Energy

The City of Ryde has adopted a community target of Net Zero Emissions* by 2040 or sooner. The non-residential sector plays a critical role in achieving this goal as they contribute approximately 70% of the total community emissions for the City of Ryde, in FY2021, see below pie chart. Sources of emissions include electricity usage and private petrol/ diesel vehicle use.

Council acknowledges the role that our business community has in lowering local emissions. Supporting our local businesses in becoming more energy efficient and lower their carbon emissions is a key action within Councils adopted Net Zero Emissions Pathway.

Figure Ryde LGA: Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector- 2020/21, Resilient Sydney Metropolitan Carbon Reporting Tool developed by Kinesis.

The inefficient use of energy can cost businesses money. A reduction in energy usage not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also improve productivity and reduce business running costs. See the below link for information on best practise and benefits of energy management.

• Energy Management for business

To assist businesses in realising the benefits and lower running costs through energy management the Federal and State Governments have several initiatives, grants and guides to assist businesses in lowering their emissions from operations, saving money on utility costs and contributing to a more sustainable community.

• Australian Government Assistance & Grants
• NSW State Government Assistance & Grants
• Funding initiatives for high energy performing buildings (new & existing)

There are also not-for-profit organisations providing support to businesses to become more energy efficient and lower their carbon emissions.

• Business Renewables Centre- Australia (BRC-A) - helps organisations to learn new ways to procure electricity that is both renewable and sustainable, called Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). 
• Energy Efficiency Council is an association for businesses, universities, governments and NGOs to build a sophisticated market for energy management products and services that delivers healthy, comfortable buildings, productive, competitive businesses; and an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system for Australia.

*Net zero emissions refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere’ (Australian Climate Council).