Challenge 2
What is Climate Change? 2 Our Strategy 9
What does climate change Our Partners 10
mean for Bayside? 2
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 12
Increasing Temperature and Extreme Heat 3 Community Resilience to
Reducing Emissions in Council Operations 13
Increased Heat and Flood Risks 19
Increased Fire Risk 4
Reducing Emissions in Our Community 14
Managing the Risks of Sea Level Rise 20
Less Rainfall and More Drought 4
Adapting to a Changing Climate 17
Helping the Community to Minimise
More Storms and Floods 5
Protecting Essential Infrastructure 18 Impacts and Realise Opportunities 20
Rising Sea Levels 6
Protecting Parks, Open Space, A History of Climate Change Human Sign On Sandringham Beach April 2007
Coastal Impacts 7 Waterways and Biodiversity 18 Initiatives in Bayside BC Photograph by Les Johnson
1
Foreword IntroDUCTION adapting to climate change. The development
of the Climate Change Strategy has drawn
from several consultation activities that
Council has conducted with the community.
This Climate Change Strategy Located along the coastline These include consultation processes for
Bayside Community Plan, Planning Scheme
document provides an overview of Port Phillip Bay, with popular
Review and additional forums that were
of how Bayside City Council is beaches, beautiful parks and held regarding climate change. The Climate
responding to the challenges open spaces, vibrant retail Change Strategy is a ‘living document’ that
of climate change. A Background areas and café strips, the City of will be regularly reviewed in consultation with
Technical document provides Bayside is a popular destination the community and other key stakeholders.
more detail about the Strategy for visitors and well-loved by The Bayside Climate Change Strategy – A
and how Council will the 97,000 or so people who call Plan for Council’s Operations underpins this
implement it. it home. document. It is an internal technical document
that provides the detailed background,
Bayside City Council is committed to working It will also focus on opportunities that may In Victoria, we are already experiencing technical analysis, risk assessment, strategies
with the community and government to meet arise from climate change. observable climate change. Bayside’s and actions for Council’s Climate Change
the challenges associated with our changing coastal location makes it particularly Strategy. It provides more specific detail
This document provides examples and
climate. There are many uncertainties vulnerable to some of the predicted impacts about how Council will implement the
case studies of how Council has worked
associated with climate change, however of climate change. Now is the time for the Strategy, including relevant strategies, plans
with the community on climate change. It
an effective climate change response will be Bayside community to take action to ensure and policies.
also provides information and advice on
important for ensuring that the City of Bayside that our natural assets and biodiversity are
measures for responding to the challenges of This summary document provides an
remains one of Melbourne’s most attractive protected, that our families and businesses
climate change. I encourage you to read the overview of Council’s approach for
municipalities and a highly desired place to can continue to thrive, that our buildings and
document as part of continuing to working addressing the challenges of climate change
live and visit. Council recognizes that it has infrastructure can cope with coming changes
together on addressing this important issue. and key measures it will implement. It also
an important leadership role and will pro- and that Bayside can continue to be the great
provides a chronology of Council’s climate
actively play its part in contributing to wider Mayor Councillor Louise Cooper-Shaw place it is as we face the challenges of a
change activities. While the technical
efforts that are required for an effective global changing climate.
document serves as an internal action
response to climate change.
Bayside City Council (Council) has plan for Council, this summary focuses on
For many years Council has focused on acknowledged the importance of considering communicating our plans and initiatives to
reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and and preparing for the inevitable impacts of the broader Bayside community.
supporting the Bayside community reduce climate change by developing a Climate
its emissions. The Climate Change Strategy Change Strategy. It is based on a ‘whole
is a significant milestone in Council’s climate of Council’ approach that incorporates
change journey, it incorporates Council’s greenhouse reduction initiatives and
greenhouse mitigation efforts and focuses on proposals, assesses forecast climate change
measures for adapting to climate change and impacts, integrates current climate change
supporting the community. activities and develops further measures for
2 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
The What is The projections of climate scientists indicate
the world will face dangerous climate change What Does
Challenge Climate unless there is a substantial reduction in
global greenhouse gas emissions. Recent Climate
Change? data shows that global greenhouse emissions
are increasing at a faster rate than previous Change
Climate change is the long-term change
projections, which means that changes to the
climate may be more severe than previously Mean for
Bayside?
in weather patterns, largely brought about thought. There is still some uncertainty in
by the build up of greenhouse gases in predicting the detail of future climate change
the atmosphere. and this will require continuing scientific
research, analysis, interpretation and Climate change research and projections
Greenhouse gases play an important role in
communication with the community. In the for the region show that the City of Bayside
influencing the climate and driving climate
mean time, there is a clear and immediate is significantly exposed to climate extremes
change. Some sources of greenhouse gases
need to act to reduce the risks of climate and natural hazards such as storm surges
are natural, such as volcanic eruptions or
change, reduce the production of greenhouse and coastal inundation, reduced rainfall,
plant and animal respiration. Others are
pollution and adapt to accommodate the erosion and extreme temperatures. These
created by human activities, including burning
changes that can’t be avoided. hazards are expected to increase in
fossil fuels and land clearing.
frequency and severity.
When sunlight warms the earth, some of
The following pages detail the various
this heat is re-radiated towards space. the greenhouse effect climate change impacts that together form
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
the challenge Bayside faces. The information
act like a blanket, trapping this heat and
about the climate change impacts is based
ensuring a relatively even and life-supporting
on projections by the Victorian Department of
temperature at the earth’s surface. However,
Sustainability and Environment and additional
concentrations of these heat-trapping gases
research by the Commonwealth Scientific and
in the atmosphere have risen dramatically
Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
since the industrial revolution. The climate
is changing because we’ve produced an
enhanced greenhouse effect.
