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SustainabilitySnapshot2014 / 2015

02

Introduction 03

Executive Summary 04

01 Environmental Commitment and Reporting 06

02 Energy Conservation 08

03 Integrated Water Management 10

04 Waste Management and Minimisation 12

05 Sustainable Purchasing and Product Use 14

06 Biodiversity 16

07 Environmental Education 18

The Sustainable Snapshot 2014/15 is printed on ecoStar which is manufactured from 100% post consumer recycled paper in a process chlorine free environment under the ISO14001 environmental management system. The printer is certified ISO14001 which covers all elements of environmental management and also certified FSC and PEFC chain of custody ensuring certainty when using FSC or PEFC certified papers.

Contents

City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Introduction

Introduction:

Environmental Commitment and Reporting

Energy Conservation

Integrated Water Management

Waste Management and Minimisation

Sustainable Purchasing and Product Use

Biodiversity

Environmental Education

Welcome to the City of Stonnington annual Sustainability Snapshot!

The City of Stonnington is committed to creating a healthy and sustainable City, with enhanced natural and urban environments that are enjoyed and protected. Developed within a framework of the Council Plan 2013-2017, the Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-2017 provides a strategic approach to addressing the key environmental factors impacting the City. The Sustainability Snapshot is our primary method for reporting on Council’s progress towards the seven environmental priority areas outlined in our Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-2017, which are:

Reporting on each area includes: goals for improvement, our key achievements over the previous 12 months, and our focus for the next 12 months.

This report highlights Council’s achievements in improving our own organisational sustainability as well as our community education and engagement activities.

The Executive Summary introduces our key achievements in 2014/15 against each of the seven priority areas. More detailed information on our progress in each of these priority areas is outlined in the body of the Snapshot.

We’ve made significant progress over the last year and we’re looking forward to another busy year in 2015/16 creating a cleaner, safer and better environment for future generations.

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05

02

06

03

07

04

04City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Executive summary

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014/15


Energy Conservation


Executive SummaryIn 2014/15 Council made significant progress towards achieving our commitment to create a more sustainable future for our municipality.

The Sustainability Snapshot shows how the City of Stonnington, with support from local organisations, groups, residents and schools, is working to improve environmental conditions for the long-term benefit and enjoyment of all.

01

02

03

» Continued to report on Council’s performance towards achieving goals outlined in the Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-2017 through our annual Sustainability Snapshot

» Delivered staff behaviour change initiatives to improve office energy efficiency and waste management practices

» Reduced Council greenhouse gas emissions by 10% since 2011/12 and by 15% since 2005/06

» Received 214 enquiries from Stonnington residents through our newly-established energy advice hotline

» Continued to drought-proof our City by planting indigenous and drought-tolerant exotic plant species in our gardens and streets

» Implemented the City of Stonnington Water Sensitive Urban Design Planning Scheme Amendment requiring building developers to treat stormwater onsite to best practice standards

» Undertook a stormwater research project in partnership with the City of Port Phillip to assess the effectiveness of Water Sensitive Urban Design in the private realm to reduce flooding in the public realm

» Continued to provide information to staff on Council’s environmental programs and activities through our internal induction program

» Continued to expand the staff Green Team to include 29 committed environmental leaders across all Council departments

» Completed 100 energy assessments in Stonnington homes to help residents reduce their energy bills

» Upgraded 175 Stonnington streetlights to more energy-efficient LED lighting

58%

29

x100 x175

» Reduced total Council potable water consumption by 58% between 2000/01 and 2014/15

» Installed Water Sensitive Urban Design features as part of new building works at TH King Pavilion




Biodiversity

04

05 06

07

» Officially opened the redeveloped TH King Pavilion which now includes the Stonnington Environmental Education and Design Centre

» Delivered 19 school and 26 early learning environmental sessions to connect and support Stonnington schools and kindergartens

» Developed service specific environmental specifications for inclusion in Council’s cleaning tender documents

» Developed workplace efficiencies to reduce resource use, for example replacing paper systems with electronic devices to reduce paper use

» Delivered community workshops through our annual Calendar of Environmental Events to encourage and support residents to grow their own food

» Planted a total of 117,940 plants and trees in key sites across Stonnington to support our biodiversity program:

– Completed Stage 3 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Project which included planting 98,600 plants, creating shared pathways, seating and viewing opportunities, as well as increasing biodiversity through weed control and indigenous revegetation

– Continued to improve habitat and provide food for local wildlife by planting 9,390 indigenous plants across our parks and reserves

