2. 5
Annual Report
2006/07 brought climate change into sharp
focus on a global scale, and shaped the
way we work.
We’re now in the business of cutting carbon.
August 2006 March 2007 October 2006
The USA experienced a The Netherlands 2006 Victoria experienced
record bushfire season, recorded its warmest China experienced its warmest October
with more than 3.8 million winter in 300 years. its warmest year on record for maximum
hectares burned. since 1951. August 2006 temperatures.
Victoria experienced its
fifth-driest August on
2006/07
record, and the driest
69 days of bushfire burnt
since 1982.
over 1 million hectares of
July 2006 land in eastern Victoria.
The United Kingdom
recorded its warmest May 2007
ever month on record. Melbourne experienced
June 2007
its driest 365-day period
10 days of constant rain
May 2007 on record.
caused heavy flooding in
Texas which had been A severe heat wave in December 2006
in drought since 2005. Eastern India recorded Areas of Victoria experienced
temperatures of 46ºC. a white Christmas, with
below-zero temperatures
in alpine regions.
June 2007
Gabo Island, Mallacoota
May 2007 and Point Hicks recorded
Icy weather of snow, hail their highest June total
and heavy rain that swept rainfall since 1978.
across South Africa set
54 weather records.
Sources: World Meteorological Organisation www.wmo.ch
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au
3. 7
Everything we do is to limit carbon emissions,
or foster thinking that shows promise for a low
carbon, ResourceSmart future.
We use energy efficient appliances
Our office switched to GreenPower
We increased our recycling
We turn off all our appliances at the wall
I installed a grey water system
We have a compost bin
I ride my bike to work
We use less energy
Our house has a five star rating
We installed solar hot water
Our warehouse is ResourceSmart
Our office is carbon neutral
We installed solar panels
7. 15
Chair and Chief Executive Report
As the ground swell of public opinion on climate change
rapidly moved in favour of environmental sustainability
during 2006/07, our agency’s work found a foothold in
Victorians’ daily lives.
Widespread acceptance of the need We achieved a strong financial outcome
to act to reduce human impact on the this year with a net surplus of $1.9m at
planet thrust our core business into 30 June 2007, after investing $38.6 million
the mainstream. And together with in sustainable outcomes from revenue of
others, we played a pivotal role in $40.5 million. Looking ahead, we have
raising the profile, and taking major already committed $15.5 million in new
steps toward securing a sustainable projects with our partners.
future for Victorians. This year’s annual report captures a year
With industry, schools, community groups of great change. It is an open account of
and everyday Victorians, we made an our own successes, the successes of
impact. Our shared efforts helped reduce others, and the challenges of our fast
greenhouse gas emissions by more than emerging sector. Book one explains our
one million tonnes. And we are now activities, and how we worked with others
working to cut 10 million tonnes of to deliver solutions. In Book two, we share
greenhouse pollution by 2010. our core reporting data, to show in an open
In 2006/07 our efforts with our key way how we measured up to the targets we
partners made major inroads to meeting set ourselves at the beginning of the year.
our long term objectives. Victorians Thank you to our Board, management
increased their uptake of GreenPower and all Sustainability Victoria staff for
by 98%. We landed Victoria on the world a year that can only be described as
stage, as An Inconvenient Truth filmmaker one of action. It sets a strong foundation
Al Gore took Victoria’s energy saving black for our longer term challenges to deliver
balloons campaign back to the US as the 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas
first advertising campaign of the Alliance abatement by 2010, and the targets
for Climate Protection. Event holders heard of Towards Zero Waste by 2014.
our Waste Wise messages, and increased
participation by 80%. In our own operations
we ensured 95% of waste was diverted See Appendix one for a complete
from landfill, as we consolidated our summary of our performance this year.
three offices into one. And our support
of Victoria’s green innovators led to
national and international recognition
of the highest kind, including a UN World
Environment Day Award for a Sustainability
Fund recipient.
Bob Welsh Geoff Mabbett
Chairman Chief Executive
Left to right: Geoff Mabbett and Bob Welsh.
8. 17
Big CO2 Savers
As uptake grew more than 62% in the last
year, GreenPower sales helped to cut Victoria’s
emissions by about 420,000 tonnes
– the same as turning off power to 24,000
homes for a year.
Sales reached 314GWh Working with our key partners, we
promoted the national GreenPower
program to Victorian homes and
businesses in an effort to increase
sales from 196GWh the previous year.
By end of June 2007, sales had
reached 314GWh.
228,389 residential 228,389 residential customers converted
customers converted to an average of 12% GreenPower,
contributing a 208,000 tonne reduction
in emissions. And 7,363 commercial
customers also heard the call to switch
to GreenPower – reducing the state’s
emissions by 212,000 tonnes.
Developing a clearly identifiable
GreenPower logo and new website
helped build customer awareness.
And working closely with electricity
retailers, we facilitated greater
promotion of GreenPower to customers.
New retailers were especially
responsive to the call to action.
