A more sustainable community

Westernport Water has committed to zero emissions by 2050 with a short-term goal of reducing its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 8% by 2025.

The first stage of the Emissions Reduction Program included the installation of 202 solar panels at the corporation’s Newhaven head office, pump stations and treatment plants. This will produce 108,300 kWh solar electricity annually, which is the annual energy needs of seven average households.

Managing Director Peter Quigley is pleased that Westernport Water is taking active steps to reduce its GHG emissions.

“Our solar installations and process efficiencies are starting to reduce GHG emissions and are helping to drive down the energy costs from our operations,” said Mr Quigley.

Westernport Water has implemented further ways to minimise energy consumption by installing advanced monitoring devices at its water pump stations, allowing adjustments to be made to suit demand.

Westernport Water has also partnered with twelve other Victorian water corporations under an umbrella organisation called Zero Emissions Water (ZEW) to purchase renewable energy from a Victorian solar farm. The initiative sets a new industry benchmark and is helping water corporations to offset their carbon footprint.

This innovative venture is the first of its kind for Australia’s water sector and ZEW will enable water corporations to purchase between 20 to 50 per cent of their total energy needs. ZEW will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80,000 tonnes every year, which is equivalent to emissions produced from 12,903 houses.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“We’ve seen the effects of climate change, which is why it’s more important than ever to create solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”  

“It’s great to see our state’s water corporations working together on this innovative new model, which will not only help protect our environment into the future, but it will enable us to switch to cleaner, cheaper energy.”

Further information on Westernport Water’s future projects.

 

ENDS