sustainable penrith indicators

Sustainability Indicators
 

Principle 4:

Enable communities to minimise their ecological footprint

Objective:

Our ecological footprint is reduced

Indicator PC12:

Water and energy consumption per person


2006/2007 Data

Why use this indicator?

Water and energy are precious resources. The impact of the drought and the increasing evidence of climate change are indicators that patterns of behaviour, particularly regarding levels of consumption, must change.

Water consumption across the Sydney region is a major concern. Sydney Water has identified that the residential sector accounts for the greatest water use, representing about 70 per cent of total customer demand.

The demand for water is influenced by a range of factors such as the population of an area, climate, economic growth, the diversity of business and residential sectors and the general water efficiency of consumers.

As a result of the drought, mandatory water restrictions are now in place to curtail excess water usage and limit further drops in dam levels.

The consumption of fossil fuels, (coal, oil and natural gas) for provision of energy, increases greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in NSW come from the generation, distribution and use of electricity.

The use of non renewable resources for energy also utilises a resource which cannot be replaced thus reducing opportunities for future generations.

This indicator shows how individuals can make a difference to reduce the pressure on our limited resources and reduce pollution emitted.

What is the current situation?

Council is not yet reporting on this Indicator.

What is the desired trend?

Council has set a target to reduce by 2011 (based on 2001/2002 levels);

  • Councils corporate water consumption by 15%,
  • residential water consumption by 20% and
  • non residential water consumption by 15%

Council has set a target to reduce CO2-e by 25% by the year 2010.

What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?

Clean, freshwater resources are limited and under great pressure as our population increases. Energy production from coal, oil and gas, fossil fuels, are not only limited but are increasingly impacting climate change via greenhouse gas emissions.


2006 - 2007 Response - Not Currently Reporting


 

 

Status Legend

 

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