final report sign up for sustainability - city of cessnock report... · on urban sustainability...

Final Report

Sign Up For Sustainability

Project: 2007/EG/0008

30th January 2009

Cessnock City Council Sign Up For Sustainability Final Report

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Acknowledgments

This report was prepared and written by Patricia Ann Stanwell, with editing assistance from Michael Alexander and Alison Lawrence.

The following people gave generously their time and expertise in contributing information for inclusion into the Sign Up For Sustainability project: Cessnock Council Staff Michael Alexander Tricia Donnelly Alison Lawrence Maude Lecourt Rowena Scanlan Community Participants Matthew Baltussen Stephen Bell John Clulow Simon Clulow Gary Counsell Max Elliott Colin & Pamela Fitzsimmons Donna Gargano Tony Hawkins Melissa Mc Cartney David Mc Neill Annette Rees Irene Richardson John Simpson Josephine Smith Peter and Sue Torenbeek Ray Williams Andrew Zoneff

This report should be printed in colour to assist interpretation of survey graphs


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Executive Summary This report provides an overview of the Sign Up For Sustainability program initiated by Cessnock City Council between July 2008 and January 2009. Modelled from UK research, the Sign Up For Sustainability program was investigated through a survey of public awareness of current and emerging environmental issues and subsequent participation by selected community members in an educational program aimed at fostering sustainable living practices in the household. Specific project objectives were: • To implement and evaluate a pledge based community incentive program to encourage and support

proactive behaviour of individuals and groups in Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) with respect to sustainability.

• To survey a representative cross–section of the Cessnock community in relation to attitudes, knowledge and behaviour on sustainability issues.

• To evaluate the need to subsidise community awareness and education through pledge based incentive programs and identify benefits and actions that enhance knowledge and actions towards improved sustainability outcomes.

• To build upon partnerships with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), NSW Environmental Trust and Hunter Water Corporation through providing community based information on urban sustainability issues for use in existing and future planning and natural resource management policies, strategies, priorities and programs.

The project commenced with a community survey to determine attitudes, knowledge and behaviour towards environmental issues and educational opportunities that provide information on how to achieve sustainable living practices. Survey responses identified key environmental concerns within the LGA, priorities and program directions for the development of a Sign Up For Sustainability household audit kit and educational resources designed to meet and support community needs. Cessnock community survey responses were benchmarked against NSW state “Who Cares about the Environment” surveys to allow comparison of results with state wide data. Survey comparisons identified significant differences across the range of environmental issues canvassed. Community incentive kits were developed and linked to program participants willing to pledge a commitment to enhanced sustainability outcomes through behavioural change and community advocacy to promote proactive behaviour and progress towards sustainable lifestyle practices. Program participants identified as “community sustainability champions” were encouraged to implement and promote kit incentives at community interest group meetings. The efficiency of community household energy and water ‘self’ audit kits were trialled prior to public library release for community use. The effectiveness of simple tools to enable households to complete a ‘do it yourself’ electricity and water audit, commit to behaviour change produced on average a 16% reduction in household electricity use and a 72% reduction in household water usage. Public library and web based resources were also produced and will be made available through Cessnock and Kurri Kurri public libraries and Council’s web site. These aim to support community knowledge and encourage activities related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable living practices. The development of public library resources aimed to encourage ecologically sustainable development and support public participation and understanding of the importance of long-term stewardship of community resources. The successful accomplishment of project outcomes has greatly assisted the promotion of Council’s existing sustainability framework. Cessnock City Council would like to acknowledge funding provided for the "Sign Up For Sustainability" from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), NSW Environmental Trust, Hunter Water Corporation. Cessnock City Council recognises the support of these organisations and their contribution to the successful delivery of program services.


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1.0 Introduction Cessnock City Council (CCC) has a longstanding commitment to assist the community to use local resources in a sustainable way to safeguard human and environment health, economic growth and social equality for the future. This commitment is delivered through the Sustainability in Action program which is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development in accordance with Council’s charter under the NSW Local Government Act 1993.

1.1 Project Aims & Objectives The Sign Up For Sustainability project aimed to identify community knowledge and awareness to improve community attitudes, knowledge and understanding on sustainability issues and actions towards their management. Specific project objectives are outlined in the following priority statements. • Implement and evaluate a pledge based community incentive program to encourage and support

proactive behaviour of individuals and groups in Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) with respect to sustainability.

• Survey a representative cross–section of the Cessnock community in relation to attitudes, knowledge and behaviour on sustainability issues

• Evaluate the need to subsidise community awareness and education through pledge based incentive programs and identify benefits and actions that enhance knowledge and actions towards improved sustainability outcomes.

• Provide project partners with community based information on urban sustainability issues for use in planning and natural resource management policies, strategies, priorities and programs.

2.0 Sign Up For Sustainability Modelled from UK research, CCC embarked on the "Sign Up For Sustainability" program to build upon partnerships between the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), NSW Environmental Trust, Hunter Water Corporation and Council to encourage and support sustainability practices through education and participation. The partnerships provided funding to support a range of community based incentives with a focus on sustainability. Community incentives aim to emphasise effective management of urban development pressures on the environment and natural resources. The program encourages participation of identified self motivated individuals, households and community groups that are eager to protect and improve the environment. Incentives also encourage greater community awareness by fostering information sharing and collaborative learning on sustainability issues. Participation in the Sign Up For Sustainability program requires a personal pledge with commitment to prescribed behaviour which aims to enhance social learning on the ecological and economic benefits derived from productive behaviour related to sustainable living practices at a household scale. The focus of the personal pledge is on the development of new behaviour patterns and how they can contribute to household consumption patterns. Assimilation of new lifestyle habits aims to change individual perceptions of behaviour towards the environment and thereby shift personal goals towards the emergence of sustainable living practices. Importance is initially placed on engaging individuals who belong to community interest groups seeking to develop strategies to meet existing and long term human and environmental health needs. Integration of improved lifestyle habits develops wider support for the "Sign Up For Sustainability" program through social networks to convey attitudes, knowledge and skills relating to human and environmental health issues. A likely outcome of this program is increased community confidence to participate in the delivery of resource based incentives and specific educational services related to a variety of human and environmental health topics. "Sign Up For Sustainability" program strategies can be tailored to particular community needs across a range of urban sustainability topics such as climate change, green house gas emissions, waste reduction, energy and water use and biodiversity conservation.