– Continued our city-wide tree planting program to enhance biodiversity and public amenity by planting over 1,100 advanced tree nursery stock in our parks and streets

x1500kg

x360

Supported the establishment of the Armadale Baptist Church Community Garden to showcase sustainable gardening practices and increase community access to locally grown food

» Provided 30 Stonnington teachers with networking and professional development opportunities to support the implementation of sustainable change in local schools

» Hosted a John Dee energy-efficiency breakfast seminar which was attended by 20 local businesses

– Continued to engage local schools and the community in helping improve local biodiversity with 8,850 plants and trees planted by residents and school students at community and school planting days

» Undertook biodiversity assessments at seven priority biodiversity sites – Yarra River, Muswell Bend Park, Glen Iris Wetlands, Glenburn Bend Park, Malvern Valley Golf Course, Darling Park and the Urban Forest

14

117,940 plants and trees

+

» Diverted 50,523kg of electronic items from landfill through our free e-waste recycling program

» Trialled a new composting system at the Stonnington Depot to divert compostable office food waste from landfill

» Diverted 1,500kgs of batteries, mobile phones, CDs and DVDs from landfill through our niche recycling collections in libraries, service centres and pools

» Installed public place recycling bins in local shopping areas including Hawksburn Village, Central Park and Waverley Road East Malvern Terminus

» Distributed 166 worm farms and compost bins to residents through our Compost Revolution program contributing to a reduction in the amount of food waste going to landfill by 10%

» Delivered 14 environmental workshops and tours to 360 residents to inspire behaviour change and support the adoption of sustainable practices at home

» Partnered with the Glenferrie Road Malvern Business Association in a pilot project to support businesses to make long term sustainable improvements to their properties

06City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Environmental Commitment and Reporting

PRIORITY AREA


01

Achievements 2014/15

Council

» Informed residents and Council staff of our progress against our Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-17 through the Sustainability Snapshot 2013-14.

» Continued to inform staff and residents of our environmental programs and activities by providing information via the intranet, internal staff newsletters, website, through our social media channels, InStonnington, Stonnington Leader and our Annual Report.

» Expanded our ability to capture environmental data to further engage staff and residents as well as continue to track our progress.

» Enabled staff behaviour change initiatives to improve office energy efficiency and waste management practices.

Council

Focus for 2015/16

» Continue to deliver sustainability-themed workshops as well as environmental training and development opportunities for Council staff.

» Reduce Council’s paper consumption.

» Expand our internal food waste recycling program through the staff Green Team.

» Engage community and staff on Council’s environmental performance and activities through our communication channels including the annual Sustainability Snapshot.

Create organisation wide commitment to environmental sustainability across the delivery of all Council services and functions

Support staff participation in environmental initiatives

Annually publicly report on Council’s environmental performance of the Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-17

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT AND REPORTING GOALS

A

B

C

Council has an important role to play in improving the health and sustainability of our City.

Through Council’s role in managing local issues and planning for the community’s needs, there are many opportunities to positively influence environmental outcomes both within the organisation and throughout the wider community.

Reporting is a key element of implementing Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Our annual Sustainability Snapshot is the primary method for tracking our achievements towards achieving this commitment.

Facts and figures

Continued to engage all new staff on Council’s environmental programs and activities as part of Council’s staff induction program

Council’s staff Green Team is a group of committed environmental leaders working across all Council departments to help embed an environmentally conscious organisational culture

CASE STUDY: GREEN TEAM

Our Green Team is made up of dedicated staff working in and across a range of Council sites. They work to engage their colleagues on workplace sustainability by promoting sustainable behaviours and reducing resource use in Council.

In 2014/15, the Green Team focused on energy efficiency. The Switch It Off campaign focused on highlighting actions that staff can do every day to reduce their energy use at work as well as reporting Council’s monthly electricity consumption data. This work complements Council’s

annual $500,000 Energy Efficiency Implementation program (see Energy Conservation) which is used to upgrade Council buildings and facilities to reduce energy.

The Green Team continued to expand Council’s waste management program into the Maternal and Child Health Centres, Aquatic Centres and the Adventure Playground. The addition of recycling bins at these sites will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The Stonnington Depot also trialled CLOEY, a closed loop organics composting system that uses heat and agitation to turn food waste into compost. The compost is used by Council staff in our parks and gardens. The trial has been a success and CLOEY systems will be installed at Malvern Town Hall and 311 Glenferrie Road in 2015/16.

