Net Zero Projects

Find out about what projects we are working on to reduce our emissions to reach net zero. 

Net zero emissions, also known as carbon neutral, means emissions produced are equal to the emissions absorbed or avoided by carbon offsets. For example, by planting trees or using renewable energy.

100% Renewable Energy

In 2022, we achieved our goal of sourcing 100% of our operational energy from renewable energy sources, five years ahead of our target year.  

We currently partner with retailer Flow Power to purchase 100% GreenPower from NSW renewables until 2025. 

From July 2025 onward, Council will source 100% renewable energy from solar and wind projects currently being built locally in NSW including: 

  • 500 MWh of solar power
  • 4,850 MWh of wind power 

 

Annual Emissions Reporting

We calculate our full scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for Council Operations annually. you can find  which you can find our most recent emissions inventory report.

Annual emissions inventory of Council’s corporate emissions profile and progress update - 2022/23(PDF, 727KB)

We calculate our emissions in line with the Federal Government Climate Active framework.

Diagram of scope examples. Scope one is direct - company facilities and vehicles. Scope two is indirect - purchased electricity, heating and cooling. Scope 3 as indirect - business travel, use of solid products, purchased goods and services.

Solar

  • We have installed more than 600kW of rooftop and ground mounted solar across a range of Council assets. This equates to approximately 10% of Council’s overall electricity usage.
  • In 2019, we installed a 99kW solar carpark structure at our Mullumbimby Administration Building. This provides 20-25% of the building’s daily electricity usage, shade for approximately 40 public carparks, and power to the public electric vehicle charging stations.
  • Council-owned land at our Resource Recovery Centre at Myocum is being considered for a large-scale ground-mounted solar farm. Visit Dingo Lane Solar Farm for more information.
  • Are you looking to install solar on your home? Try SunSpot – a free solar mapping tool developed by the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APvI) in partnership with the Federal Government. 

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle charging stations

We currently own six electric vehicle charging stations in Byron Shire:

  • Byron Bay Library - 1 x dual port 50kW charger 
  • Lawson St North Carpark (behind the Council pool) – 2 x single port 22kW chargers
  • Mullumbimby Administration Building Carpark – 1 x dual port 22kW charger, 2 x single port 22kW chargers.

Electric Vehicles Strategy

We jointly prepared an introduction to the benefits of Electric Vehicles and charging technology.

For further detail on challenges and solutions for the Northern Rivers, download the Power Up Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Strategy(PDF, 9MB).

Bioenergy Facility

We are assessing the feasibility of a bioenergy facility in the Byron Shire as a smarter local waste and renewable energy solution. The facility will convert green waste into renewable energy and a compost product – an Australian first.

For more information, see our Bioenergy Facility webpage.

Partnerships

  • Climate Emergency Australia is a group of more than 100 Australian Councils that have declared a climate emergency. Climate Emergency Australia advocates on behalf of it’s members and builds the capacity of the Australian local government sector to govern in a climate emergency.
  • The Cities Power Partnership (CPP) is a free national program that celebrates and accelerates the emission reduction and clean energy successes of Australian towns and cities. We joined in July 2017 with 70 local councils from around Australian to represent more than eight million people. 
  • Zero Emissions Byron (ZEB) is a community organisation supporting carbon reduction and removal projects in Byron Shire, focusing on land use, energy and buildings, and transport.  
  • Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is an international alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low emission, resilient society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to top