Total saving = 420,000 tonnes less CO2
GreenPower is electricity generated from Key partners:
clean, renewable energy sources, such Energy retailers; Department of Territory
as solar, wind, biomass and hydro power. and Municipal Services ACT; Department
When you buy a GreenPower product of Water and Energy NSW; Department
from your electricity supplier, renewable of Mines and Energy QLD; Department
energy is purchased on your behalf. of Transport, Energy & Infrastructure SA;
By agreeing to pay a small additional Sustainable Energy Development
charge on your electricity bill, you are Office WA.
replacing conventional electricity with
clean, renewable energy.
9. Big CO2 Savers 19
Big ideas helped make
big CO2 savings
We’ve taken the first steps toward Making new Victorian homes 20% Change industry behaviour to make Support commercial and industrial
carbon accounting. We’re in new more efficient with 5 Star standards Victorian businesses ResourceSmart sectors to reduce waste and bring
territory, and we’re learning constantly. About 38,000 new homes built in Victoria We launched ResourceSmart Business down emissions
We continue to challenge our thinking during 2006/07 are at least 20% more in July 2006 to support the commercial As part of our overarching Towards Zero
and refine our processes to find the best resource efficient due to efforts with our transition to a low carbon economy. Waste objectives we invested $1.5 million
ways to accurately measure human key partners to develop 5 Star housing Program funds are directed at businesses into Commercial and Industrial Resource
impact. We’ve worked hard with others, standards, and upgrade house energy using innovative practices to build Recovery across 12 completed projects
to make a good start in reducing rating software FirstRate5. Compliance competitive, viable, sustainable enterprises. in 2006/07. The result was 162,000 tonnes
Victoria’s growing carbon debt. with the 5 Star standard requires a 5 Star In our first year, we helped sign Australia’s of waste diverted from landfill and an
energy rating for the building fabric plus first Sustainability Covenant with the emissions reduction equivalent of 57,000
Increase energy efficiency of electrical water savings measures, and the nation’s largest glass manufacturer – tonnes. Project highlights included: Graham
appliances and equipment installation of either a rain water tank Pilkington Australia. It followed the Campbell Ferrum, which diverted 85%
or a solar hot water service. The result announcement of a $130 million joint of sand waste from used moulds with new
We’ve continued work with key partners is a carbon saving of more than 136,000 investment with the Victorian Government technology using a $197,590 grant; KR
through the national Equipment Energy tonnes this year, and 422,000 tonnes since in its Dandenong plant to improve resource Castlemaine, which increased resource
Efficiency (3E) program to set higher 5 Star was introduced in 2004. We also use and reduce emissions. Pilkington will recovery from 20% to 83% with a $108,308
efficiency benchmarks for key household worked to redevelop FirstRate to match produce a high efficiency glass that helps grant; Sims Tyres, which increased waste
appliances and business equipment. national benchmark software AccuRate, reduce household energy consumption, recovery by 3,000 tonnes with a $150,000
In 2006/07 we continued to expand the and improve its functionality including the and its standard product lines will be more grant; and Chemsal, which now diverts
number of products subject to energy ability to zone a house according to room cost competitive and resource efficient. about 200 tonnes of paint and 500 tonnes
efficiency regulation. Major outcomes use. The result, FirstRate5, is available from Other major projects supported by of metal packaging annually after receiving
for the year included standby power August 2007. ResourceSmart Business in 2006/07 a $200,000 grant. A new round of grant
consumption ratings added to the included South East Water and Bluescope applications were also processed with
energy ratings of washing machines Steel water recycling project; AGL $5.8 million granted to 29 projects due
and dishwashers and continued work Key partners: and Symex cogeneration power plant; to start in 2007/08 with an investment
to introduce regulation for set top boxes, Department of Sustainability and Gippsland Water Factory renewable leverage of 5:1.
home entertainment equipment, gas Environment VIC; Building Commission. energy project; and Frigrite high efficiency
water heaters and external power supplies. refrigeration cabinet development
A post-implementation evaluation of (see pg 29). Key partners:
fridge standards and labelling was also Total Saving = 422,000 tonnes less CO2 Regional Waste Management Groups;
conducted and confirmed that expected waste management and recycling
energy and carbon savings were achieved Key partners: industry; various commercial and
and that regulation has not impacted EPA Victoria; Australian Industry Group; industrial businesses.
product pricing or consumer choice. various Victorian businesses.
Total Saving = 57,000 tonnes less CO2
Key partners: Total Saving = 71,000 tonnes less CO2
Australian Greenhouse Office and the
3E Committee; Energy Safe Victoria;
Department of Sustainability and
Environment VIC; Department of Primary
Industries VIC; equipment manufacturers
and suppliers.
Total Saving = 813,000 tonnes less CO2
10. 21
Education and information
“I can’t thank the Victorian Government enough
for allowing the Alliance for Climate Protection
to use your Black Balloons TV commercials.
From the first time I saw the films I have been very
impressed by their potential to have a significant
impact on the way people think about their role
in the climate crisis.
We plan to show the commercials as part of Live
Earth series concerts taking place around the world
on July 7 and over the following months on national
television in the United States.”