The global average temperature has
increased by around one degree over the
last century. Australia is already experiencing
climate change beyond the natural variation
in weather and climate patterns, including
atmosphere
record-breaking heatwaves, more storms
and severe weather events and prolonged
periods of drought. Greenhouse gases in the Flooding at Brighton Golf Course 2011
atmosphere trap the sun’s heat
3
Increasing Hot Days Per Year Average Temperatures
Temperature 2008
0.66–1.46 °C hotter
3.20–5.81 °C hotter
What you can do:
and Extreme Beat the Heat
Heat Past 2008 2030 2070
To stay comfortable in your
home during summer, you need
to keep hot air out and cool air in.
Australia has already experienced an average Experienced Projected Heat gain reduces your comfort
temperature increase of 0.9ºC between 1910 at home and makes your air
Annual average temperature will
and 2004. Each decade in Australia since conditioner work harder. So here
increase by up to 1.46ºC in 2030 and
the 1940s has been warmer than the last, are some tips to reduce heat
up to 5.81ºC in 2070.
and 2001 to 2010 was the warmest decade gain, keep you comfortable and
on record, both in Australia and globally. · The number of warm nights will increase reduce your energy bills.
The frequency of hot days and nights has 2030 between 15%–50%.
· More hot days and nights will impact on Windows are the leading source of
increased, while the frequency of cold days
community health, particularly for vulnerable heat gain so keep drapes and blinds
and nights has declined.
members of our community, such as infants closed during the day.
Under projected climate change, the City of
and the elderly. Heat stress deaths could Shade trees or shrubs are another
Bayside is likely to experience increases in
increase from current deaths per annum of effective way to decrease heat gain.
average temperature and in the number of
289 to 582–604 deaths by 2020 to between Consider planting deciduous trees,
very hot days.
980–1,318 deaths by 2050. which block the summer sun, and
· Hotter summers and milder winters then shed their leaves allowing the
will have an impact on the heating and winter sun in.
cooling needs of homes and businesses,
potentially increasing their energy costs For maximum comfort set the
2070 and emissions. thermostat on your air-conditioner to
· Rising temperatures could also accelerate 24 degrees. Every degree lower adds
the deterioration of key infrastructure such 10% to your electricity bill.
as buildings and roads.
days per year above 30°
days per year above 40°
The number of days above 30ºC will
increase by 4 in 2030 and 19 in 2070,
while the number of days above 40ºC will
increase by 1 day in 2030 and 4 in 2070.
4 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Increased Less Average Rainfall Decreases
Fire Risk Rainfall
1.64–4.73% less rain
5.03–37.38% less rain
Increasing days of extreme heat combined and More
Drought
with possible rainfall reductions lead to an
increasing fire risk. While bushfires are not
considered to be a significant risk in Bayside,
Past 2008 2030 2070
the coastal fires that occurred in the City of Patterns of rainfall have changed over the last
Bayside in 2009 are a reminder that suburban 50 years, with rainfall decreasing in most of
Experienced Projected
grass fires and house fires remain a concern. eastern Australia. The wet La Niña conditions
Under climate change projections, the of 2010–11 provided welcome relief from one
Average annual rainfall is likely to
bushfire season is likely to lengthen, with an of Victoria’s most severe droughts. Despite
decrease by between 1.64% and 4.73%
increase in the annual number of very high or heavy rainfall in Victoria during the second
in 2030 and between 5.06% and 37.38%
extreme fire danger days. half of the year, Melbourne recorded its 14th
in 2070.
consecutive year of below average inflows to
Grass Fire Risk Days Per Year water storages during 2010.
2008 In the future, Bayside is expected to become Drought Increases
drier, with a reduction in the average annual
rainfall and an increase in the number of
dry days.
Reductions in rainfall are likely to lead to more
droughts and water restrictions. This will place
2030 pressure on areas and activities with high
water needs, such as parks, gardens and
sporting grounds, particularly when combined
with higher temperatures and evaporation.
Experienced Projected
The number of very high and extreme
2050
grass fire risk days will increase from Droughts will increase in frequency
about 15 per year currently, to up to and severity.
18 per year in 2020 and up to 24 per
year in 2050.
5
More
What you can do: Storms
Water saving
and Floods
There are many ways to make
your home and garden water While less total rainfall is expected for Victoria,
efficient. Here are a few rain extreme rainfall events are projected to
saving tips to get you started. increase in Bayside by 0.9% by 2030 and 5.9%
by 2070. Future rainfall patterns are predicted
· Exchange your old showerhead
to involve longer dry spells interrupted by
for a water efficient one and take
heavier rainfall events, especially in summer
shorter showers. This will save you
and autumn. Stronger winds and extreme
both water and energy.
wind gusts are also expected.
· Reduce the water flow of your
taps by 50% by installing a flow Intense storms and floods have the
control valve. potential to increase erosion and flood
· Run the dishwasher when you have frequency, increase the risk of damage to
a full load. private property and public infrastructure,
· Plant drought tolerant plants. and place greater stress on stormwater
· Use a trigger nozzle for all and sewerage systems. Increases in the
outdoor watering. frequency and intensity of destructive storms,
· Use wetting agents and mulch to extreme winds and flooding will place more
improve water retention in your soil. pressure on emergency services and higher
· Have a grey water system insurance costs.
connected by a licensed plumber.