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An integral component of the "Sign Up For Sustainability" program was to conduct a community survey to identify attitudes, knowledge and understanding of sustainability at a local level. Community information provided in survey responses was then used to help guide the development of program incentives and pledge based activities for the current project. Cessnock community survey findings were benchmarked by comparison with state wide environmental data from “Who Cares about the Environment” surveys. Commenced in1994 and produced every three years by DECC, Who Cares about the Environment surveys are demographic surveys to identify public attitudes on social and environmental issues. Each survey reviews the effectiveness of environmental protection policies and programs to develop learning based strategies to build the capacity of the people of NSW as informed and active participants towards sustainability. Data comparisons allowed refinement of the project direction to ensure that the elements were targeted based on community needs. 3.0 Cessnock Community Sustainability Survey The Cessnock community sustainability survey was designed to provide important information on community knowledge, awareness, attitudes and activities linked to urban sustainability issues. The survey collected information about population demographics, individual opinions on sustainability issues considered to impact on their lives, information sources and how these were addressed. The survey questions aligned closely with the NSW “Who Cares about the Environment” survey to allow comparison of results with state wide data. A copy of the community survey is provided in Appendix A. Surveys were distributed throughout the local government area in the local newspaper, to community interest groups by mail and/or internet and at Council promotional events held in public libraries. Approximately 500 surveys were distributed and 154 responses (32%) were received. Survey responses identified the primary community concerns on urban sustainability issues. These concerns were identified as being waste management, urban development, water conservation and stormwater management and energy management (global warming), in that order, with responses for each of these issues ranking greater than 10%. Biodiversity loss and air quality (motor vehicle emissions) ranked considerably lower. Community survey responses were used to identify priorities for project activities and actions which included the need to use broader public education strategies to address community concerns and behaviours. Key survey results relating to sustainability are summarised in Figure 1.

16%

16%

19%13%

6%

5%

25%

Water Conservation

Stormwater

Urban Development

Global Warming

Motor VehicleEmissions

Biodiversity Loss

Waste Management

Figure 1. Sign Up For Sustainability survey responses identifying community concerns towards environmental health issues within the Cessnock Local Government Area prior to the commencement of the 2008 Sign Up For Sustainability project.


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Survey results identified that 96% of community respondents showed a willingness to participate in a public education program based on sustainability themes with community participation generally related to social and economic security. Frequently the basis for these concerns was associated to natural resource pressures, community vulnerability and their capacity to respond to environment and development issues. Detailed survey results are presented in Appendix B.

4.0 “Who Cares about the Environment” Surveys Comparison of the Sign Up For Sustainability survey results against state wide “Who Cares about the Environment“ 2006 survey responses identified significantly different community concerns and priorities for sustainability action. With the exception of stormwater (14%), community response to sustainability issues showed on average a 20-35% difference in concern between “Who Cares about the Environment” survey results and the Cessnock survey response for water conservation, biodiversity, motor vehicles, waste management and urban development. The comparison of survey results relating to community concerns for the environment are summarised in Figure 2.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Water Conservation

Stormwater

Urban Development

Global Warming

Motor Vehicle Emissions

Biodiversity Loss

Waste Management

Who Cares Surveys Cessnock

Figure 2. Comparison of the Sign Up For Sustainability survey results against state wide “Who Cares about the Environment“ 2006 survey responses identifying significantly different community concerns towards environmental health issues Comparisons of community response in Who Cares about the Environment“ 2006 survey and Sign Up For Sustainability survey responses identified water conservation, biodiversity loss, air quality (motor vehicle emissions) and energy management (global warming), as greater concerns in the state survey response than in the Cessnock survey. The variation in community response to each of these issues shows significantly different sustainability attitudes towards the need to protect and improve the environment. In contrast, evaluation of the Sign Up For Sustainability survey results against state wide “Who Cares about the Environment“survey results for the question “how concerned are you about environmental issues” the Cessnock LGA community had a much greater concern for the environment than the state wide averaged response over the 14 year period since 1994, as shown in Figure 3..


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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

State 2006

State 2000

State 1997

State 1994

Cessnock 2008

Survey Response

Not at all

Not very much

A fair amount

A great deal

Figure 3. Comparison of community attitudes in state wide Who Cares about the Environment surveys (1994-2006) with the Cessnock (Sign Up For Sustainability 2008) survey for the question “how concerned are you about environmental issues”. Benchmarking Cessnock survey results against state survey data identified significant differences in environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviour across a range of specific environmental issues. Frequently the basis for these differences was related to the need to emphasise the importance of the environment through expanding community knowledge and understanding of sustainability issues. 5.0 Sign up for Sustainability: Community Incentives Community based incentive kits were developed in the form of ‘self’ audit kits for program participants to address natural resource consumption and enhance biodiversity conservation at a household scale. The kits consisted of instructions and tools to enable households to identify where electricity and water savings could be made. Consequently the community incentive kits aimed to decrease household consumption and increase knowledge on sustainability across a range of issues including local biodiversity values. A detailed list of kit inclusions and program pledge behaviour is presented in Appendix C Community incentive kits aimed to secure a pledge with commitment to enhanced sustainability outcomes through behavioural change and community advocacy to promote proactive behaviour in the community and progress towards sustainable lifestyle practices. Program participants identified as community “sustainability champions” were encouraged to implement and promote kit incentives at community interest group meetings. At community meetings, “sustainability champions” provided an explanation of the financial and green house gas (GHG) emission savings made from the use of the kit and information and their experience on how to improve their household energy and water efficiency. Educational resources on urban water management and conservation, waste recycling and biodiversity conservation were also developed to complement the community incentives kits. Web based and public library resources provided information on sustainability issues across a range of subjects including government rebate incentive programs. This information linked to the trial of household audit kits and aimed to further encourage public participation and understanding on activities they could undertake to improve their local environment. The project resources (audit kits and educational material) will be made available to the wider community through public libraries and the development of web based information on Council’s web site. This was promoted at community field day events.