City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Energy Conservation

08

PRIORITY AREA

Energy Conservation

02

Actions achieved in 2014/15

Focus for 2015/16

» Delivered the annual Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan to reduce our consumption of electricity, gas and fuel as well as associated greenhouse gas emissions. Activities undertaken in 2014/15 included:

– installation of a large scale solar PV system (50kW), turbidity controllers to manage pool water as well as lighting and boiler upgrades at Harold Holt Swim Centre

– installation of turbidity controller and new boiler at Prahran Aquatic Centre

– upgraded 175 streetlights to more energy efficient LED lighting, resulting in a 77% reduction in energy consumption for each light

– completed detailed facility audits of our top 13 energy consuming sites to identify opportunities for improvements and inform our annual Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan.

» Delivered the following sustainable transport projects:

– bicycle path upgrades along the Yarra River as part of the Yarra River Biodiversity Project (see Biodiversity)

– Hornby Street contra-flow bicycle lanes, allowing cyclists to enter the street from Dandenong Road and High Street

» Continue investment in the Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan including identifying opportunities for localised energy generation on Council sites.

» Explore options to fast track the conversion of street lights on Council roads to energy efficient LEDs.

» Investigate a staff bike fleet program to encourage staff to use more sustainable modes of transport to and from meetings.

» Continue to improve bike path network including development of a shared path on Brixton Rise in Glen Iris and a connection between Malvern Road and Chadstone Shopping centre.

1,695 streetlightsin Stonnington have been upgraded to energy efficient globes including 175 LED lights

5% increase

in the number of cyclists across Stonnington

home energy assessments of Stonnington homes – 50% of residents took action as a result of assessment recommendations

100

enquiries were made by Stonnington residents to Council’s Positive Charge Energy Hotline, providing up-to-date and impartial energy efficiency and renewable energy advice over the phone

214

Council

Council Community

Community

– “Marmalade” pod near the Jam Factory, which removed car parking spaces to provide a pause point for pedestrians and bicycle parking on busy Chapel Street

– Sir Zelman Cowen park bicycle path widening and upgrade

– finalisation of the public transport advocacy statement.

» Continued to implement a staff driver training program which included a customised program to reduce annual fuel expenditure and consumption.

» Applied Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) standards to our new developments, including TH King Pavilion.

» Provided home energy assessments to Stonnington residents through Positive Charge to reduce energy bills and make homes more comfortable.

» Partnered with the cities of Melbourne and Port Phillip to deliver the High Life Expo which provided apartment owners and facility managers the opportunity to hear from apartment owners who have completed innovative sustainability projects in their buildings.

» Continue to provide home energy assessments to Stonnington residents.

» Work with the City of Melbourne to monitor improvements and advancements in the Smart Blocks program; an online, interactive toolkit that helps apartment owners and managers save money by improving energy efficiency in the common areas of apartment buildings.

» Deliver ‘Save it for the Game’, a program to improve the energy efficiency of local sporting clubs, in conjunction with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action.

Reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 2005 levels by 2015 and 30% by 2020

Reduce Council’s corporate energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions

Support the community to reduce energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions

ENERGY CONSERVATION GOALS

A

B

C

The City of Stonnington is committed to energy conservation. As the population continues to grow, we are presented with the challenge of providing expanded facilities, services and infrastructure whilst aiming to reduce our corporate greenhouse gas emissions.

The main areas of Council’s energy consumption are in buildings and facilities, lighting streets, and running a fleet of vehicles and other machinery.

Strategies for achieving our targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions lie in making existing facilities and infrastructure more efficient, on site energy generation and achieving efficiencies in the development of new infrastructure.

CASE STUDY: HAROLD HOLT

Harold Holt Swim Centre contributes 15% of Council’s total electricity use and over 70% of our total gas use – it’s the largest contributor to both these accounts.

As part of our Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan, we’ve invested in a series of major upgrades to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions and generate gas and electricity savings at Harold Holt Swim Centre (HHSC) – and we’re starting to see the benefits.

We’ve installed 218 200kW solar panels on the roof of HHSC. This installation is expected to generate 74,256 kilowatt hours and save around $16,000 each year.

It will also save an additional 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

New energy efficient pool water heaters for the indoor and outdoor pools as well as new energy efficient boilers are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 261 tonnes and create $31,177 savings in annual energy costs.

Total electricity use: Council Buildings and Streetlights

Total gas use: Council Buildings

Total (GJ)05/06 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

Total fuel consumption: Council Fleet and Equipment

Total litres

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15

Total Council Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Tonnes

20,000

15,000

Target 13,585

10,000

5,000

05/06 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15

Total Electricity Use and Total Gas Use decreased from 2008/09 to 2009/10 which aligns with the period that Harold Holt Swim Centre was closed for renovations. There is then an increase in energy use when it was re-opened.