– An Inconvenient Truth filmmaker Al Gore
Together with our key partners We led the development of the
we created the black balloons Black Balloons creative device,
energy saving campaign. along with a new energy saving
In June 2006 the ads hit Victorian website (www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au)
TV screens. By May 2007, 73% and information kits for use by local
of Victorians who had seen the ads governments and intermediaries. Our key
believed the Black Balloons campaign partner, the Department of Sustainability
had been effective in motivating and Environment, ran the TV ad and print
them to use less energy. media campaign, and conducted research
into its effectiveness. A working group
Our target in 2006/07 was to increase including our key partners began phase
awareness about the links between two of the campaign – which will educate
household activity and greenhouse gas Victorians how to change behaviours
emissions. It formed part of a five year push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
under the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy
Action Plan 2005 to reduce household
emissions by 10% by 2010.
Key partners:
Department of Sustainability and
Environment VIC; Department of
Primary Industries VIC.
11. Education and information 23
We worked with a big number of industry
leaders to help us inform Victorians and
raise the profile of our innovators
Educating and informing Victorians Developing a governance model Talking to Victorians about butts to Using leading expertise to set clear
is central to driving change in to facilitate education for sustainability help reduce 56% of our litter problem benchmarks and grow our renewable
behaviour. With key partners, we’re in all Victorian schools With cigarette butts making up 56% energy sector
applying best-of-industry knowledge Our aim with key partners was to shape Victoria’s litter stream, we made As part of our Small Energy Systems
across each sector. And we’re bringing a strong sustainability education pre-emptive moves to reduce possible portfolio, we gathered leading international
together leading experts to drive framework to facilitate widespread uptake volume increases in the lead up to pubs and local expertise to grow our renewable
communications that impact how of sustainability education in more Victorian and clubs no longer permitting indoor energy sector. In 2006/07 major
Victorians use our resources. schools. Our key target in 2006/07 for smoking from July 2007. Our Don’t be a achievements included: The Australian
the Sustainable Schools program was Tosser: Bin Your Butts campaign targeted and New Zealand solar water heater
Giving free public forums to educate to facilitate agreement about the preferred TV news, radio and newspaper outlets. standards committee finalising standards
industry about improved commercial model of future programs. Extensive We worked with local governments and which could lead to widespread use of new
building performance consultation and analysis was undertaken licensed venues to inform smokers about technology and efficiencies in industrial
with key partners this year to develop litter prevention. And we provided 8,500 process heating; Solar cooling seminars
International and local industry experts and assess a range of alternative models. information kits and grants to install butt led by international expert Dr Hans-Martin
were gathered for a series of eight free bins at 60 venues. A full impact evaluation Henning, and attended by Australian
public talks. The Melbourne Forum talks will be completed by September 2007, researchers; Pilot trials to examine the
targeted the sustainable performance Key partners: but early data shows increasing potential of leading technologies to reduce
of new and existing commercial buildings, Department of Education VIC, involvement from councils and venues. the peak load on electricity supply
with topics including: Sustainability in the Department of Environment and networks and; An agreed industry standard
Retail Sector; Financial Sustainability Sustainability VIC; EPA Victoria; Victorian with the Business Council for Sustainable
in Commercial Buildings; Sustainability Association For Environmental Education; Key partners: Energy on the rating procedure for
in Existing Stock; Sustainable Buildings metropolitan water retailers represented Victorian Litter Alliance; Local solar water heaters for Australia and
in the Global Market; Sustainable Tenants by Melbourne Water and City West Water. governments; Regional Waste New Zealand.
– Green Leasing; World SB08 launch; Management Groups; EPA Victoria;
Future Proof or Water Proof? H2O, Municipal Association of Victoria;
Tomorrow’s Gold. Butt Littering Trust; Australian Hotels Key partners:
Association; Clubs Victoria; Restaurant Business Council for Sustainable Energy;
and Catering Association; Department Alternative Technology Association;
Key partners: of Human Services VIC; Department of Powercor; Standards Australia.
City of Melbourne; Building Commission; Environment and Climate Change NSW;
Australian Institute of Refrigeration Toyota Australia.
Air Conditioning and Heating; Green
Building Council of Australia.
12. Education and information 25
Gathering international experts and Raising the profile of environmental Community
local industry leaders to advance efforts through the Premier’s The Centre for Education and Research
Victoria’s green sector Sustainability Awards in Environmental Strategies (CERES)
With ‘leading thinking’ established as one The profile and calibre of the Premier’s generates $4 million annually and reinjects
of our core values, we set out to gather Sustainability Awards was raised it into community environmental initiatives,
best-of-industry knowledge and host key significantly this year as our agency such as water saving projects and organic
interactions with world leading thinkers in took over the role of host on behalf farming. Based in Brunswick East, it aims
2006/07. We utilised expertise to grow our of the Victorian Premier. to raises environmental awareness through
own knowledge and hosted forums to This years winners were: displays and demonstrations. As a key
inform industry. network for conservation and ecology
Small business groups, it also hosts education programs
Sustainable Living Fabrics grew profits for about 60,000 students annually.
