Making a difference to our carbon footprint
In 2018 we set a target of achieving certified carbon neutral operations. In late 2022, this target was achieved through the following steps:
- monitoring our carbon emissions
- avoiding and reducing our carbon emissions
- embracing renewable energy technology in our city
- offsetting our leftover carbon emissions.
We are now the second council in Queensland, and the fifteenth Australia-wide, to recieve carbon neutral certification from the Australian Government Climate Active program.
Maintaining our certification requires us to investigate and implement further innovative carbon reduction opportunities.
See the Climate Active website for the Logan City Council’s 2021/22 Climate Active Public Disclosure Statement.
See the Climate Active website for the Logan City Council’s 2022/23 Climate Active Public Disclosure Statement.
Projects we have undertaken to help reduce our carbon emissions
Solar PV
There are now over 2,000 kilowatts (kW) of solar power that helps to power Council operated facilities including:
- Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant (1.1 MW AC)
- Council Administration Centre (200 kW)
- Logan North Aquatic Centre (100 kW)
- Marsden Depot (100 kW)
- Beenleigh Library (100 kW)
- Logan North Library (82 kW)
- Mt Warren Sports Centre (70 kW)
- Marsden Library (55 kW)
- Browns Plains Recycling Centre (30 kW)
Capture of landfill emissions
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced in landfills as waste breaks down. At the Browns Plains landfill methane is collected and burned to generate electricity.
Green Waste Bin
We now offer all residents the opportunity to have a green waste bin at their home. This helps reduce the amount of methane produced by the landfill.
Ammonia-based air-conditioning in the Administration Centre
Ammonia-based air-conditioning is more energy efficient and doesn’t directly contribute to global warming.
Lighting upgrades for many Council facilities
Outdated lights often use excess energy. By upgrading lights with modern lights that use less energy and have a longer lifespan, we are reducing energy costs, replacement costs, and carbon emissions.
Variable speed drive pumps (VSD)
We have replaced some water pumps with VSD pumps. These pumps only work at the required level, rather than only working at 100 percent power, saving on energy costs and carbon emissions.
Street and park lighting
Changing LED public lighting reduces electricity consumption, saves on maintenance costs, and results in less carbon emissions.
Pool blankets
Pool blankets are being used, where possible, at our Council pools. They help to retain heat and reduce water heating requirements.
Sustainable Fleet Strategy
Our Sustainable Fleet Strategy includes a target of 50 percent of Council’s passenger fleet being electric or hybrid vehicles by 2026.
Offset Residual Emissions
Purchasing carbon offsets enable us to invest in projects that reduce or remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and allow the residual emissions that occur as part of Council’s operations to be neutralised.