Council has reduced its electricity use by 9.4% since 2011/12 as a result of measures to reduce our energy use through our annual Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan.

In 2014/15 Council resumed some street cleaning services previously provided under contract resulting in additional vehicles and equipment being factored into the above assessment.

Due to redevelopment works, a partial shut-down of Harold Holt Swim Centre occurred between 2009/10 and 2010/11, reducing Council’s gas usage. As part of the redevelopment, more leisure water was added to the existing system without upgrading the boilers which, when re-commissioned, meant that gas usage increased.

A new outdoor boiler was installed at Harold Holt in 2013/14 and an indoor boiler in 2014/15. Council also upgraded the Prahran Aquatic Centre boiler in 2013/14.

Council has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 10% since 2011/12 and by 15% since 2005/06.

Almost half of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings and almost one third are from street lighting.

It is expected that emissions will further decrease in 2015/16 as a result of Council’s ongoing investment in energy efficiency measures. We are on track to meet our emissions reduction target of a 20% decrease by 2015.

Facts and figures

7,000,000

6,000,000

Total (KWh)

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

05/06 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15

Electricity – BuildingsElectricity – Streetlighting

10


Focus for 2015/16

» Installed rainwater tanks, a green roof and green wall at the TH King Pavilion.

» Continued to install water saving fittings and fixtures across offices, community centres and sports pavilions.

» Partnered with City of Port Phillip to undertake a stormwater research project to assess the effectiveness of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in the private realm to reduce flooding in the public realm.

» Applied the Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) local planning policy which requires developers to include ESD considerations within their planning applications.

» Completed installation of a centralised irrigation control system at Victoria Gardens and dripper irrigation at Chris Gahan Reserve.

» Continued to plant indigenous and drought tolerant exotic plant species in gardens and streetscapes throughout the City.

» Continue to improve water use and irrigation systems in Council parks and gardens to investigate efficiency opportunities.

» Undertake detailed assessment of water use across Council’s assets to inform a series of water conservation planning workshops.

» Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and function of stormwater treatment assets.

City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Integrated Water Management

PRIORITY AREA


03

Council

Council

Community

» Completed conversion of Stanley Grose Reserve to warm season grasses.

» Installed new drinking fountains at a number of our parks, gardens and reserves including Union Street Gardens, Windsor Siding, Penpraze Park and Como North.

» Undertook individual site irrigation assessments and modification of systems in accordance with the assessments to ensure efficient irrigation systems at sporting fields, parks and gardens.

» Implemented the City of Stonnington Water Sensitive Urban Design Planning Scheme Amendment requiring building developers to treat stormwater on site to best practice standards.

Community

» Continued to deliver water conservation information sessions to residents and schools.

» Implement system changes including central irrigation controller to manage and monitor water use.

» Continue to improve onsite best practice stormwater treatment through Water Sensitive Urban Design Planning Policy.

» Continue to deliver water conservation information sessions to residents and schools.

Maintain corporate potable water use through integrated water management to achieve the corporate water target of 60% reduction in water use on 2000/01 levels

Improve water management practices and stormwater quality through an integrated water management model to reduce potable water use and enhance the quality of water in Stonnington’s creeks and waterways

INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT GOALS

A

B

Water is a finite and vulnerable resource that is increasingly in demand and affected by human activities. With high variability across seasons, water conservation has become an increasingly important issue over the last few years.

While water restrictions across Victoria have relaxed since late 2010 with the easing of the drought and greater availability of water, there remains a strong imperative for Council and the community to continue to conserve water.

Through the Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-17, Council has adopted an ‘integrated water management’ approach. This recognises that the supply, storage, use and reuse of water is an interrelated process and is best regarded as a whole system in order to have the greatest effect.

Facts and figures

CASE STUDY: STONNINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND DESIGN CENTRE

The newly opened Stonnington Environmental Education and Design Centre (SEED) at TH King Pavilion showcases environmentally sustainable design features (ESD) and provides an interactive learning space for schools, teachers and the community.

Many of the ESD features at SEED have important water-saving benefits:

» water tanks irrigate the green wall and landscaping around the Pavilion. This water is also used to flush toilets

» showerheads, toilets and taps all have water efficient fittings and fixtures.

SEED also has a living breathing green roof and green wall. This living work of art contains a range of benefits for our community and the environment.