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5.1 Household Energy and Water: ‘Self’ Audit Kits The efficiency of household energy and water ‘self’ audit kits were trialled prior to public library release for community use. The effectiveness of simple tools to enable households to complete a do it yourself electricity and water audit and commit to behaviour change to reduce household electricity and water usage was evaluated by energy and water consultants. Each consultant was experienced in measuring and advising how to reduce household consumption (quantities and patterns). Three privately owned residences and one rental property (landlord and tenant agreement) within the Cessnock LGA were audited. These households were selected for the program following their response to an expression of interest survey distributed in the local newspaper and to community interest groups by mail and/or internet. A copy of the expression of interest is presented in Appendix D. As program participants, each household provided historical electricity and water account information for the previous 12-months and personal behaviour details on appliance products and use (frequency and duration of use) for evaluation. Energy and water costs and GHG emissions at each household were compared before and after undertaking pledges to change behaviour and attempts to reduce electricity and water costs. Appliance use and consumption details in each household during the audit period was measured using Mark 2 energy meters for electrical appliances and water flow rate measurements from showers and taps. A summary of the energy and water audit follows with the complete report on the energy and water audit for each home available in relevant appendix sections. 5.2 Household Energy Reductions The results from the home energy audits were analysed to determine each household’s consumption profile, usage patterns and appliance efficiency. The results, summarised in Table 1, showed that on average the four households reduced their daily electricity consumption during the 41-day audit period by 16%. If the project sample is representative of the usage patterns across the LGA, then using the estimated average annual GHG reduction per household collected during the project (1.25 t CO2) as a guide, a reduction of approximately 21,500 tonnes of CO2 per annum could be achieved across the LGA if the program is continued. This prediction is based on Cessnock LGA 2006 Census Statistics of 17,233 households, minus any reduction activities already undertaken. Table 1: Annual Household energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for each household participating in the Sign Up for Sustainability project.

Projected Annual Savings Participant kWh MJ $ tonnes CO2

Kurri Kurri 1,186 4,269 $146 1.13 Weston 3,155 11,357 $347 3.02 Wollombi 150 40 $21 0.01 Nulkaba 875 3,149 $108 0.84

Totals 5,365 18,815 $623 5.00 Source GJME Energy Management Solutions Pty Limited

Reductions to daily electricity consumption was considered to be reflective of general awareness gained from appliance usage patterns and behaviour change linked to pledge based commitments implemented during the audit period. By measuring the electricity consumption on individual appliances, each participating household was able to make an informed decision on their appliance use. By measuring electricity consumption in appliances left in stand-by mode, each participant household reported they were motivated to switch these appliances off at the power point. Awareness gained by participation in the program also allowed households to make an informed decision about electricity consumption when purchasing new appliances. When considering appliance life-cycle replacement, pay-back periods in domestic situations need to take account of electricity consumption (eg energy star ratings) and operating hours.


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By implementing some energy saving opportunities all households made financial savings, reduced energy costs and GHG emissions. Each household found comparison of electricity consumption and cost across their electrical appliances using Mark 2 energy meters and an energy worksheet provided in the kit identified and influenced their individual use of standby functions on computers, televisions, air conditioners and heaters. A full copy of the energy audit is available in Appendix E. 5.3 Household Water Reductions The results from the home water usage audits were analysed to determine each household’s consumption profile, usage pattern and water efficiency. The results, summarised in Table 2, showed that on average households reduced their daily water consumption during the 37 day audit period by 72%. Table 2: Annual household water savings following reduced water consumption for each household during the Sign Up For Sustainability program.

Participant Average Daily

Consumption Pre-audit

Average Daily Consumption Post-audit % Reduction

Nulkaba 0.37KL 0.18KL 51.50 Weston 1.51KL 0.09KL 94.00 Kurri Kurri 0.83KL 0.24KL 71.00 Wollombi N/A 0.008KL N/A

Source: David McNeill Plumbing and Gas A review of each household’s water usage revealed significant daily variation at each participating household both before and after the water audit and implementation of pledge based behaviours. Water usage after the implementation of project incentives ranged from 90 litres of water per day to 240 litres per day. One participating household (Wollombi) was audited as consuming only 8 litres of water per day in total for drinking and showering from tank water and meets other needs from creek water on the property. This household was subsequently excluded from the analysis due to demonstrated significant existing water efficiency measures and the inability to reliably estimate creek water consumption. It was thought at the commencement of the project that this household’s consumption could be satisfactorily audited, however in practice this turned out not to be the case. Notwithstanding this fact, this household consumes a small percentage of water compared to standard household consumption. Data from Hunter Water Corporation show that water use in free standing homes (mains pressure) is variable, ranging from 175 L/day (lowest 10%) to 1033 L/day (highest 10%), with a median usage of 515 L/day (Martin Conner (HWC) pers comm., 2009). Generally, reductions in water usage were considered to be gained from a combination of pledge based behaviours, household plumbing repairs and installation of water saving devices. Plumbing repairs and installation of water saving devices included the installation of tap aerators, flow restrictors installed in shower heads and repairs to tap and toilet leaks. Pledge based commitments included limiting showers to 3 minutes, turning taps off when cleaning teeth, modifying garden watering habits and planting native species that require less water were also considered to reduce home water usage. If the project sample is representative of the usage patterns across the LGA, then the estimated average annual water reductions per household determined from the audit results (7,200 litres), a reduction of approximately 124 ML of water per annum could be achieved across the LGA if the program is continued. This prediction is based on Cessnock LGA 2006 Census statistics of 17,233 households, minus any reduction activities already undertaken and availability of mains pressure. A full copy of the water audit is available in Appendix F.