Key speakers while cutting water use by 62% and Big business
greenhouse gas emissions by 42%
producing high quality, low impact Two large businesses were recognised
Leading US green building expert Jerry Yudelson for outstanding environmental leadership,
wool-blend textiles for Australian and
World leading social economist Nic Frances international markets. although no formal award was made for
this category. Origin Energy was
US green manufacturing expert Gary Langenwalter Public sector recognised as one of Australia’s leading
German solar energy systems expert Dr Hans Martin-Henning Kangan Batman TAFE’s new Automotive providers of energy, with substantial
Centre of Excellence is Australia’s first investment in exploration and production,
Clean technology and resource management expert Prof Allan Ake Johansson
educational facility to receive a 5 Star gas fired power generation, retail and
Sustainable city development expert Prof Peter Newman Green rating from the Green Building trading, and distribution networks.
Canadian-based social marketing pioneer Doug McKenzie Mohr Council of Australia (more pg 29). It was Sustainable development has been integral
acknowledged for excellence in sustainable to Origin’s business strategy, and its
UK Business Council CEO David Green achievements include; 140,000 green
design, and for systems that limited
London-based energy policy expert Dr Gill Owen greenhouse emissions and water power customers and zero greenhouse gas
consumption. It was also the first Victorian emissions from its Australian offices, shops
Internationally renowned sustainability researcher Prof Jorgen Randers and LPG terminals since 2004. Sensis was
TAFE to sign a Sustainability Covenant
World leading geothermal energy expert Prof Jefferson Tester with EPA Victoria – which has set a recognised for its environmental and social
benchmark for other vocational institutes. commitments from the office through to
IBM Corporation environmental affairs director Edan Dionne
partnerships such as the Sustainability
European environmental economist Wim Hafkamp Product or service Covenant. Sensis’ Directory Recycling
UK-based sustainable city development expert Peter Head Frigrite Refrigeration has designed and program resulted in 77 per cent of Yellow
manufactured Australia’s first high efficiency and White Pages directories being recycled
UN award winning environmental activist and author George Monbiot supermarket refrigeration, which cuts up to with an additional 18 per cent being reused
84% of damaging HFC emissions, and up in the home or office in 2006.
to 35% of greenhouse emissions compared
to standard refrigeration (more page 29).
And it offers significant energy savings of
about 12%.
13. 27
Collaboration with industry
Working with key partners NECA we helped create
Eco Smart Electricians – Australia’s first sustainable
training and accreditation system for electricians.
Following a pilot, the course is now ready for roll
out across Victoria.
The course forms part of our broader In 2006/07 our target was to obtain
program Training for Tradies, which industry expertise on relevant course
aims to equip tradespeople with content, develop draft resource programs,
knowledge to inform householders and structure pilot courses. Successful
about ways to improve energy, water partnerships will lead to the roll out of
and waste use. the first courses at TAFE facilities across
Melbourne and regional Victoria in 2007/08.
A minimum of 240 licensed electricians are
expected to receive training in domestic,
commercial and industrial sectors, in units
including: energy management; lighting,
pumps, fans and motors; and heating
and cooling.
As part of the National Framework for
Energy Efficiency, consultation was also
undertaken with key industry partners
in trades sectors including heating,
ventilation and air conditioning;
engineering; and facility management.
Key partners:
National Electrical Contractors
Association; Holmesglen Institute of
TAFE; Swinburne University (National
Centre for Sustainability); Australian
Building Council for Sustainable Energy;
Facility Managers Association of Australia;
Australian Council of Refrigeration;
Air Conditioning and Heating; Australian
Mechanical Contractors Association;
Facility Management Training Partners.
14. Collaboration with industry 29
We started investing in future
carbon savings by taking big
steps with industry now
At the grass roots of industry, we’re membership also exceeded targets to Making it easy for Victorians to choose Turning communities into Smart Energy
partnering to effect long reaching reach 77%. We commenced a partnership energy efficient products with clear Zones by combining energy demand
change. Our financial backing and with a council to develop a model for information at retail stores and supply solutions
advice supports business to test new introducing sustainable purchasing into With lighting, appliances, water heating, In February 2007 we launched the Victorian
ground and look for solutions that core business. And a commitment was and temperature control making up to Government’s $4 million Smart Energy
deliver economic benefits and long made to establish an ECO-Buy Centre 61% of household greenhouse emissions, Zones program, to integrate small-scale
term environmental security. for Excellence in Environmental Purchasing we approached 500 major retailers to community based energy creation with
to make it easier for all Victorians to use introduce information about the energy efficiency measures. It follows global
their purchasing power to grow the market efficiency of products at the point of sale. trends toward localised power production,
Investing in groundbreaking clean for sustainable products. ECO-Buy now
technologies for long reaching Leveraging awareness of our Black and is expected to give communities
promotes recycled content products; Balloons campaign – our Right Advice the chance to manage their own energy
sustainable change in our energy sector products and services that reduce CO2 at the Right Place program secured supply through small networks of
We invested $2.35 million into clean energy emissions; and water saving and low agreements with some of Victoria’s sustainable energy technologies such
solutions through our Renewable Energy toxicity products and services. biggest appliance retailers. And as co-generation, hydro, wind and solar
Support Fund. Five major projects were Key partners: discussions continue with other major power. Our target in 2006/07 was to
announced with support of our RESF Municipal Association of Victoria; retailers. Program roll out was set back identify opportunities and scope project
scheme – delivering ground breaking Department of Sustainability and to ensure program materials met the viability. We conducted workshops with
innovation including Australia’s first solar Environment VIC. highest standards. six groups, and committed to scoping
sound barrier and first community-owned projects with Banyule City Council and
wind park (more pg 29). The projects are Key partners:
Clive Peeters; Origin Energy; AGL; the Victorian Office of Housing.