· Install a rainwater tank.
· Buy water efficient products
including washing machine and
dishwasher. A water efficient
washing machine can save you up
21,000 litres of water per year.
· Install a water efficient toilet which
can save up to 35,000 litres of Now Future
water per year.
Future rainfall patterns are predicted to
involve longer dry spells interrupted by
heavier rainfall events.
6 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Rising Sea Level Changes
Useful
resources
Sea Level Extreme weather events can
be disrupting and alarming. A
The global mean sea level is currently rising
range of information sources are
by approximately 3.2 mm per year which is 2100 2100 +820 mm during storm surge
2100 266–819 mm rise in sea levels
available to help you prepare for
almost double the global average rate of
extreme weather, monitor current
1.7 mm over the last 100 years. This is due
weather and road conditions, make
to the warming of the oceans, causing
decisions and minimise risks.
the thermal expansion of water, and the
additional water from the melting of land- State Emergency Services
based ice sheets. Extreme sea levels in the Flood and Storm Information Line
Port Phillip Bay usually occur as a result of on 1300 VICSES (1300 842 737). SES
the combination of tides with storm surges FloodSafe and StormSafe information
during severe weather events, with current 2070 2070 +470 mm during storm surge
kits are also available.
storm surge levels averaging 1.14 metres 2070 165–471 mm rise in sea levels www.ses.vic.gov.au
at Aspendale, which is one of the nearest Bureau of Meteorology (Victoria)
locations to the City of Bayside that has data. Current storm, flooding, coastal waters
Global mean sea level will continue to rise and wind warnings, weather forecasts
in the future. Coupled with the predicted plus useful radar images of rainfall.
changes to the frequency and intensity of www.bom.gov.au/vic
2030 2030 +150 mm during storm surge
storm surge events, changes to sea levels 2030 48–146 mm rise in sea levels Country Fire Authority
will be most pronounced during extreme Information on fire safety and
tide and storm events. These storm surge current fire bans and restrictions.
events are likely to cause erosion and www.cfa.vic.gov.au
localised flooding from sea water, affecting
2008 2008 Current sea levels
EPA Beach Report
infrastructure, housing and local environments
in vulnerable areas. Monitors the bacterial water quality
at popular beaches, which can
Sea level is projected to rise by up decline following extreme weather.
to 819mm in 2100, and storm surges www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport
could increase storm tide by up to a
further 820mm. VicRoads
Current information on road closures,
which may be useful during periods
of flooding or extreme weather.
Potential Impacts
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
7 Coastal Impacts The City of Bayside’s location along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay makes it a desirable place to live and a popular place to visit. However, coastal locations are particularly vulnerable to strong winds, severe storms, sea level rise and storm surge. Under projected climate change in Bayside: There is increased risk of beach and cliff erosion due to strong winds, storms and extreme rainfall. Inundation due to storm surges could result in loss of beaches, inundation of coastal assets and further coastal erosion. There is increased risk of coastal cliff erosion damaging infrastructure, including Beach Road, the Bay Trail and the Coastal Path. Coastal biodiversity will be placed under increasing pressure, due to extreme heat, rainfall changes and destructive storms. There is potential for increased risk to privately owned coastal property due to sea level rise and storm surges.
8 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY “ I know people think, ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’ Well actually, one person can become one hundred can become one thousand, and so on. And that’s a force to be reckoned with.” Danielle King Bayside Environment Forum
9
Our · developing measures for adapting to the
impact of climate change on its assets and
to support funding for energy efficient street
lights or advocating for state planning controls
Strategy services that are provided to the community
· supporting the community by providing
that align with environmentally-sensitive
design principles.
information and education
· advocating the interests of the local Information and communication –
community at a state and national level. Providing information about climate change
Council’s core purpose is
science and government policy.
to work with the community to Key mechanisms of Council’s approach:
make the City of Bayside a better Education – Running community education
Infrastructure investment – Investing
place. Council has a legislative programs on sustainable housing and living.
money in more energy efficient street lights,
objective to promote the social, measures to protect key infrastructure from Partnerships – Working with governments
economic and environmental climate change impacts, and the building, and other councils to improve planning for the
viability of the municipality; construction and maintenance of Council and impact of climate change on coastal areas and
Donkey Orchid, Gramatan Avenue Heathland
community buildings and facilities. drainage networks. This also includes funding Sanctuary, Beaumaris. Photograph by
meeting the challenge of climate
opportunities through government grants. Pauline Reynolds.
change is part of fulfilling Finances – Allocating budgets to address
this objective. issues such as funding for flood management
measures and infrastructure. It can also
Following this introduction to Council’s include the provision of grants.
approach, the Strategy will be presented
in three sections: outlining Our Partners Fiscal measures – Using rates and special
and stakeholders we are working with first, charges where applicable under the Local
before detailing our actions for Reducing Government Act 1989.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, followed by
Regulation – The enforcement of local laws
actions for Adapting to a Changing Climate.
including planning and building approvals,
Council sees three roles for local government city planning, and road engineering, public
in addressing climate change: managing the health, and environmental health services
emissions, impacts and risks it has direct and enforcement.
control over, supporting and assisting the
efforts of members of the Bayside community Service provision – Including street
and advocating on behalf of the community. cleaning, waste and recycling services, road
More specifically, Council’s approach involves: maintenance and road building services,
· leading by example in responding to parks and recreation services, home and
climate change by reducing its own community care, aged care facilities, maternal
greenhouse gas emissions that contribute and child health services and childcare.
to climate change
Advocacy – Advocating to governments Marine Care Ricketts Point event at Ricketts
· assessing risks associated with projected Point Marine Sanctuary, Beaumaris
about climate change policy, for example,
climate impacts within the municipality10 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Our regional and local responses. Council policies
and actions will continue to be informed by
other councils to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. For example, Bayside Council is a
Partners the work of IPCC.
