Staff at the EDU building and Hopetoun Mill sites participated in the 15 Day Challenge with some long lasting behavioral changes emerging, including the installation of energy and water saving devices into the buildings. 

The initiative was well received and it is anticipated that CoGB will participate again, hopefully involving more service units.

Things have happened:

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Movement sensor fitted in toilets. Reduced heating temperature to 20C. Adjusted the timer on the urn so it turns of 45 minutes earlier. Staff members from EDU building represented council at tree planting day and planted over 100 trees. Strategy Unit staff have been opening blinds and turning lights off on sunny days to make the most of natural light. Strategy Unit staff have been closing blinds at night to keep warmth in from that day. Coffee mugs are used instead of disposable cups (mugs should be ceramic, not stainless steel as they have to be used at least 369 times to become more sustainable than disposables due to the manufacturing process). Officers catch the bus and/or car pool. Removed second fridge from the staff room. Water filters installed in sink. Also saved on the use of water cooler (being returned at end of contract). Trialling LED light fittings. Printer cartridge recycling facility now located in printer room.

Natural Environment Strategy Actions:

Within the existing limited Property Department budget we undertook to install water flow regulators, timed taps, waterless urinals and dual flush toilets. You may have seen the stickers located near hand basins in council buildings. Products such as water flow regulators are low cost, very effective ways of saving water. By reducing and aerating the flow we are able to save up to 80% of water each and every time the tap is used for the next 10+ years! At the Schweppes Centre we are saving an average of 5,000 litres per day which is 1.825 million litres per year! This is soon to be further improved by the installation of a huge water tank, harvesting water from the roof for flushing up to 52 toilets in the centre, resulting in further savings. So far we have tackled 50 council buildings and 54 public toilets. As part of this year’s budget we have already commenced the installation of water saving devices in an additional 75 council buildings. We have installed additional solar powered parking ticket machines as part of the routine maintenance and replacement program. After a successful trial, the heavy vehicle fleet is now running on a 80/20 biodiesel blend. As part of the normal maintenance program, we have begun replacing mercury vapour lights with more energy efficient lights in public open spaces. We have increased the purchase of GreenPower for City's operations and facilities. We are installing solar lizards and solar hot water systems at selected Council buildings (e.g. child care centres).