Barwon Water’s zero emissions program has been announced as a finalist in the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards, now in its 17th year, recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future.
Barwon Water is one of three finalists in the ‘government’ award category and one of 33 finalists overall.
The finalists were announced on 9 September by Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.
“This year’s finalists are a diverse group, but they all share a strong commitment to collaboration, problem solving and innovation to help drive a sustainable future,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“I congratulate all the finalists for their hard work and wish them the best of luck in October.”
Barwon Water has pledged to achieve 100 per cent of its electricity use from renewable sources by 2025 and slash its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030.
The corporation is well on the way, thanks largely to a series of industry-leading solar projects.
Barwon Water Managing Director, Tracey Slatter, said the initiatives will dramatically reduce grid electricity consumption, as well as keeping customers’ bills low.
“Reducing our grid electricity use drives down our operating costs, which helps us keep downward pressure on water bills,” Ms Slatter said.
Some of Barwon Water’s sustainable initiatives include:
- The Black Rock solar farm
- The Salt Torquay solar farm
- Wurdee Boluc solar array and battery storage
- Zero Emissions Water renewable power purchase agreement
The awards presentation will be held on 10 October 2019 in Melbourne.