National
member of the South East Councils Climate
Change Alliance, a network of eight councils
that collectively respond to climate change
National and state governments have policy through joint projects such as the Sustainable
Addressing the challenges and legislative roles for climate change, Homes education program (see page 17 for
which have significant influence on Council’s more information).
of climate change requires
climate change activities. Moreover they have
collaboration at all levels Community
other roles and mechanisms that impact
of society. For many situations, on the delivery of climate change programs Community-based groups are vitally
Council’s ability to influence and activities. The Federal Government has important to Council’s Climate Change
greenhouse gas emissions or a role in regulation, sets national policy and Strategy, helping to inform the development of
measures for adapting to climate negotiates Australia’s role in international the Strategy and working alongside Council
treaties. It influences climate change action in implementing actions. Council will continue
change requires working with
through environmental policies, taxation to engage the community by working in
the community, community policies and social security. partnership with environment groups,
groups, businesses, governments community groups, local conservation groups
State
and other key stakeholders. and business networks.
The Victorian Government has legislative
International powers that influence Council, for example
Nations seek to coordinate global action through the Victorian Climate Change Act
on climate change through international 2010. It also has a significant influence via
agreements. Many nations are taking action education, transport, health, environmental
to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and urban planning policies. Council works
however, there is some uncertainty regularly with agencies that deliver policies
about their implementation. The Federal and programs. These include the Department
Government represents Australia’s interests of Sustainability and Environment,
during international negotiations, such Sustainability Victoria, Department of
as those surrounding the United National Planning and Community Development and
Framework Convention on Climate Change Melbourne Water.
(UNFCCC). Local government
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Councils have been actively working to
Change (IPCC) is the peak provider of reduce greenhouse gas emissions for over
global scientific data and information on a decade, particularly addressing those
greenhouse gas emissions and climate associated with buildings, street lighting,
change. Its Assessment Reports provide a waste and transport. Local governments
key resource for the development of national, have also collaborated with communities and11
city of interNational
bayside
United National Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
International Panel on Climage Change (IPCC)
National
Commonwealth of Australia
Department of Climate Change
and Energy Efficiency
ayside
B
City Council Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities
Schools
Environment
Businesses State
Homes Department of Sustainability and Environment
YOU Melbourne Water
Sustainability Victoria
Sustainability Fund
Community Local Government
Bayside Environment Forum Neighbouring municipalities
Bayside Business Network South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
Community Groups Association of Bayside Municipalities
Municipal Association of Victoria12 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Reducing Case Study:
Royal Avenue
Green- Corporate Centre
house Gas Refurbishment
Emissions
In 2008–09 Council refurbished and
extended its main administrative building.
This provided an opportunity to show
Responding to the challenges of climate leadership and implement a suite of
change involves reducing greenhouse gas Ecologically Sustainable Development
emissions, identifying actions for adapting (ESD) features that resulted in a 30 per cent
to a changing climate and realising possible per capita reduction in greenhouse gas
opportunities that might arise from a emissions from the building. It also provided
changing climate or government policies. an opportunity to demonstrate and showcase
this approach to building design and the
For many years Bayside City Council has
technologies involved.
actively worked on reducing its greenhouse
gas emissions and providing support for the The refurbishment included the
community to reduce its greenhouse gas following features:
emissions. This two-pronged approach will · installation of a 7kW photovoltaic system
continue into the future. As well as reducing with capacity for augmentation
our contribution to climate change, these · improvements to the heating, ventilation
measures may have other benefits. For and air conditioning system
example, cutting transport emissions can · automatic window ventilation
save petrol costs and improve urban air · external shading on windows and tinting
quality, saving energy while electricity prices on north ground floor windows
are rising will also save money and improving · sensor lighting with timer controls throughout
the efficiency of buildings will also make them · 110,000 litre water tank that is plumbed to
more comfortable. staff toilets.
Within Council Actions
Reducing Emissions
Within Our Community Actions13
Reducing Emissions The following are key actions Council Giving Our Streets
will implement to reduce greenhouse
in Council Operations gas emissions:
the Green Light
Council has set a target to become carbon Implement sustainability improvements Council pays for the power use
neutral in its operations by 2020. The in large building projects, such as the and maintenance of around 8,700
graph pictured shows the key sources of redevelopment of the Highett Recreation lights, collectively emitting nearly
greenhouse emissions from the Council’s Centre, to ensure they achieve national 6,557 tonnes of greenhouse gas
operations. Much of Council’s emissions environmental performance benchmarks. emissions annually.
come from the 286 buildings and facilities
Council owns or has responsibility over, Progressively implement improvements to Around 6, 000 of the lights are inefficient
including offices, children’s services buildings smaller buildings that have been identified 80 watt Mercury Vapour lights that emit
and recreational facilities. The electricity in audits of 116 Council buildings and around 4,000 tonees of greenhouse
use of street lighting is also a major source completing audits for remaining buildings. gases. More energy efficient options are
of emissions that Council does not directly available for installation. For many years
control. Council’s strategies, plans, policies Continue to reduce and offset greenhouse Council has advocated for regulatory
and actions target these areas, as well as gas emissions from its car fleet, including an changes and financial support to
the emissions from transport and waste. electric vehicle trial. install more efficient lighting on local
Achieving carbon neutrality will also eventually street networks. This matter is now
Work with the tenants of the many Council
involve the use of renewable energy and being addressed in federal and state
buildings that are leased to improve the
purchasing offsets. government climate change initiatives.
environmental performance of these buildings.
