Greenhouse, Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Although the effects of climate change may be unavoidable, adopting sustainable practices that emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions is an important step towards controlling an escalation of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
The Northern Territory Government Greenhouse and Climate Change website provides an overview of the enhanced greenhouse effect, climate change, the influences these will have on the Northern Territory, what Governments are doing about it and how you can help. The Northern Territory Strategy for Green House Action sets out a range of actions aimed at minimising Northern Territory greenhouse gas emissions and improving our understanding of the impacts of climate change.
The Australian Greenhouse Office , part of the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Heritage, delivers the majority of programmes under the Australian Governments Climate Change Strategy. The Australian Government is building partnerships with industry through the Greenhouse Challenge Plus program, which provides a framework for undertaking and reporting on actions to abate emissions. A series of fact sheets and brochures on the program is available.
Electricity production creates large quantities of carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas; therefore reducing the consumption of energy is a key component to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Changing the technology used for the electricity production from non-renewable and high carbon dioxide producing to low emission, renewable technologies is also a means to reducing the impacts of electricity production on the greenhouse effect.
Building Sustainability Services provides information on the Northern Territory Government Energy Smart Building Policy, reasons why we should save energy and other useful links.
PowerWater’s Environment website provides information on renewable energy, awards, waste water, biodiversity, policy, strategy, action plan and heritage sites.
Renewable energy rebates and programs
The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines administers the Renewable Energy Rebate Program (RERP) with a 50 percent rebate for remote locations making the switch from non-renewable energy sources such as diesel or gas, to renewable energy systems using sun, wind or water. If you live in a remote, off-grid area of the Northern Territory, including Tennant Creek or Alice Springs and you are installing a renewable power system you can apply for the rebate. Rebates are also available for solar powered water pumps.
The Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) is a 'roof-top solar' program which provides cash rebates to householders and owners of community buildings to install grid-connected or stand-alone photovoltaic systems. This Australian Government Funded initiative administered by Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines is based on the peak output of the new photovoltaic (solar) component of the system.
The Power and Water Corporation encourages the uptake of solar hot water systems by providing a rebate through its Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme.
The $75 Million Solar Cities program is an Australian Government initiative which is part of its climate change strategy aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Solar Cities program aims to demonstrate how solar power, smart meters, energy efficiency and new approaches to electricity pricing can improve energy related sustainability in urban areas of Australia. All levels of Government, the private sector and the local community are involved.
Alice Springs is one of eleven consortia from around Australia announced as finalists to host one of the nation’s first Solar Cities. For more information about the Alice Springs Solar City click here.
Household energy efficiency
PowerWater’s green guide is a guide to saving power and water.
The Australian Greenhouse Office provides a guide to choosing energy efficient appliances and Northern Territory’s PowerWater also provides a series of fact sheets on choosing energy efficient appliances
Cool Mob is a community based program designed to help Darwin and Palmerston households reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living.
Desert Knowledge Australia Cool Mob is a network of households in Alice Springs working together to improve household energy efficiency and therefore save money, and promote other aspects of sustainable living.
ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient electronic equipment. The Australian Government and State and Territory Governments are cooperating through the national ENERGY STAR programme to encourage the use of energy efficient equipment at home and in business.
Industry Action
Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) is a member based industry association representing the sustainable energy industry in Australia. The BCSE website provides information on required industry Standards, training and accreditation processes and maintains a database to allow consumers to locate services and accredited service providers throughout Australia.
To consider the energy performance of your building or group of buildings you can engage energy performance contracting services through The Australasian Energy Performance Contracting Association
The views expressed in the linked websites should not be considered to be the views of the Northern Territory Government.
