The new ISSB Standards released two weeks ago on sustainability and climate-related financial disclosures impose greater responsibility on local government reporting responsibilities. The new Standards have arrived as the world has just exceeded average temperatures in excess of 1.5 degrees C and record ocean heat waves. And this is just part of the crisis.
Recognizing this, EcoProfit with colleague Chris Trowbridge, has put together its first newsletter Masterclass series, focussed on assisting LGAs to navigate the net zero journey. There seems to be a misconception that setting a net zero target and achieving it is as simple as typing in a target year on a laptop and picking up some carbon offsets on the way. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It takes strategic planning focused on correct carbon inventory calculation, timely carbon reduction measures, and a carbon offset acquisition/development plan.
Newsletter #1 This series focuses on the critical step of reducing carbon emissions as reducing carbon footprints within LGAs presents unique challenges that require targeted strategies and decisive actions. Some of the major challenges faced by LGA leaders include:
Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions from LGA-owned or controlled sources, such as municipal buildings, vehicles, and facilities, contribute significantly to the carbon footprint. Reducing these emissions requires implementing energy-efficient systems, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and optimizing transport fleets.
Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions resulting from purchased electricity, heat, and steam are another critical challenge for LGAs. Shifting to renewable energy procurement, encouraging energy-saving practices, and investing in on-site renewable energy generation are effective approaches to tackle this issue.
Scope 3 Emissions: Indirect emissions throughout the value chain, including procurement, waste management, employee commuting, and community activities, present a substantial portion of LGAs' carbon footprints. Developing sustainable procurement policies, promoting waste reduction and recycling programs, encouraging active and public transportation, and engaging the community are vital steps in addressing these emissions.
Positive Actions: Tackling Carbon Footprint Reduction
As LGA leaders, you have the power to drive change and implement positive actions to address these major challenges. Here are some key strategies to consider:
1. Comprehensive Sustainability Plans:
Develop and implement robust sustainability plans that prioritize carbon footprint reduction.
Set ambitious targets.
Allocate resources.
Integrate carbon reduction initiatives across all scopes to drive meaningful change.
2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
Retrofit LGA-owned buildings with energy-efficient systems.
Prioritize renewable energy installations and explore partnerships with renewable energy providers.
By adopting sustainable energy practices, LGAs can significantly reduce both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
3. Transportation Solutions:
Implement sustainable transport solutions such as promoting public transportation, establishing cycling infrastructure, and incentivizing electric or hybrid vehicle adoption.
Encourage carpooling and ride-sharing initiatives to reduce both employee commuting emissions (Scope 3) and LGA fleet emissions (Scope 1).
4. Community Engagement and Education:
Engage with the community to raise awareness about the importance of carbon footprint reduction and provide guidance on sustainable practices.
Establish partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to foster collaboration and address Scope 3 emissions collectively.
Together Towards a Sustainable Future As LGA leaders, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact in reducing carbon footprints within your communities. By prioritizing carbon reduction initiatives, implementing targeted strategies, and engaging the community, LGAs can lead the way toward a sustainable future.
Free Masterclass: Let us embrace these positive actions and inspire other LGAs to join us on this transformative journey. Join us and your peers on Wednesday the 9th of August at 12 PM (AEST) for Q&A on this four-week series specifically designed for LGAs and the challenges and solutions unique to you.
For your calendar:
Join Zoom Meeting: Wednesday the 9th of August, 12 PM (AEST)
Meeting ID: 854 9344 2374
Passcode: 337962
Next Week: Empowering LGAs in Australia: Overcoming Challenges in Data Capture and Monitoring.
Winton Evers, Founder & Director of EcoProfit. Winton has been involved in Carbon and Energy management for 15 years. He has a Master of Science in Climate Change & Sustainable Resource Management and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Finance & Systems. He also has qualifications in Carbon Management and Training & Assessment.
Chris Trowbridge, Independent Advisor to EcoProfit. Chris is a Professional Supply Chain executive with substantive experience across resources, industrials and defence sectors that has provided strategic direction to optimise and transform supply chain at a corporate governance and operational level.