A new plan will help Hepburn Shire achieve a target of zero carbon emissions over the next four years.
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Council voted to pass the Towards Zero Emissions Roadmap at a meeting last week.
The plan details steps for council to become a carbon neutral organisation.
Over $1 million will be invested in emissions reduction over the next four years.
It was predicted the changes would generate savings of over $1 million over a twelve year period.
Councillor Kate Redwood said the roadmap reflected council’s plan to negate the negative effects of climate change.
“We are heading in a direction we would like to see taken up in the local community and other local government authorities,” she said.
Council also pledged commitment to the Victorian government’s TAKE2 program, a climate change pledge to reach zero emissions by 2050 and keep the global temperature rise to under two degrees.
Mayor Sebastian Klein said council would collaborate with councils, government, businesses and individuals through the program.
“Not only are we collaborating with Victorian councils, government, businesses and individuals through the TAKE2 program, but millions of others worldwide to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on dangerous climate change,” he said.
Council has reduced emissions by 21 per cent since 2012, according to a report.
Solar power was installed on council buildings and streetlights were replaced with energy-efficient lamps.
Hepburn Shire Council CEO Aaron van Egmond said there were also financial benefits with hopes to reduce the cost of business operations.
“Along with environmental benefits that come from adopting the Toward Zero Emissions Roadmap and making the TAKE2 pledge, there are also significant financial benefits to council in the form of reduced operating costs,” he said.