projected to save about 75,000 tonnes Applying new thinking to solar
of greenhouse gas per year. Projects technology to power public facilities ELGAS; Beacon Lighting; Bunnings; Key partners:
announced in 2006/07 included: Hepburn and community centres Mitre 10; Camberwell Electrics; Harvey Developers; local governments; industries
Renewable Energy Association Community Norman; Good Guys. and community-based interest groups.
Our Victorian Solar Innovation Initiative
Wind Park; South East Water mini-hydro; supports new applications of solar
Consolidated Energy and Resource green technology. It led to new technologies Supporting development of
waste to energy project; Tullamarine Calder including the award-winning ‘Channel more sustainable cost-efficient
Interchange solar sound barrier; and Panel’ installed at Huntly Primary School, commercial buildings
Warrnambool Waters Resort geothermal which was featured on ABC’s New
heating project. Our Commercial Building Innovation
Inventors program. And reports about new Initiative has helped developers apply
Key partners: solar solutions were taken to major industry new technologies at major projects
Renewable energy developers; water events including the World Renewable across the state, including: Bendigo
authorities and community associations. Energy Congress. A total of 37 Bank headquarters, which installed
refurbishments applied new solar solutions underfloor air conditioning and other
at schools, kindergartens, sporting technologies to save 51% energy and
Making it easy for business and facilities, art centres, and community health
governments to integrate green 69% water; Metropolitan Fire Brigade
centres. And technical data sheets and which saved 52.5% energy and 64%
buying programs case studies were published to guide water; and Szencorp headquarters,
We fostered the expansion of Victoria’s engineers and architects on how to apply whose refurbishments delivered 40%
ECO-Buy program with our key partners. the designs. gas reduction and 83% water savings.
We aimed to reach beyond local We also extended funding to help
governments to help businesses and shopping centres, health and
governments introduce green purchasing educational facilities go green.
programs. This year, ECO-Buy signed on
six major businesses, and now has 13 Key partners:
businesses forming a leadership group Property Council of Australia.
for the scheme. Local government
15. 31
Innovation and leadership The Southern Backed by our Renewable Energy Support Fund, the
Hemisphere’s first Tullamarine-Calder Interchange Alliance trialled the use
solar sound barrier of solar panels in freeway noise walls. A 500m section
of wall with 210 solar panels will offset 5% of the freeway
Key partners: lighting’s annual energy demand.
TCI Alliance (VicRoads;
Baulderstone
Hornibrook; Parsons
Brinckerhoff).
Australia’s first Melbourne-based Frigrite is Australia’s first company
CO2 friendly to design and manufacture high efficiency CO2 commercial
supermarket refrigeration, with our funding support. Used by Coles
refrigeration supermarkets, Cascade Refrigeration units have
widespread potential for cutting emissions – with
Key partner: supermarket refrigeration currently making up 1% of
Frigrite. Australia’s total electricity demand.
Australia’s first With 70% of a product’s environmental impact able to be
sustainable design resolved at the design stage, we worked with key partners
program and to develop Design for Sustainability as a legitimate design
national award activity. We helped designers and product developers
to achieve better environmental outcomes and sponsored
Key partners: the inaugural Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design
Standards Australia, at the annual Australian Design Awards, won by Caroma
RMIT; Design Institute for their H2Zero waterless urinal. And if that wasn’t enough,
of Australia; Product we also hosted the first ever showcase of sustainable
Ecology; Charlwood products at the national DesignEx exhibition.
Design.
Australia’s first We’ve provided financial backing and expertise for
community owned Australia’s first community-owned wind park – a renewable
renewable wind park energy solution already used in Europe. Two wind turbines
located 10km from Daylesford will produce enough power
Key partners:
for almost all households in the entire Daylesford/Hepburn
Hepburn Renewable
Springs region.
Energy Association;
Future Energy.
Australia’s first In an Australian first, Kangan Batman TAFE Automotive
rainwater roof Centre of Excellence is reducing the building’s energy
cooling system demands by up to 71% using energy saving technology
including a rainwater cooling system. Spraying recycled
Key partner: water onto a metal roof deck at night, the water cools
Kangan Batman TAFE. naturally, and is used in combination with an active thermal
mass for cooling the building by day. We provided backing for
the project via our Commercial Building Innovation Initiative.
