CANBERRA
40%

Late in 2011, the ACT Government launched ‘ Weathering the Change Action Plan II‘, its policy outlining options to reach the 40% target for 2020, and setting up the foundations to becoming carbon neutral by 2060.

The policy presents five pathways to reach 40%, that present a mix of different actions we can take.

The Government is now calling for comments on its pathways, to help Canberra make the best choice for its future.  They are inviting written submissions, and will hold public consultations, as well as inviting online comments on the ‘Time to Talk” website.

It’s time to make a big decision for Canberra.  How will we invest in our future?  What is the smartest way to spend now, to secure our city’s clean future?

The action strategies the Government are exploring are:

• Energy Efficient Buildings – Increasing the effective use of electricity in our buildings through measures like insulation, modern design with energy use in mind, improved water heating systems.
• Sustainable Transport – Reducing use of private vehicles by encouraging other forms of transport, and reducing emissions from current vehicles.
• Sustainable Waste – Creating energy from municipal waste, such as capturing gas from natural waste breakdown processes.
• Renewable Energy – Investing in wind generation, most likely outside of the ACT, to cover Canberra’s energy needs.
• Gas Fired Electricity Generation – Installing a gas-fired energy generation facility within the ACT.
• Carbon Offsets – Purchasing offsets in carbon sequestration or other emissions-reduction activities elsewhere, to account for emissions in Canberra.

The pathways are a range of different combinations of these actions, each calculated to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions by 2020:

1. Renewable Energy – This pathway is a big investment in wind power, with a small amount of offsets to cover our transport and waste emissions.  It does not focus on any changes to saving energy in the ACT, or changing our transport system.
2. Buildings, transport, waste and renewable energy – This pathway takes a mix of actions, to both reduce our use of energy, as well as create new renewable energy for us to use.  It focuses on increasing energy efficiency, and increasing public transport use, walking and cycling.  It includes investing in a waste system that creates renewable energy, and still invests in a significant amount on wind power.
3. Buildings, transport, waste, offsets and Gas fired power – This pathway is similar to pathway 2, with a mix of actions.  However instead of renewable energy, it relies on investing in a gas fired power plant within the ACT.  It also requires the purchase of some offsets, as Gas still produces greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Buildings, transport, waste and offsets – This pathway concentrates on changes to our city in transport and energy use, but instead of generating cleaner power, simply purchases offsets.
5. Offsets only – This pathway relies on purchasing offsets alone, without any efforts to increase energy efficiency, reduce transport emissions, or generate power.  This means all behaviour remains ‘business as usual’, we simply pay someone else to undertake activities to reduce emissions somewhere else.

Each pathway is costed by comparing the price of each venture, creating a $ per tonne of emissions saved.  These relative costs are included in ‘Weathering the Change Action Plan II‘.

A lot of important questions need to be answered:

Which pathway is the best value for money?   For example, if we invest in cheaper Gas power now, we will have to phase it out before 2050.  Would it be better to invest in renewables for the long term?

What kind of impact will each pathway have on our city?  For example, if we simply purchase offsets, or wind power from across the border, are we missing out on new jobs for our economy?   And if we invest in energy efficiency and public transport, can we save on household bills by reducing costs on power and petrol?

Are there any action strategies that haven’t been included?  For example, could we use this opportunity to invest in light rail, or proper bus infrastructure removing buses from peak hour traffic?  Can we use more solar power, or other renewable energy sources?  How does the Government’s transport, energy, and other policies connect to ‘Weathering the Change Action Plan II’?

And most importantly, which pathway creates a city we can love to live in?  A city with clean air, modern transport, comfortable buildings, and jobs for the future?

Jump online to join the debate, email climatechange@act.gov.au for more details, and get to know the options.  Then, have your say.  With the support of the community, of business and the organisations that make up Canberra, this is a window of opportunity to make a smart decision for the future of Canberra.

Canberra Loves 40% will be working hard to encourage input from different organisations, businesses and individuals, to ensure we make the most of this opportunity with the best ideas from our community.  ’Weathering the Change Action Plan II’ shows that, through taking on an ambitious challenge, we can come up with the ideas that tackle climate change.

There’s work to be done.  Let us know what you think, and let the Government know what you want.

After our successful forum, we need to swing into action here at Canberra Loves 40%.  If you’d like to be involved over the next year, come along to our next meeting:

Wednesday 7 December, 6-7.30pm at the Environment Centre Cnr Lawson Crescent and Lennox Crossing (TBC).

This meeting will let you know more about who we are and how we work, and brainstorm some strategies for the next 12 months.  With an upcoming election and a range of policies stewing or now released, there’s plenty of scope to interact with the Legislative Assembly.  There’s also a range of businesses and industry groups as well as community representatives we could work with.  Bring along your ideas and suggestions, be creative and share your vision of what Canberra can do to reach its 40% target.

