Page 5115 - Week 13 - Thursday, 29 November 2018
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A targeted program was implemented to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures in summer and improve student learning conditions. This program included installing mechanical cooling at 24 schools, as well as utilising passive cooling techniques at 27 schools by improving ventilation and external shade and installing energy efficient fans. Tree planting at five schools has also increased shade to playground areas and buildings.
All ACT directorates have been actively involved with engagement activities on the ACT’s transition to zero-emission vehicles action plan, which was launched in April 2018. This strategy outlines actions that the ACT government will take to encourage the rapid uptake of zero-emission vehicles in the territory. For example, all newly leased ACT government passenger vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles from 2020-21, where fit for purpose. Given that the transport sector is expected to account for more than 60 per cent of the ACT’s emissions by 2020, it is important that the government take the lead in transitioning to a sustainable transport network.
As part of creating a sustainable transport network in Canberra, an alternative energy bus trial commenced in August 2017 with an electric bus and a hybrid diesel bus. Another electric bus was added to the trial in June 2018. To promote the use of sustainable transport for local work travel by ACT government staff, four directorates have participated in a trial of pedal assisted electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes.
Consistent with action 38 of the ACT’s carbon-neutral government framework, the government purchased 7,600 megawatt hours of GreenPower, representing an indicative five per cent of the ACT government’s energy consumption for 2017-18.
Landfill methane capture continued from the landfills at Mugga Lane and west Belconnen. This generated enough electricity to supply over 5,600 homes for one year.
New public housing is being built by the public housing renewal taskforce to Housing ACT’s standards, with modern designs that take advantage of natural sunlight and ventilation and deliver minimum six-star energy ratings.
And the ACT continues to be on track to reach 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020. In 2017-18 the Sapphire 1 wind farm began large feed-in tariff supported generation. Additionally, by June 2018, around 800 battery storage systems had been installed to Canberra homes and businesses.
Madam Speaker, as you can see, there is a wide range of initiatives, right across the ACT government and, through our renewable energy purchases, right across the community.
As required by the act, and reflecting the community interest, I now turn to discuss the cost-of-living impact statement, which I have tabled today.
Two current climate change programs identified in action plan 2—the ACT’s current climate strategy and action plan—had a cost-of-living impact in 2017-18. These were
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