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5.4 Community Education Resources To help promote sustainable living themes, community incentives initiated as part of the Sign Up For Sustainability project included development of resources that will be made available through public libraries and Councils web site. These resources are designed to complement pledge based commitments. Public library resources were produced and will be made available through Cessnock and Kurri Kurri public libraries to improve community knowledge and encourage activities related to sustainability themes. These resources were developed using project funds and aimed to increase and complement community attitudes and actions towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable living practices. Resource material included books on water recycling, household waste composting and sustainable building design manuals. These resources will complement Council’s existing activities which aim to support community and social well being in relation to ecologically sustainable development principles and practices. Web based resources providing information on biodiversity and household sustainability practices were developed in conjunction with local businesses and community members. Community members with ecological expertise worked with Council’s project officer to help compile a database of information on flora and fauna species and other ecological features within Cessnock LGA. Community members donated valuable time and knowledge to help develop a comprehensive resource that can be used by the broader community to facilitate improved natural resource management outcomes in the Cessnock region. Additionally, household sustainability information was compiled to assist community education on a range of sustainability themes. This information aimed to complement existing Sustainability in Action programs put in place by CCC and consisted of handy tips to improve household sustainability, home incentive rebate programs offered by government organisations and specific educational information on human and environmental health themes. Web resources developed as part of the Sign Up For Sustainability project can be accessed on Cessnock City Council home page under Council Services / Environment/Sustainability in Action. These resources include: Biodiversity resources - Council Services / Environment/Sustainability in Action/ Biodiversity Sign Up For Sustainability Program resources - Council Services / Environment/Sustainability in Action/ Sign Up For Sustainability 6.0 Community Field Days Three community field days were held in different locations within Cessnock LGA to launch the public release of Sign Up For Sustainability household incentives and to motivate use of energy and water ‘self’ audit kits. Sign Up For Sustainability community field days were promoted through the mass media using newspaper editorials and advertisements, local businesses and community networks linked to each participating “champion family”. A copy of promotional material and the themes covered at each event is available in Appendix G. The overall aim of each community day was to:

• promote the use of community education resources • publicise the energy and water audit kits located in public libraries • encourage and support behaviour change towards sustainability.

Each community field day was designed around a sustainability theme tailored to respective local community interests and needs with a view to encouraging further participation by individual households. At the field days, relevant program “champions” in each sub-community presented information on participation in the program, including how to access and use the household self audit kits, their experience and the benefits of their participation.

In addition to information provided by the “sustainability champions”, information on sustainability topics was presented by guest speakers from regional natural resource management organisations and


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sustainability consultants. Promotional material was also provided to complement the Sign Up for Sustainability project information presented. Community field days and promotional material included information on educational activities for school aged children, household waste management, solar energy alternatives and rebates, water efficiency and fauna benefits derived from planting indigenous flora species.

7.0 Project Outcomes and Future Direction The objectives of the Sign Up For Sustainability project were successfully achieved and are outlined in Table 3. Future directions to build on the project outcomes are also discussed. Table 3: Sign Up For Sustainability Project Outcomes and Future Directions. Project Objective * Actions Outcomes Future Directions Gauge level of community knowledge, awareness, attitudes & actions on urban sustainability issues.

Conduct community survey.

Survey results used to develop community incentives program. (refer section 3.0)

Conduct future surveys to monitor community awareness & actions on sustainability issues. Monitor use of incentive kits in Cessnock LGA. Identify barriers to uptake of sustainability behaviour.

Household energy audit kits developed.

16% reduction in household electricity use + proportionate financial savings. Availability of energy savings resources for ongoing community use. (refer section 5.2)

Decrease participant household energy & water usage by at least 10%.

Household water audit kits developed.

72% reduction in household water use + proportionate financial savings. Availability of water savings resources for ongoing community use. (refer section 5.3)

Monitor library loans of incentive kits to identify their effectiveness & long term benefits.

Increase participant knowledge of biodiversity and dryland salinity issues.

Establish web based and public library resources.

Community engagement in development of educational resources. Library & web based resources available to community. (refer section 5.4)

Build on baseline data established in project to assist CCC with the development of a biodiversity strategy for the LGA. Foster enhanced community involvement in natural resource management. Promote awareness of regional dryland salinity.

Enable existing community groups to develop sustainability skills.

Household participation in energy & water audit program. Participating households linked to community interest groups. Community field days.

Feedback from participating households to community field days on success on incentives program. Expert seminars at community field days on range of sustainability topics (composting, mulching, recycling, natives plants). Access provided to range of socio-economic groups (indigenous, rentals, schools, retirees). (refer section 6.0)

Maintain program momentum – particularly socially disadvantaged target groups.

* Project objectives as identified in Environmental Trust grant application


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8.0 Conclusions Delivery of the Sign Up For Sustainability project in Cessnock LGA significantly improved awareness of sustainability issues in the Cessnock community and provided valuable resources for community use. The Council initiated project and outcomes were made possible through funding assistance from Environmental Trust, Hunter Water Corporation and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, and in kind contributions from the local community. Encouraging households to change daily routines to implement energy and water saving measures produced significant reductions in household energy and water use. Continued reduction in household energy and water consumption through altered behaviour will subsequently produce a number of flow-on benefits to program participants, Council and the wider community. These include reductions to household natural resource consumption, C02 emissions and financial savings to program participants, the wider community of Cessnock LGA and benefits to Council’s environmental education policy and programs. Valuable educational resources developed through the project will provide the community with freely available information to further encourage and facilitate sustainable living practices. In particular the development of an ecological database for Cessnock LGA and sustainable lifestyle resources builds on Councils existing Sustainability in Action programs further increasing knowledge and raising awareness of urban sustainability issues. The Sign Up For Sustainability project has provided a practical insight into the strengths and weaknesses of developing and maintaining programs with a focus on ecologically sustainable development (ESD). Project outcomes will support Council’s strategic planning of future programs and projects.


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APPENDICES Appendix A: Copy of the community survey (page1 & 2) undertaken July 2008 to examine community knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behaviour towards urban sustainability issues.


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Appendix B: Community responses to the Sign Up For Sustainability survey 2008, identifying primary concerns related to urban sustainability issues. Survey responses when analysed to inform priorities for Sign Up For Sustainability project incentives to be implemented within the Cessnock Local Government Area.

