The Shire of Busselton has achieved its first milestone towards reducing its carbon footprint by completing an inventory of  the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the Shire's own activities, local residents and businesses.

The inventory revealed:

• That the Shire's own activities produced 5,871 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2006/07.
• These emissions are from all Shire-owned buildings such as the Geographe Leisure Centre and the Shire's Administration Centre; waste produced by Shire's operations; street lights; all Shire vehicles such as rubbish trucks and passenger vehicles, in addition to water pumps used to irrigate public open space and playing fields.
• The inventory also estimated that the community emitted over 435,696 tonnes of emissions in the same period. This is equivalent to approximately 16.3 tonnes of emissions per resident. To put this into perspective, 1 tonne of carbon dioxide would fill the average family home.
• The community's greenhouse gas emissions include the electricity and gas consumption from residential, commercial and industrial sectors; vehicle fuel usage and waste taken to the Dunsborough and Busselton tip sites. Electricity consumption is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions for households. Residents can reduce their electricity-related emissions by installing energy-efficient lighting, switching off appliances when not in use and insulating their homes.

Shire President, Cr Wes Hartley said "The Shire is actively engaged in the protection of the global climate, which not only has benefits for the environment, but also results in positive impacts on the local quality of life in our community. Local Government is increasingly becoming recognised as leaders in environmental issues and there are many steps both the Shire and the community can take to achieve a positive outcome".

The data from the inventory will be used to design a program to reduce the Shire's carbon footprint, and to encourage residents to take simple steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Cr Hartley said "By completing this energy inventory, the Shire has achieved the first milestone of the "Cities for Climate Protection Program". The CCP Program is a partnership between ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the Australian Department of Climate Change.  On behalf of the community , I am pleased the Shire of Busselton will be recognised for this achievement at the 2009 Australian Local Government Association, ICLEI Oceania Recognition Breakfast in Canberra on 22 June".

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au