Energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions

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Knox City Council continues to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We also support residents and business to improve energy efficiency and transition to clean energy.

Our ongoing commitment

Council has multiple programs and new initiatives to improve energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions.

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Climate Response Plan 2021–2031

On 27 September 2021, Council adopted the Climate Response Plan 2021–2031 to address the impacts of climate change.

The plan provides a roadmap for:

Council to reach net zero emissions by 2030
the Knox community to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

View the Climate Response Plan 2021-2031 and second annual progress report.

Climate Emergency declaration

On 25 July 2022, Council declared a Climate Emergency, recognised by the global Climate Emergency Declaration and Mobilisation in Action (CEDAMIA).

Eastern Alliance for Green Action

Knox Council works with seven neighbouring councils to form the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA).

This alliance advocates to the State and Federal governments on behalf of our local communities, and enables economies of scale through joint initiatives.

Electric cars and charging stations

We are working to install more electric vehicle charging stations across Knox, to support and encourage people to choose zero-emissions transport.

Knox Civic Centre carpark has 2 free public electric car charging stations.

View locations of electric vehicle charging stations on the Plugshare website.

JOLT electric vehicle fast charging stations are located at:

Bayswater train station
Ferntree Gully train station and
Scoresby Village

Users can access 15 minutes free charging time each day. If users want to charge longer, there will be a cost and this is managed by JOLT. More charging stations are planned.

All construction and operating costs associated with these charging stations are borne by JOLT and delivered at no cost to Council.

Programs for Knox residents and business

Council have partnered with 2 major organisations to provide advice and support.

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Net Zero Hero community

Join our movement to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 in Knox.

Achieving this target requires us to all work together and we are creating a supportive Net Zero Hero community to champion people and actions that will help us achieve a net zero future.

Every action matters, and we can all do something about climate change in our everyday lives. The small actions we take today, will make a big difference for our community in the future.

Let’s work together for a safe climate and healthy future.

As a Net Zero Hero you will share what is important to you and what changes you want to make to reduce your carbon footprint, and we will provide the tools, tips, resources and connections to help you get there. We’ll also share your stories and changes along the way to encourage all members of the Knox community to get involved.

As a hero, you will receive:

regular newsletter with helpful tips and advice about lowering your emissions
invitations to Net Zero Hero meet ups, workshops and events
Special offer: The first 250 heroes will receive a Net Zero Hero pack. The pack includes pocketable canvas bag, reusable cutlery set and a fridge magnet.

Energy-saving advice

For residents

My Energy and Water Saver Kits are available for loan through the Your Library network. The easy-to-use kits come with a guide to help you identify inefficient usage such as water leaks and high-energy use appliances. The kit helps improve energy efficiency and lower your bills. Each kit contains:

a thermal imaging camera
a power meter
a stopwatch
a thermometer
the Energy Freedom Home Book
the CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook
an instruction guide

Residents can also access discounted solar power products and rebates via the Solar Savers Program.

For businesses

Businesses can get energy-saving services through the Business Energy Savers program. Visit the Energy Savers website for further information on government rebates.

Businesses can access discounted solar power products and rebates via the Solar Savers Program.

Environmental upgrade loans for business

Council can help your business access an Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) program. This loan will help you save money and improve your economic and environmental performance.

Environmental Upgrade Finance loans for building upgrade works are repaid via quarterly council rates. A lender provides the upfront capital for the works, which the business then repays through the council rates system over periods of up to 20 years.

More about environmental sustainability

Learn more about making your home and business more environmentally sustainable.

Need help?

Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.