1. How concerned are you about environmental issues?

60%

36%

3% 1%

A great deal

A fair amount

Not very much

Not at all

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community sustainability concerns

3. What is the main reason for concern about the environment?

20%

11%

12%

9%5%

6%

37%

Future Generations

Sustainability

Quality of life

Health effects

Long term Economy

Available resources

All of the Above

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on the main reason for community concern about the environment


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63

42

92

34

79

78

24

25

45

79

41

100

55

50

65

111

45

30

17

13

18

26

63

18

More water is used for agriculturethan for domestic & manufacture

use combined

Environmental laws & regulationshave been relaxed recently

Air pollution in NSW is caused bymotor vehicles

Sewage cannot be treated to astandard that is safe for drinking

The greenhouse effect caused by ahole in the ozone layer

Recycling paper, cardboard andglass saves materials but not water,

energy & fuel

More mammals have become extinctin Australia that in any other country

Stormwater drains run directly intowaterways

Individual Response %

True

False

Unsure Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community knowledge about the urban environmental impacts.

131

76

28

114

106

137

124

146

140

107

14

65

111

29

37

9

21

2

8

37

9

13

15

11

11

8

9

6

6

10

Bought household products saferfor environment

Tried to get info to protectenvironment

Written letters to gov to improve theenvironment

Avoided packaging

Composted at home

Reduced electricity consumption

Picked up litter

Recycled bottles, cans, paper orplastic

Reduced water consumption

Reduced use of your car

Individual Response %

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community actions to reduce urban environmental impacts.

No No Answer Yes


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6. Where do you get most of your information about environmental issues?

24%

7%

9%

29%

4%

3%

3%

3%

11%

7%

Newspaper

Word of Mouth

Magazines

Television

School/Work

Library

Government Agencies

Cessnock City Council

Internet

Radio

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on sources of environmental education about urban sustainability issues.

7. Are you male or female?

48

97

Male Female

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community behaviours relating to gender attitudes towards urban sustainability issues.


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8. Which are age group do you belong to?2

9

16

30

30

31

31

Under 15

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65 and over

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community behaviours relating to age class attitudes towards urban sustainability issues.

10. How long have you lived in the Cessnock Local Government Area?10

22

16

73

Less than 1 year

1-5 years

5-10 years

More than 10 years

Sign Up For Sustainability survey response on community behaviours and urban sustainability issues.


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Appendix C: Sign Up For Sustainability self audit kit C1: Self audit kit contents


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C2: Sign Up For Sustainability program pledge


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Appendix D1: Expression of Interest registration for program participants for private households to trial home audit kits for the Sign Up For Sustainability program. (2 pages)


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Appendix D2: Expression of Interest registration for program participants for landlords and tenants to trial home audit kits for the Sign Up For Sustainability program. (2 pages)


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Appendix E: Sign Up For Sustainability household energy audit provided by GJME P/L

Phone: 0408 - 438648 Fax: 02 - 49438648 Em ail: g jm [email protected]

8 Green Valley Rd Charlestown NSW 2290 G JM E Pty Lim ited

Electrical, Energy, Pro ject & Q uality M anagem ent Consultants ABN 87 092 494 936

Gary Counsell GJME Energy Management Solutions Pty Limited Mob 0408 438 648 e-mail: [email protected]

Patricia Stanwell Project Officer - Sustainability Cessnock City Council Vincent Street Cessnock

23/12/08

Re: Household Electricity Audits

GJME Pty Limited were engaged by Cessnock City Council (CCC) to provide professional services to carry out

Electricity Audits at each of the four participating households listed below engaged in the CCC Sign up to

Sustainability (Program1). 1. Executive Summary While the lifestyles and awareness of sustainability issues of the occupants at each household involved in this

program were quite diverse, analysis of the information compiled during the audit process indicates that the

households reduced their daily electricity consumption during the 41-day period by an average 16% or

approximately 5-tonnes CO2.

We believe this reduction to be reflective of general awareness gained from details provided during the initial visit

and by the residents measuring the consumption of their own appliances with the Power Usage Meter (provided)

especially that of consumption of appliances left in stand-by mode.

This awareness allows the occupants to make an informed decision on the amount of electricity consumed to meet

their requirements with existing appliances or when purchasing new appliances during life-cycle replacement as pay-

back periods in these domestic situations are often not commercially viable due to low operating hours.

Table 1 contains a summary overview of individual participants while the complete data overview is in Appendix 1.

Projected Annual Savings Participant

kWh MJ $ CO2 tonnes

Kurri Kurri 1,186 4,269 $146 1.13 Weston 3,155 11,357 $347 3.02 Wollombi 150 40 $21 0.01 Nulkaba 875 3,149 $108 0.84

Totals 5,365 18,815 $623 5 00 Table 1

Historical account information provided for analysis was for the previous 12-months, a walk-through audit carried out

and appliance consumption details recorded by each residence. The following points are of note:

a) During the previous 12-months these four households consumed a total of 31,440kwhs, contributed approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) and experienced an average 8% increase in electricity costs per kilo-watt hour.

b) Two households have electricity accounts with Energy Australia, one with AGL and the other with Origin Energy (that includes 50% Green Power – Wind). The method, format and information provided differs with each account and provider.

c) An average 7% of the total household electricity consumption is lighting. Three of the four households have incandescent lamps in over 50% of the light fittings although generally more efficient options (fluorescent or compact fluorescent) are fitted in high use areas (kitchens, lounge areas) and other lamps are being changed during life-cycle replacement.





d) Three of the households have electric storage hot water heaters (one has gas).

e) Two use gas for cooking and two use electricity. Three use electricity for heating and one uses gas supplemented by electric floor heating.

2. Audit Details for Each Residence 2.1. Kurri Kurri Historical electricity accounts were provided for the period from October 2007 to September 2008 and our analysis

indicates the total consumption for this 365–day period to be 5,160kh as indicate in Table 2

Energy Consumption Annual Electricity Consumption 5,160 kWh

Annual Energy Consumption 18,576 MJ Annual Energy Cost $ $ 767

Annual Greenhouse CO2 5 Tonne(s) Table 2

This account is with AGL (General Tariff) with Off-Peak rate for hot water ($.05176c/kwh). The first 1,750kwh of

General consumption is charged at $0.13208c/kwh ($0.12019c/kwh pre July) and although the consumption is not

high enough the rest would be charged at $0.1895c/kwh ($0.163c/kwh pre July). Average daily costs range from

$2.06 (oct/nov/dec) to $2.23 (jul/aug/sept) an 8.3% seasonal increase. Chart 1 reflect the cost and consumption

trends for this period and indicate the average cost per kwh increased 12% allowing the cost per day to increase 7% while the daily kwhs actually decreased 5%.

87 Alexandra St Kurri Kurri - ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION 2008

0

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500

750

1000

1250

1500

11/10/07 to 11/01/08

11/01/08 to 10/04/08

10/04/08 to 8/07/08

8/07/08 to 9/10/08

PERIOD

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14

16

$ / D

AY

Cost/day Total kWh 07/08 Dly kwh 07/08

Chart 1

The electricity consumption is made up of lighting 6%, appliances 72%, cooking 22% and the following points are of

note:

a) Iron sheeted pitched roof with verandah on NW sides, Ceiling is insulated with pink bats, windows have awnings and blinds, living areas on northern side

b) Gas Hot Water System, gas heating, and electric floor heater (morning only 30 min), secondary heater

2000watts

c) 2 or 3 loads of cloths washing week (cold wash) 45min, Showerhead 20 L/m, toilets dual flush

d) Cooking with electric cook top mainly or fry pan, oven 30 min up to 2hr no more then 1 time per week





e) Ceiling fans Non Reversible (used Summer, only rarely)

f) Pool above ground circular shape. There is not a timer on pump or GPO as pump is not used (except for 1

day, before an inspection by the real estate as property is sold).

g) Video, stereo, two televisions all left on stand-by prior to this program. Large TV in lounge room stays on for approx 8 hrs per day and 2nd TV 4hrs.

h) 18 light globes (2 heat lamps, 8 CFL, 2 spots, 6 incandescent) annual cost to operate approximately $40. 1 x

2 heat/light IXL use winter rarely short periods

i) Jug, toaster, window air conditioner, (rarely only on extreme days), home PC (12-hrs/day), walking machine (200w) and iron (1800w)

j) Seals on fridge and chest freezer are in good condition

2.2. Weston Historical electricity accounts were provided for the period from May 2007 to August 2008 and our analysis indicates

the total consumption for this 366–day period to be 14,678kwh as indicate in Table 3


Annual Energy Consumption 52,842 MJ Annual Energy Cost $ $ 1,602


This account is with Origin Energy (Green Earth) and charged at Off-Peak (11pm to 7am Mon-Sun) and Peak (all

other times) tariffs. Chart 2 reflects the cost and consumption trends for this period and indicates the average cost

per kwh varies 13% throughout the year dependant on the amount of consumption during peak times.

Our analysis indicates peak consumption to be 55% of the annual total (48% of costs) and off-peak to be 45% (25%

costs), 18% of electricity costs are for Green Power.

34 Hall St Weston - ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION 2008

$3.61 $3.17 $3.17 $3.35 $4.27

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1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

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4500

08/05/07 to 06/08/07

06/08/07 to 06/11/07

06/11/07 to 04/02/08

04/02/08 to 07/05/08

07/05/08 to 06/08/08

PERIOD

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45Cost/day Peak Off Peak Total kWh 07/08 Dly kwh 07/08

Chart 2





Average daily costs range from $3.61 (Nov to Feb) to $4.27 (May, Jun, Jul) indicating a 26% seasonal increase in

daily costs and 35% increase in daily consumption..

The electricity consumption is made up of lighting 5%, appliances 46%, cooking 16% and hot water 32%. The

following points are of note:

a) Cottage with iron sheeted roof, ceiling not insulated, living areas on southern side, windows have blinds.

b) 250L 3.6kw HWS (Off Peak)

c) Cloths Dryer 5kg Hoover Heavy Duty model – 5030, 2 or 3 loads of cloths washing and drying in cloths dryer

daily (cold wash) 2 1/2hr

d) Showerhead 18 L/m. Initially two showerheads were joined together in the same location, this was changed

by a plumber back to single head with a reducer inside the shower head during program

e) Cooking with electric fry pan mainly, oven 1hr up to 2hr no more than once per week, two microwaves

mostly uses older and larger 1400w unit compared to 1200w unit (up to 2hrs/week)

f) Ceiling fans on constantly (24/7) summer time only, window air conditioner used rarely only on extreme

days.

g) Freezer frosted badly during both visits, seals on fridge/freezers good, we were advised that the children

open fridge for extended periods to either look and or choose items regularly. (occupant is aware of the

effects if fridge/freezer doors are left open)

h) Jug, toaster, Home PC 1/2hr week

i) Children do leave appliances left on mother goes around later and turns off, children been told to turn

appliances off after use.

j) Numerous televisions and stereos located throughout home, left on standby, TV’s all with long periods of

use.

k) 14 light fittings, 17 lamps. (2 – 275w heat lamps, 3 CFL, 2 spots, 9 – 60w incandescent, 3 fluroescent)

annual cost to operate approximately $83. CFL lamps are in bedrooms and inefficient lamps in high use

living areas. Three lamp (total 180w) fittings in living room and hall account for 57% of annual lighting costs.

2.3. Wollombi Historical electricity accounts were provided for the period from August 2007 to August 2008 and our analysis

indicates the total consumption for this 366–day period to be 14,678kwh as indicate in Table 4. This account is with

Energy Australia (General Tariff) and.the first 1750kwhs of consumption is charged at $0.127c/kwh ($0.117c/kwh pre

July) and the rest at $0.1895c/kwh ($0.163c/kwh pre July).

Energy Consumption Annual Electricity Consumption 5,473 kWh Annual Energy Consumption 19,703 MJ

Annual Energy Cost $ $ 775 Annual Greenhouse CO2 5 Tonne(s)

Table 4

Chart 3 reflects the cost and consumption trends for this period and indicates the daily consumption increases 36%

(costs 35%) during the cooler months (May-Aug). This occurred the previous year also and reflects heating





requirements (note. Thirteen separate invoices and accounts (21-pages) were provided for this four account

periods).

Our analysis also indicates the average cost per kwh varies only 1% throughout the year although while the average

daily costs range from $1.82 (Nov-Feb) to $2.78 (May-Aug) an 8.3% seasonal increase

16 Canning St Wollombi - ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION 2008

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1200

1400

1600

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28/08/07 to 20/11/07

21/11/07 to 21/02/08

22/02/08 to 20/05/08

21/05/08 to 20/08/08

PERIOD

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20

25

Cost/day Total kWh 07/08 Dly kwh 07/08 Dly kwh 06/07

Chart 3

The electricity consumption is made up of lighting 7%, appliances 29%, cooking 35% and hot water 29%. The

following points are of note:

a) Iron sheeted roof, ceiling insulated, (sisalation is in roof space), flat roof, open area living

b) HWS - 80L External 3.6kw (General Tariff)

c) Oven 1hr up to 4hr daily, gas cook top daily

d) Heating – comb fire (main), two bar radiant heater bathroom, very old 2500w floor standing oil heater (winter

occasionally) ceiling fan summer weather dependant

e) Washing - one load of cloths washing 40min cold wash daily, dryer (approx) twice a month weather

depending

f) Home PC 1hr daily, radio 5hr daily, television 5hr daily (left on standby), Coffee machine, Sandwich press,

rice cooker, jug, and toaster

g) Fridge/Freezer seals bad and cracked

h) Two pumps (grey water & rain water tanks) 4-5 min at a time (float switch control)

i) 16 light fittings, 18 lamps. (7 CFL, 3 spots, 8 – 60w incandescent) annual cost to operate approximately $73.

CFL lamps are in bedrooms and inefficient lamps in high use living areas. Wall fittings with Incandescent

lamps (total 180w account for 31% of annual lighting costs.





2.4. Nulkaba Historical electricity accounts were provided for the period from July 2007 to October 2008 and our analysis of the

this 366–day period from Oct-07 to Oct-08 indicates the total consumption for to be 9,228kwh as indicate in Table 5. This account is with Energy Australia (General Tariff) with Off-Peak rate for hot water. The first 1,750kwh of General

consumption is charged at $0.127c/kwh ($0.117c/kwh pre July) and although the consumption is not high enough

the rest would be charged at $0.1895c/kwh ($0.163c/kwh pre July).


Annual Energy Consumption 33,221 MJ Annual Energy Cost $ $ 1,051


Chart 4 reflects the cost and consumption trends for this period and indicates the daily consumption and costs have

been steadily increasing since the end of a Night Rate Contract with EA in April 2008.

4 Rothbury St Nulkaba - ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION 2008

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17/10/07 to 16/01/08

17/01/08 to 15/04/08

16/04/08 to 11/07/08

12/07/08 to 16/10/08

PERIOD

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35Cost/day Off Peak Total kWh 07/08 Dly kwh 07/08 Dly kwh 006/07

Chart 4

Our analysis also indicates the average cost per kwh has increased 8% as a combination of statutory increases and

the end of the contract. The daily consumption has increased 15% and the daily cost 21% from October 2007 to

October 2008.

The electricity consumption is made up of lighting 11%, appliances (including pool) 50%, cooking 14% and hot water

25%. The following points are of note:

a) Brick home, tile pitched roof, single level detached garage, two powered roller doors, ceiling insulated

b) 315L Internal 3.6kw HWS (Off Peak). four loads of cloths washing week (20 deg set temp wash) 35 min

cloths dryer once every 2 weeks winter months only

c) Oven approx twice a week, gas cook top, microwave 5 hours a week, Jug 3mins, five times daily (generally

only ½ full) Fridge/freezer combo kitchen, freezer, wine fridge (custom designed - wine only)

d) Ducted 3 phase day/night zoned Air Conditioning (winter very rare, summer extreme days up to 10 hrs)

e) Two televisions 2 to 3 hrs daily, one radio 1 hr daily, home PC





f) 55,000 litre salt water in ground pool - zodiac chlorinated filter system, timer controlled 5 hours winter – 7

hours summer daily

g) 21 light fittings, 25 lamps. (4 CFL, 2 spots, 8 – 60w incandescent, 5 - fluorescent, 4 - 275w heat lamps)

annual cost to operate approximately $123. Kitchen fitting with Incandescent lamps (total 180w) accounts for

20% of annual lighting costs and the heat lamps in the bath room 40% of total lighting costs. There are no

other lamps other than the heat lamps for light in the bath room.

Disclosure Of Interests

GJME Pty Limited receives no financial benefits and has no ties with utilities, equipment suppliers or contractors in the solutions recommended in this Energy Audit Report. Apart from possible future commissions to project manage the implementation of recommendations, GJME Pty Limited has no vested interests.

Disclosure of Information This Energy Audit Report may contain commercial in confidence, sensitive or privileged information. It is intended for use by the client. Any use,

disclosure, copying or distribution of this energy audit report or information contained in it is prohibited without express permission of the client.


Appendix 1 – Data Overview

Address Date Meter No. Reading Type No. of

Days 2nd Date Reading KWh Used

Total KWh

Ave daily KWh

Historical Ave Daily Kwh P.A.

% dec

Projected Savings

PA $

Projected Savings PA kwh

$/kwh

Kurri Kurri 29/10/2008 45296 29954 General 41 9/12/2008 30407 453 453 11.05 14.30 23% $190 1,186

0.1605 29/10/2008 45343 68121 O.P.H 41 9/12/2008 68121 0 Weston 29/10/2008 28564 3087 O.P.H 41 9/12/2008 3472 385 966 23.56 32.20 27% $331 3,155

0.1050

29/10/2008 28562 13114 General 41 9/12/2008 13643 529 29/10/2008 30316 30249 General 41 9/12/2008 30301 52 Wollombi

29/10/2008 338839 31675 General 41 9/12/2008 32271 596 596 14.54 14.95 3% $21 150

0.1411 Nulkaba 29/10/2008 357673 89036 General 41 9/12/2008 89474 438 914 22.29 24.69 10% $103 875

0.1174

29/10/2008 357674 46302 General 41 9/12/2008 46323 21 29/10/2008 355679 76579 General 41 9/12/2008 76800 221 29/10/2008 355680 85210 O.P.H 41 9/12/2008 85444 234

Address Total KWh for period

Av daily KWh

(program)

Historical Ave Daily Kwh P.A.

% reduction

Projected Savings

PA $

Projected Savings PA kwh

Annual kwh (hist)

Cost per

kwh 08

Kurri Kurri 453 11.05 14.30 23% $190 1,186 5,219 0.1605

Weston 966 23.56 32.20 27% $331 3,155 11,755 0.1050

Wollombi 596 14.54 14.95 3% $21 150 5,456 0.1411

Nulkaba 914 22.29 24.69 10% $103 875 9,011 0.1174

Totals $646 5,365

Cessnock City Council Sign up for Sustainability Final Report

28

Appendix F: Sign Up For Sustainability household water audit provided by David McNeill Plumbing and Gas


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Attention: Patricia Stanwell Project Officer- Sustainability Education Cessnock City Council Subject : Audit conducted by David McNeill Plumbing and Gas 48 Mackellar Street, Cessnock A water usage audit was conducted involving 4 local households in the Cessnock City Council local government area. Water saving checks and suggestions together with some minor repairs, fitting of shower saver water flow restrictors were carried out. Some tap aerator restrictors were fitted depending on the tap outlet type, age and suitability. Water meters on the first 3 residences were read at the start and finish of the water audit which was over a 37 day period. In the case of one household at Wollombi, a temporary water meter was fitted over the 5 week duration of the audit. The participants of all 4 properties were encouraged to think about how water could be saved, assisted by shower timers supplied by Council. (A standard shower rose can use up to 170 litres of water in 8 minutes!) When a conscious effort to consider water usage and subsequent waste is made, habit changes together with water saving devices can result in substantial improvements in household water consumption. In particular, the property at Weston was able to show a huge saving by making a few simple alterations to the shower setup. Overall, the average savings in water use was produced with approximately 72% less water consumed compared to a similar period last year (Table 1). These findings were determined over the 3 Hunter Water metered properties. High water pressure plays a significant part in water use with the higher the water pressure, the greater the consumption. Wear and tear on taps, tap washers, hot water services and washing machines is higher if the water pressure is not regulated. None of the properties had a pressure limiting valve fitted at the meter. Audit Information for Each Residence Weston This property was able to make a substantial savings by implementing changes to the shower setup which consisted of a shower rose and a flexible hand held shower fitted at the same outlet. Neither of the shower outlets could be isolated which meant that they were both releasing water when the shower was being used. The conversion of the shower outlet to one shower rose was undertaken. This modification together with behavioural education, which included the use of a shower timer, flow restrictor and more supervision of childhood shower use resulted in a 94% decrease in water consumption compared to the same period last year. Wollombi The property at Wollombi is fed only by gravity feed to the shower and sinks outlets. This household was found to have a meagre use of water (Table 1). Modest household water use is attributed to minimal water pressure to the shower and a very small hot water service. This households washing machine water supply, yard tap and vehicle washing water supply comes from their dam


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which is filled by rain water runoff. The Wollombi Household drinking water and shower supply was measured by a temporary meter which was fitted at the commencement of the water audit and read at the completion of the audit. The audit was unable to measure the dam water supply due to the water supply being unfiltered and likelihood of blocking and disruption to the water meter. Kurri Kurri The property consists of a large block of land with extensive gardens which are mostly mulched to reduce evaporation. A 14 litre/minute shower restrictor was fitted to the shower rose and other tap fittings where possible. The washing machine is a standard model which does not carry a AAA rating. There was no dishwasher. Garden watering is done by hand using a hose and there was no water tank harvested at the property. Nulkaba The property is located on a large block of land with an inground swimming pool. There are a number of gardens, some of which are mulched with some drip irrigation. The homeowner advised most gardens are hand watered with a hose. The property did not have a rain water tank installed. However, the occupants have considered installing a tank to top up the pool and to wash the car and boat. A triple A rated washing machine was in use at the property. The majority of taps at the property were new and flow restrictors were fitted for the audit period. The shower was fitted with a flow restrictor at the start of the audit. Table 1: The participants of the water audit along with water usage and saving over the 37 day duration of the audit are outlined below:

Participant Average Daily

Consumption Pre-audit

Average Daily Consumption Post-audit % Reduction

Nulkaba 0.37KL 0.18KL 51.50 Weston 1.51KL 0.09KL 94.00 Kurri Kurri 0.83KL 0.24KL 71.00 Wollombi N/A 0.008KL N/A

There was no grey water harvesting at either property involved in the water audits. All properties had gardens planted with a mixture of native and introduced plants. Mulch was used on the Nulkaba and Kurri Kurri gardens to reduce evaporation. The only triple A rated toilets and washing machines were at the Nulkaba residence. The results reflected savings that can be achieved when a high level of awareness on water usage and waste is made available to household consumers. The results of the water audit also show that substantial savings can be achieved in a short period of time, following behavioural change. Changes in household water consumption habits and the use of a few simple devices and plumbing repairs were considered to significantly reduce water consumption at each household. The outcome can be substantially improved with guidance and


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educations in the use of triple A appliances and fixtures, usage monitoring, water recycling and water pressure reduction. Report prepared by David McNeill Licensed Plumber, Drainer, Gas Installer Lic. No. L6975


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Appendix G: Sign Up For Sustainability program promotions.

Promotional shopping bags developed to distribute household

sustainability information at community field day events

Sustainability & rebate Information material distributed in promotional bags


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Sign Up For Sustainability community field day event at Wollombi Public School 19.01.09

final report sign up for sustainability - city of cessnock report... · on urban sustainability...

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