Hope to see you there!

Our forum on Wednesday 27 November was packed out with standing room only.  It could have been the amazing food, supplied generously by local suppliers and prepared by volunteer Chef and crew, or it could have been the fantastic high quality debate brought to the room by our audience.

Either way, our leaders are listening again.  Canberrans know we’re living in a smart city with access to innovative ideas and the will to act.  Our city can lead the way in emissions reductions that can add to our quality of life.

Big issues raised were questions around the ability for small-scale solar generation to push the move to renewable electricity supply for Canberra, the roll out of retro-fitting and other energy efficiency measures for houses in the ACT, and of course public transport!  With interesting responses from Minister Corbell about plans to transform the way energy efficiency is to be pushed in the ACT, and the light rail question still under discussion, as well as upcoming large-scale solar approvals in the new year, we are waiting for the commitment to action in ‘Weathering the Change Action Plan II’.

When asked if the modelling guiding the Governments plans equalled a 40% reduction by 2020, the Minister answered ‘yes’!  Now it’s time to turn the plans into action.

Our public forum on Wednesday 23 November will be the next step in letting our leaders know we want change.

We would like this forum to be a huge event, and we could use your help to ensure it is a success.

We are calling for volunteers to put in a few hours to assist with promotion with our fliers, assisting with setup and pack up on the day, and odd jobs to assist our media promotion.  If you could spare some time in the lead up to our forum, or on the day, please contact us at info@love40percent.org.  

If you have never worked with us before, this is a great way to get to know our group, and to make a big impact with a small time commitment.  Email us and let us know:

- What dates you might be available (eg. on November 23, the week prior, or the day prior – you don’t need to be too exact)

- How much time you would be able to offer.

- Any preferences (eg. dropping posters and fliers around your local shops, workplace, university, or in the city.  Assisting with media calls on the day, setup or packup at the event, welcoming and seating attendees on the day.)

We will get back to you right away.  Canberra Loves 40% is a community organisation, and your support sends a strong message about Canberrans’ commitment to our city and reducing our emissions.  If you have further questions, please get in touch at info@love40percent.org .

The forum marks one year since the target was set and will give all Canberrans the chance to quiz Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell and Greens Spokesperson for Environment, Climate Change and Energy Shane Rattenbury on what is being done to make sure we reach our target.

12.30pm Wednesday 23 November at the Legislative Assembly

Just over a year ago now the ACT Legislative Assembly committed to a 40% carbon emissions reduction target for the ACT.  This is an ambitious target and the Government needs our support to ensure this target is realised.

The forum is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements and actions taken by the community, business and the government, it will send a clear message that people in Canberra do care about achieving this target and everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions of the politicians.

What is your vision of Canberra in 2020?  Fantastic public transport?  A range of housing options, both high and low density?  Vibrant town centres, and an exciting heart in Civic?  Bring your ideas and explore the opportunities the 40% target provides Canberra to get into action to create a clean, liveable city into the future.

Sustainable Energy Policy was released on 29th September (http://bit.ly/rb96Kk) and we responded with this;

The release of the Sustainable Energy Policy 2010-2020 provides no clear direction for the ACT’s climate energy future and is a missed opportunity, climate organisation Canberra Loves 40% said today.

The policy did not answer enough questions about what the ACT’s energy mix will look like in the next ten years and what measureable outcomes will be taken to achieve a step-change in emissions reduction, which is a disappointment in the context of the ACT Government’s 40% emissions target.

“While Canberrans eagerly wait for Government leadership to take up the fantastic opportunity the 40% emissions target brings to establish a long-term sustainable plan for the ACT, the sustainable energy policy comes up short,” Canberra Loves 40% spokesperson Phoebe Howe said.

“Whilst the document provided important aspirational goals for the ACT, there were very few measurable outcomes described. The report relies upon the impending release of ‘Weathering the Change II’, the ACT climate change policy, and many questions are left unanswered about the central role energy plays in our emissions.”

“This represents a disappointing missed opportunity from the ACT Government, particularly given the need for a strong energy policy in the context of our ambitious 2020 emissions reduction target.”

Ms Howe also expressed confusion at the lack of real actions to achieve Canberra’s 40% by 2020 Greenhouse Gas emission reduction target in policy.

“Last year the ACT legislated for the most ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the country,” Ms. Howe said.

“This was a significant step for Canberrans who want to see the ACT lead on climate change. However we still have no clear idea of the Government’s plans to meet this essential target. This target is ambitious, and requires comprehensive policy that tackles energy, transport, and other emissions sources together.

The target is a fantastic opportunity to look at our planning for the future, and make wise decisions that cut across the traditional, yet artificial, divides that typically separate energy from other aspects of sustainable urban planning. Yet the sustainable energy policy makes no mention of a sustainable vision for Canberra’s urban planning. “This means the community will have to keep waiting for real leadership in the policy of ‘Weathering the Change II’.”