The green roof absorbs and retains rainwater, reducing the amount of water run-off into the stormwater system. It also filters pollutants and particles so the water arriving at a stormwater drain from a green roof is much cleaner than a bare roof.

Alongside creating and preserving habitat and ecological biodiversity, these green spaces help keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter.

Between 2000/01 and 2014/15, Council reduced its potable water use by 58%. Driven by drought and severe water restrictions, Council’s lowest water use was in 2009/10, which was 75% lower than 2000/01. Following the lifting of the drought and easing of water restrictions, Council’s water use has increased marginally, principally in parks, reserves and open spaces.

*Excludes potable water used on open spaces at the Malvern Valley golf course due to billing anomalies. This does not have a significant impact as the course is watered using dam water. Potable water is rarely used.

**Increased water use in 2012/13 can be attributed to a burst water main at the Phoenix Park Community Centre.

Between 2013/14 and 2014/15, Council reduced water use in its buildings and facilities by 2% and increased water use in parks and green spaces by 2%.

Total annual potable water consumption

500,000

Total KL

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

2000

/01

2002

/03

2004

/05

2006

/07

2008

/09

2010

/11

2012

/13*

*

2001

/02

2003

/04

2005

/06

2007

/08

2009

/10

2011

/12

2013

/14*

2014

/15*

Total potable water consumption

2013 /14

58%

PARKS, RESERVES AND OPEN SPACES

42%

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

TOTAL POTABLE WATER CONSUMPTION – 2013/14


COMPOSITION OF ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING

2014 /15

60%

PARKS, RESERVES AND OPEN SPACES

40%

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES




Target 189,284

Council

Council

Community

Community

12City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Waste Management and Minimisation


» Undertook annual kerbside waste audit to measure household waste and recycling quantities.

» Trialled a composting system at the Stonnington Depot to divert compostable office food waste from landfill.

» Audited office waste management practices through our annual office waste audit.

CASE STUDY: NICHE RECYCLING COLLECTION

In 2014/15 1,500 kgs of batteries, mobile phones and chargers, floppy disks, cassette tapes, VHS, DVDs, CDs and cases were diverted from landfill through our recycling drop off points.

Council has collection boxes at the transfer station, Council service centres,

PRIORITY AREA


04

» Maintained recycling drop off points at nine Council locations and diverted the following recyclable items from

landfill: batteries, mobile phones and chargers, floppy disks, cassette tapes, VHS, DVDs, CDs and cases.

» Installed public place recycling (PPR) bins in local shopping areas including Hawksburn Village, Central Park and Waverley Road East Malvern Terminus.

» Developed a community food waste recycling site at the Armadale Baptist Church Community Garden.

» Stonnington participated in the Garage Sale Trail for the first time with over 30 sales registered.

Focus for 2015/16

» Expand our office food waste recycling system into other Council office sites.

» Expand public place recycling program to install bins in additional local shopping areas.

» Explore opportunities at multi-unit developments for localised food waste management and recycling.

» Consider options for additional public food waste recycling sites.

» Investigate recycling opportunities for a wider range of items.

» Support sporting and community groups to improve their waste management practices.

» Aim to double the number of registered garage sales as part of Garage Sale Trail with a target of 60 registered sales.

» Add additional composting systems into the Compost Revolution scheme to cater to small households.

Minimise waste generation by Council and the broader community

Maximise the recovery of reusable resources out of the waste stream

Continue to review and adapt Council’s waste management service to ensure they are responsive to changing community requirements

Inform and support the community and staff to implement correct waste disposal practices

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND MINIMISATION GOALS

A

D

B

C

Waste sent to landfill has both environmental and financial implications. Waste going to landfill increases the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the environment and the cost of waste disposal to landfill is increasing.

Council provides weekly garbage collection, fortnightly recycling, user pays green waste collection and a biannual hard waste and bundled green waste collection. Council also provides opportunities for residents to recycle a range of niche products such as e-waste (electronic), batteries and mobile phones.

Council also plays an important role in delivering waste education to the community.

libraries and aquatic centres for residents to drop off their old, broken or unwanted items for recycling.

These items are collected by Green Collect, a not for profit social enterprise, that either:

» breaks items down to recycle their various components

» upcycles items to support community groups with limited resources or

» finds new homes for discarded items that are in good condition.

Green Collect works with refugee communities, youth at risk and people who have experienced homelessness to offer employment opportunities as well as develop and deliver services to reduce the amount of waste generated and the amount of waste going to landfill.

Council’s niche recycling initiative complements our other recycling initiatives including our e-waste program which diverted over 50,000kgs of e-waste from landfill in 2014/15.

