News & Press
February 18 2008
In opening the 3rd International Solar Cities Congress in Adelaide today, Premier Mike Rann outlined a timetable for the SA Government to reach carbon neutral status for its own operations by 2020.
“Ours was the first Government in Australia to commit to purchasing 20 per cent accredited Green Power to meet our electricity needs for hospitals, schools and public buildings. This commitment was fulfilled at the beginning of this year.
“This Government is currently purchasing more accredited Green Power than any other jurisdiction in Australia – but we want to go much further.
“Last month, I announced that SA’s Cabinet Ministers were to become the first in the nation, and possibly the world, to offset the greenhouse gases used in the course of their duties, including all air travel.
“The State Government will now work towards becoming carbon neutral for its own operations by accelerated purchases of accredited Green Power and other carbon offsets with the following timetable:
By 2010, offsetting 30 percent of greenhouse emissions by purchasing Green Power and the balance through the purchase of other carbon offsets
By 2014, offsetting 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from its operations, achieved by purchasing of 50 percent of its electricity requirements from Green Power and the balance by purchasing other carbon offsets
By 2020, offsetting all of its emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by purchasing an equal amount of Green Power and other carbon offsets
“This Government is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the State.
“By ramping up its purchase of Green Power, the Government will encourage demand for renewable energy which should lead to greater installation of sustainable energy generators.
“We hope that our determination to reduce our carbon footprint will in turn inspire and encourage industries and other governments to follow our lead – thereby further increasing demand for green energy,” Mr Rann said.
“In other words, from little things, big things grow.
“South Australia currently hosts almost half of the nation’s wind power, 45 percent of the nation’s grid‑connected solar power, and more than 80 percent of all geothermal exploration activity in Australia.
“The Government’s commitment to buying carbon offsets will also act as a catalyst for the early development of a carbon offsets industry in South Australia and help the State to take full advantage of the opportunities that will flow from Australia’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
“In addition, we intend to become the first jurisdiction in Australia to join the Greenhouse Challenge Plus program, administered by the Federal Government.
“Under the program Australian companies and industry associations enter into cooperative agreements with the Federal Government, committing them to reducing greenhouse emissions,” Mr Rann said.
For more information on climate change in South Australia, visit www.climatechange.sa.gov.au.
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