Victoria’s first Moonee Valley’s 48,000 residents are on track to save
kerbside recycling hundreds of tonnes of unwanted clothes, mobile phones,
service for toys and household bric-a-brac from landfill every year
household items with an innovative kerbside collection of household goods,
also believed to be an Australian first. Preloved goods are
Key partners: collected from recycling bins the day following normal
City of Moonee kerbside service for reuse or recycling.
Valley; FM Recycling.
16. 33
Towards Zero Waste
Promoting Waste Wise drove an 80% increase
in the number of Victorian events certified under
the scheme – far outstripping the 20% growth
target set for 2006/07. Uptake by major event
organisers also grew beyond target, with 11 –
including the Big Day Out – now Waste Wise.
We set out to understand the drivers By the end of 2006/07 a total of 207 events
and barriers for the Victorian events were certified as Waste Wise, compared
industry in delivering greener events. to 115 the previous year. The total included
And we provided in-kind support, in 6 gold, 32 silver and 169 bronze events
the way of planning advice and bin with an average of 30.7% of waste diverted
caps, to help major event organisers from landfill, or about 449 tonnes. Events
improve waste outcomes. ranged in size from 200 patrons to more
than 220,000 – with the level of certification
based on the length of time and amount
of activity dedicated to the program, such
as recycling, and promotion of Waste
Wise initiatives.
Major Victorian events certified
as Waste Wise in 2006/07 included:
FINA World Swimming Championships;
Caulfield Cup; GMC Australian
Motorcycle Grand Prix; Queenscliff
Music Festival; Sustainable Living
Festival and Rip Curl Pro.
17. Towards Zero Waste 35
Materials reuse is a big part of the carbon saving
agenda as we strive Towards Zero Waste
Waste materials that could otherwise Delivering Australia’s first long Targeting collection of rechargeable Helping fund community
be recycled or reused present a lost term IT waste recovery scheme batteries as a Towards Zero recycling centres
resource opportunity, and compound through Byteback™ Waste priority 20 projects received conditional approval
our need to draw on further resources. A $2 million Victorian Government Agreements were reached with key for the coming year through our Municipal
The impact is millions of tonnes of waste investment into the continuation of partners during 2006/07 to run a three Infrastructure Investment Grants program –
to landfill each year and increased Byteback™ helped secure crucial industry month trial of Batteryback – a recovery with a total of 30,000 tonnes of waste
emissions. We’re working with industry buy in. Agreement to participate was scheme for rechargeable batteries. diversion and 11,500 of greenhouse
and households to use resources reached with some of the computer Identified as a priority under our Towards gas abatement expected. Among major
more wisely. industry’s biggest brands. Participants Zero Waste strategy, the products will be projects this year, we contributed $400,000
agreed to cover the full cost of recycling safely collected at retail stores. And it is to the $1.9 million redevelopment of
Encouraging industry ownership their branded product, and support a fund anticipated that up to 35% of the product Stonnington’s Waste Transfer and Resource
of waste recovery through Paintback™ to promote the program to residents and will be recovered for recycling, based on Recovery Centre, which is expected to
small businesses wanting to dispose of old overseas experience. divert 7000 tonnes from landfill annually
With key partners we targeted the recovery computer equipment at a planned nine when it’s completed. We also backed an
of paint – the single most problematic sites across Victoria. In 2006/07 a total upgrade of Werribee’s waste transfer and
household chemical item. With 178 of 230 tonnes of equipment was collected recycling facility. We provided $455,000
million kilograms of unwanted paint at the Boroondara site, with 97.9% diverted for the $1 million project, which is expected
and containers estimated to be dumped from landfill. An additional recovery site Key partners: to divert 5000 tonnes of materials in
into the environment by the end of the began operating in Geelong. UniRoss; Cleanaway; Harvey Norman; its first year.
decade if nothing is done, we worked with Michaels Camera, Video and Digital.
Bunnings to pilot a safe disposal centre at Key partner:
its Vermont South site. And Dulux worked Local governments.
to recycle the paint into its Walpamur™ Improving kerbside collection
fence paint range. The success of the pilot recycling across Victoria to increase Increasing access to mobile
extended it from 12 to 15 months, and recovery rates and permanent toxic waste disposal
scheme improvement over time brought Key partners:
City of Boroondara; Hewlett Packard; Best Practise Kerbside Recycling set out services to divert household chemicals
recovery costs from $8.76/kg down to from the environment
Sims E Recycling; K&S Environmental; in 2006/07 to increase the yield of
$0.74/kg – reassuring industry of its
Apple; Canon; Dell; Epsom; Fujitsu; municipal recyclables. With a rural focus, Our ongoing Detox Your Home program
viability. Negotiations have commenced
Fuji-Xerox; Hewlett Packard; IBM; we aimed to engage 10 new councils. targeted increased participation in our free
to turn the Banksia Award winning
Lenovo; and Lexmark. By the end of the year, we had assisted mobile collection services for household
Paintback™ into a permanent national
12 new rural councils to introduce best chemicals. An increased total volume
scheme. And we’re now investing in tests
practice services at rates higher than the of 630 tonnes of household chemicals
for uses for unwanted paint in the
Preferred Service Standards. This equates recovery was recorded, as over 8000
construction industry.
to 86,328 new services with an average Victorians used the 13 metropolitan and
yield of 4.39kg per tenement per week, 23 regional mobile collections available
generating 19,706 tonnes per annum in 2006/07 and four permanent sites.
of recycled materials. In addition, two We also commenced the establishment
metropolitan councils and one rural council of several new permanent collection
gained Stage 2 funding, totalling $171,092. facilities across the state with $2 million
Key partners: 96% of Victorian households now have committed by the Victorian Government,
Dulux; Bunnings; Bluescope Steel; access to kerbside recycling services. and secured funding from Melbourne’s
Chemsal; Steel Can Recycling Council. Key partner: water businesses to assist program
Local governments. communications.