Facts and figures

Comparison of waste generation and management over time

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000Waste to landfill

Food waste

True waste

Recyclables (inc. garden waste)

Waste diverted from landfill for recycling

Composition of kerbside domestic garbage stream

Across the City of Stonnington, household waste to landfill has increased by 14% since 2009/10. At the same time, waste diverted from landfill for recycling has declined by 11%.

Part of this is due to our growing population with a 12% increase since 2009/10.

It’s also due to the amount of things we consume and the packaging that comes with it. There’s also a strong link between waste production and economic growth, waste is produced through the increased production and purchasing of goods and services.

Over the last two years our household garbage bins have less food waste and recyclables but there has been a slight increase in the amount of garden and true waste.

At the household level, the average volume by weight of waste to landfill has increased by 2.7% since 2009/10 while waste diverted for recycling has decreased by 20%.

The amount we’re recycling has also decreased. One reason for this is that print media paper only constitutes 48% of the mix whereas it used to be 58%. There’s also the replacement of glass with lighter weight plastic for some containers.

These trends are consistent with metropolitan Melbourne.

09/10 11/1210/11 12/13 13/14 14/15

Average annual waste generation per household

Composition of annual household recycling

2% STEEL

1% ALUMINIUM

27% GLASS

12% CONTAMINATION 48% MIXED PAPER

10% MIXED PLASTICS




1,500kgof recyclable items were diverted from landfill through our niche recycling collections at nine Council locations

50,523kgof electronic items were collected through our free e-waste recycling program

166

% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2015

2014

2013

Average household waste to landfill

Average household waste diverted from landfill for recycling

600

700

800

900

500

400

300

200

100

09/10 11/1210/11 12/13 13/14 14/15Total kgs

worm farms and compost bins have been distributed to residents through our Compost Revolution program contributing to a 10% decrease in the amount of food waste going to landfill

14

PRIORITY AREA



Focus for 2015/16

» Implemented staff education initiatives to build knowledge, understanding and commitment to sustainable purchasing.

» Promoted the Green Stationery Guide to support staff to purchase environmentally friendly alternatives to commonly used stationery items.

» Developed service specific environmental specifications for inclusion in Council’s cleaning tender documents.

» Developed workplace efficiencies to reduce resource use, for example replacing paper administration systems with electronic devices to reduce paper use.

» Continue to develop Council’s Procurement Policy to strengthen sustainability elements.

» Continue to include environmental specifications in major Council service and infrastructure contracts.

» Develop sustainable event guidelines for Council events.

» Provide sustainable procurement training for staff.

» Strengthen tracking of green purchases through our finance system.

City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Sustainable Purchasing and Product Use

05

Council

Council

Community

Community

» Established reporting systems for measuring staff paper use and green stationery purchases.

» Supported the establishment of the Armadale Baptist Church Community Garden to showcase sustainable gardening practices and to increase community access to locally grown food.

» Delivered community workshops to encourage and support residents to grow their own food (see Environmental Education).

» Support communal gardening opportunities in Stonnington apartment buildings.

» Launch the Armadale Baptist Church Community Garden and continue to explore opportunities to support the development of community gardens in Stonnington and access to locally grown food for residents.

Increase the amount of materials and services purchased by Council that have lower environmental impacts compared to equivalent alternatives

Reduce Council’s overall use of materials and products through implementing more efficient practices

Support the community to access local produce

SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING AND PRODUCT USE GOALS

A

B

C

Council consumes large quantities of goods and materials which can have varying degrees of impact on the environment.

Council can positively influence the environment through selecting products and materials that are manufactured locally and are made from environmentally sustainable products/recycled goods.

CASE STUDY: READY, SET, GROW – ARMADALE BAPTIST CHURCH COMMUNITY GARDEN

Stonnington’s first fully communal gardening space officially opened in October 2015.

Community gardens help to increase food security when faced with issues such as climate change and population growth. They also provide opportunities for residents who may not have access to locally grown, healthy food.

The Armadale Baptist Church Community Garden, a partnership between Council, Armadale Baptist Church and BaptCare, has a mission to promote wellbeing and resilience for individuals, community and the environment.

This mission takes into account the environmental benefits of local food growing and sustainable gardening but also acknowledges the range of additional benefits the garden provides to the community.

One of the most important of these is the creation of a space for the community to come together and connect with each other. The garden offers a shared space for the community to learn, teach, model, research and discover sustainable, productive and creative living together.