Council has committed to investing $2.7
Complete waste audits for Council
Council greenhouse gas million dollars over the next four years
work places.
emissions sources for 2009/10 to install energy efficient streetlights and
(tCO2-e) Develop a Green Travel Plan for staff and will continue to advocate for regulatory
implement initiatives such as the provision changes and funding support. Council
electricity 2496 tonnes (79%) of public transport tickets for staff to attend will also monitor and assess emerging
fuel 491 tonnes (15%) work-related meetings. lighting technologies, such as Light
gas 180 tonnes (6%) Emitting Diodes (LED), that may be
Install energy efficient street lights and remove
suitable for lighting Bayside’s streets.
some street lights on local streets over a four
year period commencing 2012.14 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Reducing Emissions For many households, electricity use Continue encouraging more ecologically
represents a major source of greenhouse gas sustainable approaches to building and
in Our Community emissions, so saving electricity is an important construction in planning applications and
As well as reducing it’s own greenhouse gas part of sustainable living programs. Council recognising excellence through the Bayside
emissions, Council will play a role in helping the is particularly mindful of the pressure on Built Environment Awards
Bayside community, particularly householders, household budgets from rising electricity prices
and the potential for increasing temperatures Continue to collaborate with federal and
reduce their own emissions. The greenhouse
to lead to increasing energy needs for cooling. state governments for the provision of
gas emissions from a typical household come
support and information.
from electricity and natural gas use, transport The following are key actions
and the production of solid waste. In addition Council will implement for assisting Advocating to government on behalf of the
to these are the emissions associated with the community to reduce greenhouse community for the provision of information,
the production of the goods they buy and the gas emissions: programs and enabling public policy.
food they consume.
Continue implementing community “I know people think, ‘I’m just one
The EPA Victoria website hosts the Australian education, support and information projects, person, what can I do?’ Well actually,
Greenhouse Calculator, online at www.epa. such as the Sustainable Homes program and one person can become one hundred
vic.gov.au/AGC/, which is designed to show other measures, to assist the community to can become one thousand, and so on.
householders how their lifestyles contribute reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and And that’s a force to be reckoned with.”
to climate change. save energy. Danielle King
Household electricity use by region (MWh/household) Victorian Government, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2009
10
2004
9 2007
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Brighton Brighton East Hampton Highett Sandringham Cheltenham Beaumaris Bayside Bayside Farmers Market at
Trey Bit Reserve 201115
Encouraging Associates Pty Ltd won the 2011 category
for best ecologically sustainable design
Better Building with a home renovation in Hampton. Geoff
What you can do: Regulating for better building Fagan, the owner of the property received a
The Sustainable Council uses two regulatory tools to
special award for innovative ideas that were
incorporated into the renovation.
Homes Program encourage planning applications improve
the environmental performance of buildings. “My neighbours have been very interested
The Sustainable Homes program was in the ESD features that are included in the
The Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)
developed by SECCCA (South East renovation, particularly in the front garden,”
tool encourages planning applicants to
Council Climate Change Alliance). says Geoff. “Many of the ideas for the ESD
improve the environmental performance
It’s a series of five workshops. features were obtained from attending events
of their buildings.
The first describes what climate like the Sustainable Homes Open Day and
Council also requires planning applications to I am planning to share this information by
change is and what it means so that
implement measures for reducing the amount participating in similar events.”
people understand the big picture. The
of pollution in stormwater that enters Port
workshops then focus on practical actions Sustainable House Day is an initiative in
Phillip Bay. A range of Water Sensitive Urban
can be taken to create more sustainable which green home owners open their houses
Design (WSUD) techniques such as rain
gardens, reduce waste, water and energy to visitors so they can see first hand how
gardens and water tanks, are used to remove
use, and cut those bills. the owners have made their homes more
pollutants before stormwater enters the Bay.
The workshops are highly interactive, sustainable. Information about the annual
Recognition for better building event is online at www.sustainablehouseday.
focused on sharing experiences, learning
what you can do, asking questions and The Bayside Built Environment Awards com/victoria.php. The Alternative Technology
then developing a list of actions that you encourage higher standards and celebrate Association also provides a wealth of
can take home and do to reduce your excellence in the built environment. One of information about sustainable building,
environmental impact. the award categories is Best Ecologically energy and water technologies and practices:
Sustainable Design, Roberta Rees & www.ata.org.au.
Participants receive a workbook, which
includes a lot of useful information. It
features cost information, based on CSIRO
research, so you can estimate the costs
of various actions you might take, and the
amount of money that you could expect
to save.
Sustainable Homes is one of several
community education programs that
Council has implemented in recent years
Winner of Best Ecologically Sustainable
as part of its on-going commitment Design in the 2011 Bayside Built Richard Potter at his Sandringham residence,
Environment Awards, Roberta Rees & winner of the Bayside Environmental
to educate the community about Associates 69 Orlando Street, Hampton. Sustainability Award 2005.
environmental sustainability.16 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Real Estate:
Top Ten Tips for 1
By far the best ‘bang for
your buck’ is properly
fitted insulation.