Key partners:
Local governments; Regional Waste
Management Groups; metropolitan
water retailers.
18. 37
Research, reporting and policy
In the fast emerging green economy, we need
to understand the effectiveness of our efforts,
and respond quickly. With leading thinkers, we are
looking for new solutions and ways to influence
better outcomes. With strong research, policy,
and reporting, we’re building a platform for viable
environmental solutions.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Strategy Towards Zero Waste Strategy
Our key target was to be an effective To meet the major waste reduction
partner to achieve the Victorian Energy targets set out in the Sustainability in
Efficiency Targets including a 10% Action: Towards Zero Waste strategy,
reduction in household emissions by 2010, we report annually on our waste reduction
and help implement parts of the Victorian and recycling programs. Latest results
Government’s 2006 Sustainability Action indicate that we are on track with targets
Statement. In practical terms, this resulted and Victoria’s municipal and commercial
in programs such as Training for Tradies and industrial sectors exceeded
(see pg 25), Right Advice at the Right Place 2004/05 recovery targets. Programs
(see pg 27); and Greener Appliances reported include:
(see pg 16). Local Government Data
Key partners: Collection Report
Department of Sustainability and As part of our Towards Zero Waste
Environment VIC; Department of Primary strategy, we collect data to analyse the
Industries VIC; Department of Treasury performance of our bin systems, the
and Finance VIC; Department of Premier impact of our programs to divert waste
and Cabinet VIC. from landfill, and local government’s waste
diversion rates. The latest survey shows
National Framework for that Victorians have steadily reduced waste
Energy Efficiency generation over the past five years, to less
than 500kg per household in 2004/05;
Our key target was to act as an effective and that we’re recycling 14% more than
partner on the Ministerial Council on Energy we did the previous year. 51% of Victorian
Efficiency Working Group (E2WG), which councils provide a green organics collection
delivers the NFEE. It resulted in completion service, with diversion rates up 42% in
of a stage one scoping of actions for stage one year largely due to increased service
two – where the goal is to realise the provision. Due to delays in receiving
untapped economic potential associated information, 2005/06 survey results will
with uptake of energy efficient technologies. be released later in 2007.
Key partners: Key partners:
Commonwealth Government of Australia; EPA Victoria; National Packaging
State and Territory Governments; Covenant; local governments.
Department of Sustainability and
Environment VIC; Department of Primary
Industries VIC.
19. Research, reporting and policy 39
Annual Survey on Recycling Industries Metropolitan Waste Plan Greenhouse Reduction Framework Working to recognise and support
As part of our Towards Zero Waste With our key partners, we are developing for the Water Industry business leaders
strategy, we collect and analyse the the Metropolitan Waste and Resource In 2006/07 we aimed to develop a We commenced the development of
performance of our recycling industry, Recovery Strategic Plan to help Melbourne greenhouse gas reduction framework a voluntary 5 Star certification program
and materials diverted from landfill. deliver on Towards Zero Waste for water authorities, following recognition to recognise the sustainability performance
Victorians recovered a record 5,427,662 commitments and identify future directions that industry is a major user of energy of Victorian businesses. This year, we
tonnes of waste in 2004/05, representing for waste and resource recovery to 2030. resources. The framework was endorsed developed a roadmap to establish the
55% of the total solid waste stream We have responsibility for developing by the VicWater Board in October 2006. program and appointed consultants to
and saving about 4 million tonnes of the first part of the plan, which sets the We also set out to assist at least two assist with the development of the program
greenhouse gases. About 89% of our framework for all solid waste management water authorities to conduct opportunity including rating criteria, stakeholder liaison
recovered material is processed by local in metropolitan Melbourne. This year we studies and develop action plans. We and certification options.
industry – with the remainder going focused on stakeholder consultation, with exceeded targets with 10 opportunity
interstate or overseas. Due to delays local government and industry briefings, studies completed, and strong support
in receiving information, 2005/06 survey and the development of a key issues paper. from all authorities.
results will be released later in 2007. We’re also keeping stakeholders up to date Key partners:
Key partners: with the Plan’s development on behalf of VicWater; Victorian water authorities.
EPA Victoria; Australian Bureau our partners via regular newsletters
of Statistics; Plastics and Chemicals and web updates.
