Maitland City Council is expected to save $100,000 per annum and over a million mega joules of energy usage following the completion of a new sustainability project.
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The New Future Project aimed to decrease energy usage and expenses and set an example for the community, with funding received from the federal government.
The project reached its final milestone when the last of 37 energy efficiency and sustainability projects were completed across 32 different council sites earlier this month.
Maitland City Council’s Manager Infrastructure Strategy and Works Programming Chris McGrath said the project was about reducing more than just council’s own carbon footprint.
“We are raising awareness in the community about the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives,” Mr McGrath said.
“This project is a model that we hope other businesses and organisations around Maitland can learn from and appropriate.”
Mr McGrath said the project has a number of other benefits such as improved usability of Council’s community centres and recreational facilities, enhanced visability and safety in council car parks.
The success of the project has resulted in lighting and air conditioning upgrades and installation of solar hot water systems and variable speed drive motors at various council sites, including childcare and community centres, recreational facilities and car parks.