It all started with a piece of land beside the Armadale Baptist Church and Pastor Jude Waldron’s vision to support community building in the area.

The garden plan showcases sustainable garden design. Recycled and reclaimed timber has been used for the garden beds and seating and a 9,000 litre water tank is linked to a solar powered irrigation system. There’s also a communal composting area and residents are invited to bring their food scraps and garden waste to help create valuable fertiliser and soil for the garden.

Sabine and her son Manu have been regular attendees at the working bees:

“Being part of this community garden has given us a wonderful opportunity to connect with other members of the community as well as learn about sustainable gardening methods such as composting and worm farming. The working bees have been a lot of fun; it is great to see how this unused space has transformed into a community green space.”

16City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Biodiversity

PRIORITY AREA

Biodiversity

Focus for 2015/16

» Begin Stages 4 and 5 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Project which will include:

– reconstruction and widening of the shared path east of Chapel Street

– removal of noxious weed species, whilst maintaining native trees with good canopy and structure

– revegetation planting with indigenous plant species

– construction of passive rest areas for the community to stop and enjoy the Yarra River.

» Develop an Urban Forest Strategy to preserve and enhance the City’s tree population. The Strategy will guide a series of planting programs to increase canopy cover, biodiversity and local amenity.


» Completed Stage 3 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Project which has included shared pathways, seating and viewing opportunities as well as increased biodiversity through weed control and indigenous revegetation.

» Began working with the Federal Government’s Green Army who are assisting us with:

– Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project through weed control, indigenous revegetation and construction of passive rest areas for the community to stop and enjoy the Yarra River

– planting native vegetation, mulching, weed control, and clean up at the Malvern Valley Golf Course

– weed control, cleaning up the waterways and planting native vegetation at the Glen Iris Wetlands

– planting native vegetation in Como Park North.

06

Council

Council

Community

Community

» Worked with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) to develop a Biodiversity Monitoring Framework and Implementation Guide to assist EAGA Councils to monitor urban biodiversity and habitat ‘health’.

» Planted a total of 117,940 plants and trees in key sites across Stonnington to support our biodiversity program.

» Delivered biodiversity incursions and excursions with Early Learning Centres and primary schools as well as the community exploring native animals and plants, habitat, history and the purpose of the Glen Iris Wetlands.

» Provided a hands-on opportunity for school students to make a difference to our local biodiversity through tree planting days.

» Install new signage at the Glen Iris wetlands to provide visitors with engaging and interactive information on: indigenous plants, wetland birds, frogs, waterbugs and stormwater treatment.

» Continue to work with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) biodiversity project to conduct further biodiversity monitoring and data recording.

» Continue to engage local schools, kindergartens and the community in growing our city and improving biodiversity through planting days.

Protect and enhance biodiversity and public amenity through enhancing environmental values

BIODIVERSITY GOALS

A

The vast majority of land in Stonnington has been developed for housing, business, transport and public open space. This long term, wide scale development has depleted the natural environment and resulted in a significant loss of indigenous vegetation. There are, however, still some important areas of native flora and fauna within the city.

As the City of Stonnington will continue to be highly developed, protecting and enhancing existing biodiversity areas is critical. Council is concentrating its efforts on enhancing areas where some remnant habitat already exists and Council has management control over the land.

The benefits of biodiversity for the community are numerous; not only does a high level of biodiversity result in a healthy and attractive physical environment, but it can facilitate educational opportunities, recreational activities, and add to the colour and amenity of a community.

Facts and figures

9,390 indigenous plantsplanted across our parks and reserves

30,200 plants98,600 plantsplanted during Stage 3 of the Yarra River Biodiversity Project

given away at Spring into Gardening

8,850 plants and treesplanted in our parks and reserves by residents and students for National Tree Day

1,100 advanced tree nursery stock planted as part of our tree planting program

CASE STUDY: YARRA RIVER BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

Council began work in 2010 on the Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project. Over the past 3 years, we’ve invested more than $2.5 million into one of the biggest regeneration projects in the Yarra River’s recent history.

The project, delivered in stages, aims to increase habitat connectivity, improve water quality and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community to interact with Melbourne’s landmark river.

In 2014/15, Council finished Stage 3 of the project.

Stage 1 was finished in 2012. It focused on the development of a wetland system to treat stormwater from the Toorak Village catchment as well as provide important natural habitat for local birds, animals and fish. The upgraded bicycle path and the newly installed pedestrian boardwalk wind through the wetland, encouraging visitors to look and listen to our local wildlife.

