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This article was published on Friday, 14 June, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Going solar showing great results for Greater Shepparton

Recent reports indicate the implementation of energy efficiency measures are reducing emissions at some of Council’s facilities, in addition to the new solar panels at the Mooroopna Hub and DRC, Council has solar panels at its Welsford Street offices and Sport Stadium complex.

Since installing 170 solar panels at the Mooroopna Hub there has been an energy consumption decrease of approximately 42 per cent between the months of March and April 2019. While the 302 solar panels at the DRC have seen energy consumption decreases of approximately 32 per cent during this time.

Director Sustainable Development Geraldine Christou said these were excellent results endorsing Council’s energy reduction plan.

“Council is consistently seeking paths to improve the environment we live in and to address climate change. The added solar panels are proving to be one step closer to Council’s target goal of reducing energy usage by 20 per cent by 2020,” Ms Christou said.

Greater Shepparton City Council endorsed an energy reduction plan in 2015 that set an organisational target for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The introduction of hybrid and low fuel cars, as well as low energy globes in street lights have been some of the actions completed, alongside solar installations, to achieve creating a more sustainable environment.

Greater Shepparton Chief Executive Officer Peter Harriott said by creating a community that embraced sustainable energy, solutions would provide benefits not only today, but for many generations to come.

“Our energy consumption is declining and we will continue to work to our target by not only changing processes and behaviours but through specific projects and investment which, we hope will educate and encourage our community to introduce sustainable practices in their homes and businesses,” Mr Harriott said.

Greater Shepparton has more than 400 local businesses currently using solar within the municipality, reducing power bills and assisting to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Proposed future installations for Council services include solar panels at Aquamoves and the Shepparton Saleyards.