Industry Association; Victorian Key partners: Developing an accreditation system
reprocessing industry. Metropolitan Waste Management for sustainable products
Litter strategy Group; Department of Sustainability We led a scoping study to review global
and Environment VIC; EPA Victoria. product environmental labelling schemes
We are leading the development of the new and literature, and identify the key
Victorian Litter Strategy to help deliver a stakeholders in an ongoing accreditation
25% improvement in littering behaviour in Distributed Generation scheme. The development of an agreed
Victoria. After a review of what had been Development Plan product accreditation scheme is flagged
done and what needed to be done, we held We first started to assess the economic in the 2006 Sustainability Action Statement,
public consultation during March-April 2007 and environmental benefits of distributed to identify company performance in the
seeking ideas for the new strategy which generation systems and a feed-in tariff management of lifecycle impacts and help
will continue to focus on behaviour change, policy in November 2006. Our goals consumers recognise sustainable products.
infrastructure and enforcement programs. included evaluating the economic and The detailed study paves the way for wider
Key partners: greenhouse benefits, assessing market consultation on the role and options
Department of Sustainability and barriers and identifying policy options for a viable scheme.
Environment VIC; EPA Victoria; to increase distributed generation. Key partners:
Victorian Litter Alliance. Consultation is ongoing. EPA Victoria, Commonwealth
Key partners: Department of the Environment and
Department of Primary Industries VIC; Heritage; Department of Innovation;
Department of Sustainability and Industry and Regional Development VIC.
Environment VIC; Australian Business
Council for Sustainable Energy.
20. 41
Leading thinking
As the Secretariat of the Sustainability Fund,
we are helping the Victorian Treasurer and Minister
for Environment invest money wisely – with funds
dedicated to Victoria’s economic and social
development through environmental innovation.
In 2006/07 the Fund invested $36.85 million into
businesses, community groups, industry and
schools to implement a total of 82 green initiatives.
Victorians are now breaking new ground.
2.3 million Victorians watched We helped fund one of Australia’s first
reality TV show Carbon Cops environmental reality TV shows, with
$350,000 granted to its creators December
Films. Carbon Cops aired on ABC and was
watched by 2.3 million viewers in its first
two episodes alone. The series followed
Key partner: six families as they worked to cut
December Films. household emissions by 50%.
United Nations awarded efforts Funds dedicated to helping Vietnamese
by Melbourne Vietnamese businesses in Melbourne’s inner west
business woman improve water and energy use, resulted
in business woman Kim Thien Truong
receiving a United Nations World
Environment Day Award. As a project
manager on the Nha Dep Green
Purchasing Program, Kim was recognised
for her environmental education work.
Other businesses are saving up to
$1000 per quarter through simple
Key partner: technology such as aerators and by
Environment Victoria. reducing the size of pipes.
Business shopping precincts The Village Green Vic 1000 project
received major environmental supported by the Sustainability Fund
awards for reduction in emissions received a Banksia Award for
environmental education, and a Keep
Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities
Award in 2006. The project works with
small business in metro and regional
Key partner: shopping strips to reduce emissions,
Village Green. waste and water use.
Image courtesy of John Tsiavis
21. 43
Community investment
We work with others to make our efforts count across
each sector of the community. We want to make it
easy for people to reduce their environmental footprint.
With the support of key partners, we are helping to
change the ordinary daily practices of Victorians,
in their homes, at schools and in the community.
Helping low income households Providing Victorians rebates to
to use less water and energy increase household energy efficiency
With low income homes spending up to With more than 300 retail partners across
7% of their annual income on energy bills, Victoria, we promoted solar hot water and
compared to 3% for the average energy efficient gas heaters at the point
household, we worked with key partners of sale. A total of 2,781 Victorians heard our
to improve home efficiencies. In 2006/07, message and made changes using
we set out through the Energy and Water our rebate scheme. We recorded a 21%
Taskforce (EWTF), to implement seven increase in solar hot water uptake, with
projects to retrofit 1269 homes with energy 628 new systems now helping to cut
and water saving devices. Projects aim emissions by 1,004 tonnes per year.
to improve affordability of energy and An 8% increase in the uptake of high
water use, improve comfort in the home efficiency gas heaters and hot water
and provide job training opportunities. systems delivered 1,813 rebates in 2006/07
We successfully implemented seven and 960 tonnes of CO2 savings annually.
projects with our key partners – with an As administrator of the photovoltaics rebate
estimated total of $134,000 saved off in Victoria, we witnessed a 30% jump in
annual electricity bills, and 62 megalitres uptake of the solar technology. It included
of water in addition to 954 tonnes of 340 rebates issued and a reduction of
greenhouse emissions. Regional Victoria emissions of 476 tonnes per year.
met or exceeded targets. However,
we have extended the Mission Australia
project to enable the 600 home retrofit Key partners:
target to be met by the East Reservoir Solar hot water, photovoltaic and high
and West Heidelberg EWTF projects. efficiency gas heater manufacturers and
retailers; Commonwealth Government.
Key partners:
Department of Human Services VIC;
Department of Victorian Communities
VIC; Mission Australia; Brotherhood
of St Laurence; Bendigo Access
Employment; BEST Community
Development; Goulburn Valley
Community Health Centre; Central
Highlands Water; Goulburn Valley Water;
City West Water; South East Water.
