City of Kwinana aiming for net zero corporate emissions by 2035

The City of Kwinana has released its plan to cut emissions and become a ‘net zero city’. Its inaugural environment strategy aims for net zero emissions from the city by 2035 and across the community by 2050, in line with the State Government’s goal. The strategy aims to improve sets the city’s liveability, biodiversity, decarbonisation and circularity — practices that optimise the use of resources and minimise waste — for residents. Mayor Peter Feasey said the city would monitor emissions, consider natural power, install more solar options and work towards removing gas from its operations. “Our energy plan will also be reviewed and transformed into a decarbonisation plan to not only consider the emissions we directly generate but those associated with the assets and services provided to the council,” he said. “Greener options to consider going forward include using bottom ash products from the Kwinana Energy Recovery facility in infrastructure projects, transitioning the city’s fleet to electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, converting public lighting to LEDs and investigating smart lighting.” The strategy also sets a 22.6 per cent canopy coverage target. Mr Feasey said the city wanted the State Government to make it easier for residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices and would “advocate for a building upgrade finance mechanism so local governments can encourage energy efficient building upgrades”. “We will also push for new developments to have active transport and electric vehicle infrastructure, and better energy performance from new dwellings and commercial buildings,” he said.