Report shows ACT Government leads by doing, driving down emissions from government operations


Released 25/07/2017

This year’s report on the ACT Government’s actions on climate change demonstrates the ACT’s commitment to climate leadership said the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury.

“It is crucial that governments lead by example, and that is what the Annual Climate Action Report shows the ACT Government has done. We have driven down emissions from ACT Government operations by 17% since 2012-2013, and have committed to making all government operations emissions-free within four years,” said Minister for Climate Change Shane Rattenbury.

“We have also upped our efforts to tackle dangerous climate change right across the Territory by increasing our ambitious renewable energy electricity target to 100% by 2020, committing to making the ACT emissions free by 2050 at the latest, and by improving energy efficiency in Canberra households - including through the Actsmart Low Income Energy Program.

“Last year, the energy efficiency scheme reached its 70,000th household, installing an estimated 900,000 light globes, nearly 90,000 standby power controllers and 48,000 door seals. That represents over one million energy saving items and 670,000 tonnes of abatement achieved in Canberra.

“We are also on the way to becoming a world leader in battery storage with the announcement of a battery storage program that will see batteries rolled out in more than 5000 Canberra homes and businesses by 2020.

“The ACT is an example to the rest of Australia, and the world, of what cities and regions can achieve if they show leadership and ambition.  But, this is the beginning - not the end - of the ACT’s transformation into an entirely renewable energy powered region.

“As polluting emissions rise around the country following the Federal Government’s attacks on Australia’s carbon price and renewable energy industries; now more than ever we have work to do.

“The ACT has pioneered reverse auctions for large scale wind and solar, an initiative so successful that other jurisdictions are now following our lead. And, contrary to the naysayers, the ACT is proof that renewable energy brings economic growth and economic benefits to those who invest in it.

“The renewable energy jobs growth rate here in the ACT is six times higher than any other state and territory and twelve times higher than the national average. At the same time, we have delivered Australia’s lowest ever renewable electricity prices,” concluded Minister Rattenbury.  

Report will be available at http://www.environment.act.gov.au/ shortly, and executive summary is attached.

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases