Climate Change Data

Knox City Council

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018, 2021-2031)

Reporting Period: 2018

Environmental Metrics

Social Achievements

  • Supported Playgroup program implemented, benefiting many young Knox families.
  • Burwood Hwy Pedestrian and Cycling Link completed, a $4 million shared path and pedestrian and cycling bridge improving cycling and pedestrian safety.

Governance Achievements

  • Minor Grants Program Policy amended to $1,500.00 maximum limit.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

  • Playground equipment temperatures and risk of burns.
  • Fragmented early years service system with competing agendas.
  • Incompatible administration and IT systems across the early years sector.
  • Lack of confidence and assurance for ongoing funding to provide 15 hours of funded kindergarten.
  • High rates of family violence in Knox community.
  • Difficulties navigating NDIS referral pathways for children with complex needs.
  • Increased awareness of mental health issues affecting young children.
  • Shortfall in funding for Placemakers rebuild.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Council policy that savings from Revolving Energy Fund go into future energy projects.
  • Council to give consideration on how to proceed with climate emergency declaration once they have all the relevant information.
  • Council to allocate a further $236,193 (ex GST) as part of the 2019-20 capital works budget to complete Placemakers rebuild.
  • Council to apply for grant funding to assist in funding the Ferntree Gully Cemetery ashes extensions.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Period: 2021-2031

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:2,959,000 t CO2e (2019)
Scope 1 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 2 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:Not disclosed
Water Consumption:Not disclosed
Waste Generated:27,000 tons (2019)
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Community Engagement
  • Social Equity
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced Council's emissions by 27% since 2015/16 through energy efficiency upgrades and solar PV installations in Council buildings.
  • Replaced 10,600 streetlights to LED, reducing energy use by more than 75% since 2016.

Social Achievements

  • Provided sustainability programs for residents (Australian Energy Foundation advice program, Solar Savers, Compost Community, National Tree Day, National Ride2Work Day, and National Walk Safely to School Day).
  • Helped businesses become more sustainable by providing programs such as Environmental Upgrade Finance and access to the ASPIRE Circular Economy platform.
  • Community consultation resulting in an accelerated community net zero emissions target from 2050 to 2040.

Governance Achievements

  • Developed a Climate Response Plan 2021-2031 with measurable actions.
  • Established guiding principles for climate action (ambitious, inclusive, fair, relevant, actionable, evidence-based, transparent and verifiable).

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net zero emissions for Knox City Council by 2030.
  • Net zero emissions for Knox community by 2040.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Net zero greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use in buildings by 2030.
  • Net zero GHG emissions from use of grid-supplied energy by 2030.
  • Net zero GHG emissions related to indirect emissions (wherever possible) by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
  • All Council’s passenger pool vehicles to be EVs by 2025 where viable.

Environmental Challenges

  • Industrial sector accounts for 50% of total emissions in Knox.
  • Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events impacting health, infrastructure, and biodiversity.
  • Emissions from residential and commercial stationary energy (37%).
  • Split incentives for solar installation in rental properties.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Advocacy for policy changes (Electric Vehicle Ready Built Environment, Increased Minimum NatHERS Standard, Net Zero NatHERS Standard, Net Zero Gas Districts & Renewable Transition, Mandatory Energy Efficiency Standards for Rental Properties).
  • Expanding the electric vehicle charging network.
  • Transitioning to a zero-carbon economy through energy efficient technology, degasification, and renewable energy.
  • Supporting solar installation for rental properties.
  • Implementing energy efficiency upgrades in Council buildings.
  • Switching to renewable energy options (solar farm or Power Purchase Agreements).

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement
  • Sustainable materials for road construction and maintenance.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Increased frequency of heatwaves and storms
  • Bushfires
  • Floods
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products and services
  • Renewable energy generation

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Null

Certifications: Null

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
  • Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action)

Initiatives contribute to these goals through emissions reduction, sustainable infrastructure development, and community engagement.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed