This is the home of the Tasmanian Climate Change Office. For more information on the Tasmanian Government’s response to climate change go to the Earn Your Stars website at www.climatechange.tas.gov.au.

What is the Tasmanian Government doing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions?

The Tasmanian Government is the first in the country to undertake a whole-of-government emissions audit. Information will be released soon on the results of that audit. In the meantime work is underway to change the culture and behaviour of government departments to help lower their carbon footprints.

Inventory of government emissions

An inventory of government operations and buildings has been undertaken by consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff and a number of reports will be submitted to the Government.  The reports include an activity register of Government emission sources, an emissions inventory, building assessments for energy efficiency, an ongoing monitoring and reporting program, and recommendations on opportunities for reducing emissions.

Energy efficient government buildings

Consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff conducted an energy efficiency audit of 25 key government buildings. All new government office buildings, education and healthcare facilities (including the new Royal Hobart Hospital Project) will be required to meet minimum sustainability standards.

Climate champions

Staff from across the Tasmanian Government have participated in Climate Champions workshops. The workshops identified actions that staff can take in their workplaces to reduce their carbon footprint. These ideas will go into Agency Emissions Reduction Plans, which must be in place by the end of the year.

Climate friendly vehicle fleet

The Government is changing its vehicle fleet to be more climate friendly. Minimum greenhouse ratings have been introduced for new government fleet vehicles. All passenger vehicles purchased now meet a minimum Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide greenhouse rating of 5.5, and all light commercial and 4WD vehicles meet a minimum rating of 3.5.There will be some exceptions for special purpose vehicles. The Government is also ordering more hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles for use in its fleet.

Details of the Government’s vehicle emissions policy

Reducing air travel emissions

Government departments have been setting aside funding to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from all of their air travel.  The Government is also improving alternatives to travel such as video-conferencing technology.

Revised procurement policies

The Government has reviewed its procurement policies and climate change considerations have been incorporated into all major purchasing decisions.

Details of the Government’s procurement policies

Better reporting on emissions

All government agencies will detail their progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their annual reports.  They are also developing emissions reduction plans which will be in place by the end of 2008.

This activity is part of the Tasmanian Government’s response to Dr Kate Crowley’s Framework for Reducing the Tasmanian Government’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Full report (PDF, 343KB) | Summary (PDF, 154KB))

This a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Reader is easy to download and is free of charge.

 

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