Oral Presentation Public Works Conference 2022

Public Works and the Climate Emergency (79040)

Vanessa Petrie 1 2
  1. Darebin City Council, Preston, Victoria, Australia
  2. Darebin, Preston, VICTORIA, Australia

Public works professionals are facing an unprecedented challenge to provide assets and services in the face of climate change. What can we do to rapidly reduce emissions? How do we future-proof assets?

In December 2016, Darebin City Council was the first government of any kind to declare a climate emergency. Since then, more than 1,900 governments around the world have made similar declarations and committed to urgent action to address climate change.

Darebin has acted to tackle the climate emergency. Leading a procurement that established the Victorian Energy Collaboration: 46 Councils purchasing 100% renewable energy. Delivering the 6 star, fully electric, renewable powered Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and making recycled materials in pavements the new BAU are just some of the highlights of our journey.

This presentation will share Darebin’s journey to take action on the climate emergency, sharing wins, learning and insights.