“The policy also discusses the potential use of new gas-fired electricity generation, which seems like a wasted investment for a city that will be emissions neutral by 2060.”

“Though the policy gives a good picture of essential issues such as energy affordability, and management of energy pricing and supply, a vision for a real sustainable energy future is lacking and the community will have to keep waiting for real leadership in the policy of ‘Weathering the Change II’,” Ms. Howe concluded.

For further comment contact Phoebe Howe, spokesperson of Canberra Loves 40% on 0449 617 669, or media@love40percent.org.

Have you ever wondered how we can live an enjoyable, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle in cities and suburbs?

Want to explore how we can live wisely within our natural environment?

          DATE: Sunday 18 September

          Time: 1.00pm – 5.00pm

          Location: Provided upon RSVP

          RSVP: by Wed 14 Sept.

          Email: burmo70@gmail.com

          Lunch: will be provided

Intention: To agree and action the community hub/city farm we want to see in Canberra

Bring your skill, and join us to get your hands dirty to create a hub that demonstrates what Canberra can be, by the community… for the community…

Looking for a way to contribute to emissions reductions in your local area?  Look no further than Carrotmob.  A mob of shoppers descend on a local business that has committed a proportion of the money spent to emissions reductions.

After a wild month of mob recruitment, our first mobbing is this Saturday, June 11th at the Ainslie IGA.
Come along and get more for your money.  100% of the extra sales from Carrotmob-bought groceries will go towards emissions reductions in store.  The more we buy, we the more we raise, and the more Manager Manuel can do in his shop.

The SustainAbility advice team provided manuel with a free energy audit to let him know where the best savings can be made.  Our shopping dollars can make it happen.

Come along anytime this Saturday and shop up at Ainslie IGA, and between 11-2 we’ll be hosting a BBQ, kids games and live music!

Join the Carrotmob at carrotmob.love40percent.org or follow us on Facebook – Carrotmob Canberra, and Twitter @carrotmobact.

See you at Anislie IGA, Edgar Street Ainslie this Saturday!

Most people want a more sustainable world but don’t know what to do, and most businesses want to be more sustainable but think it means expensive changes – Carrotmobs are a fun way to get the community and businesses to work together to overcome these barriers and contribute to reaching the ACT’s 40% emissions reduction target.

Canberra Loves 40% is proud to kick off the first year of work towards our target with a Carrotmob community campaign that works positively with small businesses.  We bring together a mob of people who want more for their money, and use this incentive to give a small business a kick-start of extra revenue to invest in emissions reduction in their shop.

Carrotmobs are about showing people that how and where they spend there money does make a difference – you can ask for more than just the product – you can ask that it is locally made, or produced sustainably, or ethically, or that the profits from its sale stay in the local community – especially if you shop in a mob!

We approached IGAs across the inner north and asked them what they would do to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for being mobbed by a large group of customers. The very first IGA we spoke to was Ainslie – who offered to put 100% of the money spent by the mob on reducing the stores emissions.  This week we will be launching Carrotmob with a media event celebrating Ainslie IGA’s 48th birthday!  As a birthday gift we will present a carrot cake and the award of hundreds of shoppers set to mob his shop on Saturday 11 June!

Now, all we need is you.  Sign up to the Carrotmob, come along on June 11, and buy some of your groceries at Ainslie IGA.  The more money we raise, the more owner Manuel will be able to do with his shop.  We have arranged a free energy audit from the SustainAbility Advice Team to let Manuel know what to target first.

Come along on 11 June for a celebration, meet Manuel and the kind energy audit team, enjoy a charity sausage sizzle, local music, and fun for the kids.  We are creating a truly sustainable Canberra; the environment benefits, the local community benefits, and local business benefits.  Join the mob that wants a more sustainable Canberra.

An Intentional Urban village that is both environmentally and socially sustainable.

A village that promotes and supports a community composed of the young, the elderly and those inbetween.

Garry and Stina Kerans are the initiators of this fantastic forward thinking housing concept.

Regular evening talks/workshops at No.3 Young Street Queanbeyan will introduce the principles of an Intentional Urban Village – using Sun Village Queanbeyan as an example.

Stina is hoping you may be able to join in on one of three evenings, and bring any friends or family who may be interested.  If you are getting on in years and considering your options for the future, this will be way better than any retirement village – come and find out why!

TIME: 5 pm on 24^th,25^th and 26^th May 2011

The Aspect development (http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-queanbeyan-107227169) is the first buildings you come to when you cross the NSW/ACT border from Fyshwick. After the H.M.A.S. HARMAN traffic lights veer left onto Norse Road (the alternative route to Queanbeyan) You then have to enter the development via Young Street – the first street on the left.

If you come at around 5pm you can have a tour of the nearly completed 2^nd stage, and the completed first stage of the development.

Please bring a plate to share.