Green Building
Benefits:
Green Homes Did You Know?
Danielle King is the Founder and Director of a
company that provides householders with a
2
The second best is draft
proofing external doors and
windows (prevents heating/
Applying environmental planning
and design principles into
selection of sustainability services designed cooling loss). buildings can result in:
to help minimise a homes running costs while
· 60% reduction in water and
reducing the environmental footprint. Danielle
is a Bayside resident, actively involved in 3
Use external shading to
north and west windows to
help keep the house cool
energy consumption
· Reduction in annual operating
sustainability in Bayside. She is a member
cost and more efficient asset
of Council’s Environment Forum and is a in summer.
management
facilitator for the Sustainable Homes program.
4
Well-fitting curtains with pelmets · Higher relative investment returns
With her keen sense of green homes and are very effective at preventing (minimum 14% investment return)
property values, Danielle recommends the heating/cooling loss. · Higher market value for asset
following top tips: (10% increase)
5
Solar hot water systems (gas
boosted) are by far the most
economical to run and add
· Higher rents (5–10%) increase
· Less that 3% premium above
standard cost of construction to
value to your home. build green
· Increased occupant well being
6
Install a grey water system off
the laundry and/or bathroom.
and productivity
· A marketing advantage.
7
Install low energy lighting. More information about sustainable
design in the planning process for
buildings is available in the Living
8 Install a rainwater tank
(the largest possible) and use
in toilets, laundry and garden
in Bayside > Building and Planning
section of the City of Bayside website,
www.bayside.vic.gov.au/planning_info
where possible.
9
Changing hot water systems?
Gas boosted solar is best if your
home is suitable.
Winner of Best Ecologically Sustainable Design
in the 2010 Bayside Built Environment Awards,
10
Install a grey water system, there
are many rain and grey water
options available.
Peter Wright, 78 Iona St, Black Rock17
Adapting to It was based on the best available scientific
information and will be reviewed regularly
Key Action Areas
A background technical document provides
a Changing as further information and understanding
of climate change evolves. Possible climate
more detail actions that Council has
developed for adapting to climate change.
Climate change impacts for Council include:
· health impact to council staff and
It also refers to other relevant strategies,
plans and processes that are necessary for
the community implementing them. The following pages
Reducing emissions is one part of the climate
· financial impacts including increasing show a summary of key action areas and
challenge and an important one: how much
costs to Council and loss of revenue. actions the Council will implement. These
or how little humanity reduces its production
· increased property damage actions will be implemented in stages,
of greenhouse gases will determine how
· disruption to Council service delivery, prioritising the immediate needs and those
much the climate changes. We are already
such as open space maintenance and actions that proceed and enable future
experiencing a changing climate and some
health services. actions. More detail about the actions
further change is unavoidable. However, we
is provide in the background technical
can act now to protect our community and Council will also identify and research
document for the Climate Change Strategy.
the environment, minimise the risks and build opportunities that will arise from climate
the resilience needed to adapt to a changing change, such as the development of
climate. Council completed an organisational renewable energy and seasonal changes
risk assessment for the possible impacts that may result in more suitable ‘shoulder
associated with climate change projections. seasons’ for recreation and outdoor activities.
Protecting essential infrastructure Actions
Protecting parks, open spaces, waterways and biodiversity Actions
Adapting to a changing climate Community resilience to increased heat and flooding risks Actions
Managing the risks of sea level rise Actions
Helping the community minimise impacts and realise opportunities Actions18 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Protecting Essential Protecting Parks,
Infrastructure Open Space, Waterways
Climate change may damage infrastructure
and Biodiversity
and property, such as building foundations, Climate change threatens open space and
flood damage to structures on the foreshore, trees through events such as flooding and
flood damage to roads and buildings and the impact of extreme heat on vegetation.
drainage networks. Infrastructure can last Actions to protect open space and trees can
many years and therefore may be affected result in more shade and less heat absorption
by more significant impacts associated with from hard surfaces such as concrete and
longer-term climate change projections. In bitumen. This can help reduce temperatures.
this context if will be important to consider Trees and open space also produce other
climate change impacts in the design of benefits such as the provision of more habitat
infrastructure. For example, the drainage for wildlife and improving air quality. Most of
network will need to have the capacity to Council’s water use is for outdoor irrigation.
cope with projected extreme rainwater Council’s sustainable water management
events. Council is developing a Buildings approach includes utilising alternative water
Asset Management Plan and a Flood sources, such as stormwater for irrigation,
Management Plan to address these impacts and implementing Water Sensitive Urban
of climate change. The implementation Design measures and infrastructure. This will
of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) help achieve environmental goals while at the
techniques, such as rain gardens and swales, same time maintaining the important social
will also provide the ability to manage impacts and economic value of Council’s open space
such as flooding events. network for the community.
Actions Actions
· Develop climate change checklists for all new · Implement stormwater projects including
infrastructure and infrastructure upgrades. precinct projects for the Sandringham
· Identify and monitor infrastructure assets at Golf Course, Brighton Golf Course and
risk due to climate change. Elsternwick Park.
· Monitor design standards for infrastructure · Continue planting drought tolerant species
and update design briefs. in open space and re-vegetation projects.
