Two Melton council projects are winners in this month’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria sustainable cities awards.
A council initiative, ‘Melton LEADS: Empowering our Community’, won the community government partnerships award, while the Western Business Accelerator & Centre for Excellence (BACE) claimed the environmental sustainability award.
The LEADS (Lead, Educate, Advocate, Demonstrate Sustainability) project was implemented by the council to reduce Melton’s greenhouse gas emissions. The council is hoping to reduce emissions by 2900 tonnes, saving about $316,000 a year. As part of the project, more than 250 residents have been helped in reducing household energy bills.
The Western BACE is a six-star, green-star-rated building in Ferris Road, Melton, its design minimising energy use through features that allow water to be heated and cooled by solar energy.
Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said the awards were a great honour for council.
“By taking action to invest in sustainable infrastructure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we’re leading the way in how communities think about energy efficiency,” Cr Ramsey said.
Shortlisted were the Vernon Davey Naturalists Hut, Toolern Vale, for a Cultural Heritage award, and a group who tend the Koorie student garden at Melton Botanic Gardens for a young leaders award.
