City tackles climate-changing emissions with solar panels

Since installing 170 solar panels at the Mooroopna Hub there has been an energy consumption decrease of about 42 per cent between the months of March and April.

Sustainable development director Geraldine Christou said these were excellent results, endorsing council’s energy reduction plan.

‘‘Council is consistently seeking paths to improve the environment we live in and to address climate change,’’ Ms Christou said.

‘‘The added solar panels are proving to be one step closer to council’s target goal of reducing energy usage by 20 per cent by 2020.’’

Council endorsed an energy reduction plan in 2015 that set an organisational target for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The introduction of hybrid and low-fuel cars, low-energy globes in street lights and solar installations are helping to create a more sustainable environment.

Council also plans to install solar panels at Aquamoves and Shepparton Regional Saleyards.

Greater Shepparton also has more than 400 businesses currently using solar, reducing power bills and assisting to reduce the impacts of climate change.