· Review maintenance regimes for critical · Participate in projects to develop
“Port Phillip Bay is crucial
drains and areas that are prone to flooding. biodiversity corridors.
to the social and mental
· Implement WSUD and stormwater capture · Work with relevant agencies to monitor
weeds and pests. well-being of the people in
projects in for open space.
· Ensure the climate change impacts are Bayside and Melbournians”
Image: National Tree Day considered in tree management programs. Ray Lewis OAM, President of
Bayside, July 2011 · Protect biodiversity values along the coast. Marine Care Ricketts Point19
Community Resilience A combination of rising sea level, storm surge
and extreme rainfall events may increase
to Increased Heat and the impact of flooding events in coastal
What you can do: Flooding Risks areas. Council is working with other drainage
Greener Gardening Many Bayside residences will feel the heat
managers, such as Melbourne Water, to
improve drainage management so that it
of more hot days and nights, particularly
Did you know that clever can cope with increased inundation and
residents in older houses with poor thermal
landscaping can help to make stormwater. This will involve updating town
qualities. Bayside also has a significant
your home more energy efficient? planning controls to ensure flood risks are
aging population and a small but increasing
And your garden may also help adequately considered.
number of families with infants – two groups
Bayside manage some of the
that are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Actions
risks of climate change?
Council has a Heatwave Plan with actions for
Here’s how: · Ensure that people are adequately informed
assisting the community during heatwaves. It
and have access to relevant information
· Trees and vegetation can act as has already been successfully implemented
enabling them to respond during extreme
windbreaks and reduce the ‘urban during the February 2009 heatwave. In recent
weather events such as heatwaves.
heat island’ effect years Council has implemented a Climate
· Review and update town planning controls
· Shade trees and vine-covered Friendly Seniors Project to assist elderly
for flood protection and mitigation.
pergolas can help cut your cooling residents to improve the comfort of their
· Continue flood mapping work in
costs. If they’re deciduous, they’ll homes during heatwaves.
partnerships with state agencies such as
let the sunshine and warmth in
Though less vulnerable than low-lying Melbourne Water.
during winter
adjacent municipalities, some parts of · Review flooding hot spots and develop
· Some garden plants can provide
Bayside experience flooding problems. localised solutions in the City of Bayside.
food and habitat to support
urban biodiversity
· Gardens and rainwater tanks can
soak up rain, reducing runoff and
helping to ease flooding.
More information about green
gardening is available in the Caring
for Bayside > Environment >
Sustainability Guide section of the
City of Bayside internet site, online
at www.bayside.vic.gov.au
Thermal Imaging Camera Appraisal Project - funding Protection Project under construction at Royal Avenue
provided to Bayside Climate Change Action Group from Beach, Sandringham
Bayside City Council Community Grant20 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Managing the Risks Actions Helping the Community Actions
of Sea Level Rise · Participate in ‘Choosing a Preferred to Minimise Impacts and · Ensure that planning for Council events
Pathway for Port Phillip Bay’ project Realise Opportunities includes consideration of extreme events
The City of Bayside’s coastal location makes and Future Coasts Protect for improving such as heatwaves.
it vulnerable to projected sea level rise and decision making for climate change Council has an important role in emergency · Encourage the inclusion of climate change
storm surges. The majority of the coastal impacts on Port Phillip Bay. management, which is implemented via in Council’s grants programs.
frontage in Bayside is cliffs, making erosion · Undertake detailed coastal vulnerability the Municipal Emergency Management · Ensure that the next review and update of
and beach protection are key issues for assessments to identify locations most Plan. It will be updated to address the risks the Municipal Emergency Management
Bayside. Importantly, the relatively slow vulnerable to sea level rise. associated with climate change. Plan clarifies roles and responsibility, and
natural processes that shape the coastline · Prepare a local planning policy to help that these are effectively communicated to
are likely to be exacerbated by climate With growing interest in healthier, greener
inform planning decisions regarding relevant stakeholders.
change, which may result in sudden impacts living, Council has also implemented
possible impacts of sea level rise, storm · Update the Municipal Emergency
on cliffs and beaches. Flooding may also be sustainable living programs that help
surge and erosion along the coast. Management Plan to ensure emergency
an issue, particularly in the long-term, with the householders reduce their ecological
· Review the Bayside Coastal Strategy and management scenario planning is
possible loss of beaches and inundation of footprint, become more energy efficient
coastal actions plans. undertaken with consideration of multiple
infrastructure along the foreshore. and adapt to climate change. Council also
· Develop guidelines for design and material climate change impacts occurring
provides information to help the community
The City of Bayside is working with several selection in coastal areas. simultaneously or in short timeframes.
take advantage of opportunities that arise
other councils that border Port Phillip Bay · Ensure new community and recreational · Provide information to the community and
with broader government action on climate
and government agencies involved with the facilities and upgrades along the coast are community engagement forums regarding
change. This includes information about
management of coastal areas. Council will designed to be easily protected, raised or climate change.
renewable energy opportunities, such as
continue to collaborate with these partners relocated, or have a shorter design life. · Advocate on behalf of the community
government rebates and incentives.
to manage the projected impacts of climate regarding government climate change
change on coastal areas. policies and programs.
“Rising sea levels are
impacting on coastal
erosion of foreshore
parks and pathways in
the City of Bayside”. Green Cone composting bin, which Bayside
City Council is trialing in the Bayside Mark Slykhuis and Alan Pears AM promoting
Ray Lewis OAM, President of Storm damage, Black Rock Beach 2009. community. the Bayside Energy Efficiency Program 2008.
