Inner West Council is celebrating its title as the first local government in Australia to be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy and divested from fossil fuels.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, said the achievement was an important environmental milestone.
“Three years ago the Council became the first to become 100 percent divested from fossil fuels,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Now, we are procuring 100 percent of our electricity needs from renewable sources.”
The renewable energy deal was brokered through Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) with ZEN Energy.
Seventeen other Councils are also moving to 100 percent renewable energy from July 2022, but Inner West is the only one that is also 100 percent divested from fossil fuels.
“Electricity makes up around three-quarters of Council’s corporate carbon emissions, so going completely renewable for electricity is a massive step forward for us,” Mayor Byrne said.
Inner West has also committed to becoming 100 per cent carbon neutral by 2025.
“We are taking serious action on climate change by thinking globally and acting locally. We are determined that Inner West continues to be a national leader in sustainability,” Mayor Byrne said.
The renewable electricity tender is just the latest in a long list of climate initiatives by the Inner West:
- The first council in Australia to be 100 percent divested from fossil fuels
- More than doubling rooftop solar capacity within 18 months helping to power pools, libraries, childcare centres, and offices
- Retrofitting older residential street lighting with LED
- Assisting residents, businesses and schools to transition to solar through Council program and partnerships
