Hunter Environmental Institute Seminar

EPS staff members Toby Lambert, Dean Carruthers and Kate Tierney recently attended the Hunter Environmental Institute seminar at Newcastle City Hall. The topic of the seminar was ‘Towards Zero Carbon – the ACT experience and local steps forward’. The seminar had two keynote speakers, Simon Corbell, who was Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change of the Australian Capital Territory from 2008 – 2016, and Adam Clarke, the current Program Coordinator – Energy and Resource Management at Newcastle City Council.

 Adam’s presentation focused on the actions currently being undertaken by Newcastle City Council to reduce the Council’s own carbon footprint. Measures include the installation of solar panels on a number of Council owned facilities, such as the City Library by the Smart Buildings Smart Workforce as part of the Newcastle 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan. Adam also showcased a  range of other Council initiatives which form part of the action plan, including installing solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems; energy efficiency upgrades; voltage optimisation and power factor correction; and water, waste and liquid fuel efficiency.

 Simon’s presentation focused on the work he had undertaken in his previous role as Minister. Specifically, targeting a 40% reduction in the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Simon successfully implemented programs to set to deliver 100% renewable energy for Canberra by 2020. Simon also led the establishment of the ACT’s next generation battery storage initiative which is supporting over 5000 battery storage sites across the nations capital, as well as a program to support large scale community owned solar. Between 2012 – 2016 Simon was responsible for the development, procurement and implementation of the Canberra Metro Light Rail project, which is now under construction.

 EPS thoroughly enjoyed the seminar and would like to thank the Hunter Environment Institute, Tom Farrell Institute and University of Newcastle for presenting the event.

EPS is proud to be a ‘Gold Member’ of the Hunter Environmental Institute.