Marine Care Ricketts Point21
Case study: Tips for Small Purchase fuel-efficient vehicles – it’s a simple
way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
A Green Energy Businesses and also save money. Before purchasing your
Opportunity Use ‘Switch-off’ signs for equipment and next fleet vehicle visit the Green Vehicle Guide:
lights to remind your team of the simple www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au and the Green
Erik Zimmerman founded a local company
actions that save energy and reduce Wheels website: www.greenwheels.com.au.
that provides solar photovoltaic systems for
residents and commercial customers. In operating costs of your business
E-waste (electronic waste) – such as old
2006 he approached Council with an idea computers, printers and mobile phones
Install 24 hour timers on electrical equipment,
to encourage mass adoption of solar by – should be recycled to recover valuable
including hot water urns, photocopiers and
implementing a ‘solar neighbourhood’ bulk materials and prevent pollution. Your
vending machines. This will ensure they turn
buy in two council suburbs – Black business will minimise its waste and prevent
off at night and over weekends, reducing your
Rock and Sandringham. The aim was to hazardous materials such as lead, mercury,
business’ electricity use and power bills.
generate significant bulk purchasing savings arsenic and cadmium, from contaminating
in procurement and marketing and pass Set the thermostat on your HVAC system the environment.
these savings on to consumers. to 18–21 degrees in winter and 23–26
degrees in summer, as recommended by Separate your waste – ensure you recycle
Whilst the solar neighbourhood business
the Australian Government’s Energy Rating cans, bottle, takeaway containers, paper
model was well developed, the team needed
website. For every degree you decrease your and cardboard. You can also separate your
advice in relation to the compliance, health
thermostat when heating or increase your organic waste and start a compost bin, worm
and safety and technical aspects of solar.
thermostat while cooling, you can save up to farm or Bokashi bin, which avoids sending
Bayside Council was well placed to leverage
10% off your heating and cooling costs. organic materials to landfill.
its own membership network in order to
provide some answers. Use green cleaning services and non-
Install energy efficient globes – there are a
Today, the business that is now part of range of energy efficient globes available, toxic cleaning products that are free from
another company, is one of the largest including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), hazardous chemicals to keep your workplace
renewable energy businesses in Australia micro-CFL or LED downlights, and low clean, green and safe.
and has completed more than 7000 wattage fluorescent tubes. Energy efficient
solar installations in more than 300 solar globes can save between 30–70% of your
neighbourhoods throughout the country. lighting electricity consumption.
The company employs 54 staff and has
its head office in nearby Highett. “Council Choose GreenPower – electricity generated
officers provided me contacts that facilitated from clean, renewable energy sources.
timely access to key information. This
Promote green travel – including cycling,
information was critical in allowing the business
walking, taking public transport to work or
to be established with full compliance.”
to meetings where possible. If flying, opt to
offset the emissions from your flights.
Erik Zimmerman
CEO, Company Founder22 BAYSIDE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY COMMUNITY SUMMARY
Bayside City Council 2007 Strategy for Water Restrictions 2009 Public Transport Green Travel 2011 Open Space Sustainable Water
initiative for staff Management Strategy
Climate Change Bayside Sustainable Living Expo
Initiatives Sustainable Public Street Lighting Commenced Sustainable Homes
‘Halt Climate Change Now’ human
Action Plan program pilot
sign on Sandringham Beach
Implemented Greenhouse Commenced implementation of
Launched showerhead exchange
2004 Greenhouse Action Plan project household program with storm water capture projects at
program – ongoing
Sustainability Victoria Elsternwick Park, Sandringham Golf
Green power purchased between
Built Environment Awards Course and planning for Brighton
2004 and 2008 Carbon neutrality review and
– category for Ecologically Golf Course Project
establishment of carbon neutrality
Greenfleet offsets purchased to Sustainable Design – ongoing
goal for 2020 Climate Change Strategy
offset emissions from council fleet
2008 Energy audits of Council’s
vehicles from 2004 – ongoing Energy Efficient Street Lighting trial Funding for Bayside Climate
large buildings
in Sandringham Change Action Group Heat Sensing
2005 Sustainable Water
Implementation of 20 water saving Camera project
Management Strategy Establishment of voluntary
projects at Council facilities including
sustainability assessment tool for Established Bayside Environment
Support for Family Life Open tennis courts and bowling clubs
planning permit applications Forum
Gardens Day – ongoing
Review of Greenhouse Action Plan
Commenced Climate Friendly Commenced development of
ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection
Sustainable Living Forums for Seniors project – ongoing Integrated Transport Strategy
and Water Programs
Bayside residents
Joined South East Councils Climate Commenced implementation of
2006 Implemented carbon footprint
Residential Energy Efficiency Change Alliance – ongoing building audit recommendations
reporting
Program for Bayside residents
2010 Sustainable business management 2012 Street Light Replacement Program-
Review of Environmental
Commenced refurbishment and program with 40 Bayside businesses scheduled for commencement
Sustainability Framework
extension of Corporate Centre
MAV ‘Give our Streets the Green Scheduled to commence pilot trial
Establishment of revised Bayside
Light’ Campaign of electric car
Environmental Advisory Group
Engaging with the community
through the Climate Change Forum
New Sustainability Reporting
Framework
Sustainability audits completed for
116 small council buildings
Sustainable Buildings Policy for
Council buildings
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