Stage 2, completed in 2013, included the construction of a series of bioretention ponds – or raingardens – which help filter stormwater from surrounding properties and streets as well as integrated walkways, realignment and widening of the cycle path, and improved seating to help people interact with the surrounding environment.

Bioretention systems, also known as raingardens, are vegetated filters that pond stormwater and slowly filter it to provide high levels of stormwater treatment in a relatively small footprint.

The use of biological processes to treat stormwater, while facilitating conveyance and retention, gives rise to the name bioretention.

Stage 3 included improved shared pathways, seating and viewing opportunities as well as increasing levels of biodiversity with indigenous native revegetation works.

The project will be fully completed by 2018/19.

18City of Stonnington // Sustainability Snapshot 2014/15 Environmental Education

PRIORITY AREA


» Delivered a series of environmental information sessions and workshops for residents as part of our annual Calendar of Environmental Events including new hands-on sessions.

» Delivered the 2015 Stonnington Green Schools Network program which provides sustainability support and learning opportunities for students and staff from Stonnington schools and early learning centres.

» Partnered with the Glenferrie Road Malvern Business Association in a pilot project focused on engaging


Focus for 2015/16

» Continue to support the Stonnington Business Network by linking businesses to information, workshops and networking opportunities on all areas of environmental sustainability.

» Showcase sustainability activities of Stonnington businesses through a series of case studies.

» Develop tailored programs to support Stonnington businesses to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.

» Develop 2016 projects for the Sustainability Outreach Program to support Stonnington residents and businesses to learn about and implement more sustainable practices.

07

businesses to make long term sustainable improvements to their properties.

» Officially opened the redeveloped TH King Pavilion including the Stonnington Environmental Education and Design (SEED) centre, which is used as a venue for school and early learning centre sessions as part of the Stonnington Green Schools Network.

» Hosted a business energy efficiency breakfast seminar with energy efficiency expert and founder of Planet Ark, John Dee.

» Continued to deliver the Sustainability Outreach Program, to help Stonnington residents and businesses become more sustainable.

Council

Community

Community

» Develop and deliver new, engaging and interactive community environmental events, workshops and tours.

» Continue to provide sustainability support and learning opportunities for schools and kindergartens through the Green Schools Network.

» Install new interactive signage around the Glen Iris Wetlands to educate the community on local flora and fauna, wetland processes, stormwater and habitat trees and nesting boxes.

» Provided staff education opportunities through the delivery of Green Team initiatives.

Provide effective environmental education and support to assist residents, schools, businesses, community groups and Council staff to adopt sustainable practices

Support the achievement of Strategy objectives across all priority areas through targeted environmental education programs where relevant

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GOALS

A

B

Environmental education is crucial to achieving the behaviour change required to become a more sustainable and environmentally responsible community. Through education, individuals and organisations can gain the knowledge to develop the skills and values to respond to complex environmental issues.

Council has an active role in education as a primary means for equipping the community with the information and skills to enable them to effect environmental change.

Facts and figures

360residents involved in 14 environmental events

19school and 26 early learning environmental sessions

30teachers participated in Professional Development sessions

20local businesses attended John Dee energy efficiency breakfast seminar

CASE STUDY: GREEN SCHOOLS NETWORK

The Stonnington Green Schools Network offers local schools an annual sustainability program covering:

» staff professional development opportunities

» student sustainability and leadership training

» incursions and excursions on energy, waste, biodiversity, water and indigenous culture.

All our sessions are linked to Australian curriculum standards including Civics and Citizenship, Humanities (Geography/Economics), sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.

In 2014/15, we delivered 19 school and 26 early learning sessions on indigenous culture, biodiversity, gardening, tree planting and leadership training, reaching 480 students.

We also had 30 primary and secondary school teachers participate in professional development sessions on gardening, cooking and healthy eating, networking and integrating sustainability into the curriculum.

The newly opened Stonnington Environmental Education and Design Centre (SEED) at TH King Pavilion, while showcasing environmentally sustainable design features, provides an important learning space for schools, teachers and the community.

The wet area at the Centre enables students to get up close to water bugs and learn how to test water quality. Displays hold taxidermied animals including a sugar glider and blue tongue lizard. There are also wooden life-sized local wildlife such as a copperhead snake, water rat and tawny frogmouth.

City of StonningtonT 8290 1333F 9521 [email protected] Box 21 Prahran, Victoria 3181

Service centresStonnington City Centre311 Glenferrie Road, MalvernPrahran Town HallCorner Chapel and Greville StreetsDepot293 Tooronga Road, Malvern

stonnington.vic.gov.au

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