Illustration by Brenna Quinlan/Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration initiative (City of Greater Bendigo, Australia).
A unique collaboration between businesses, households, schools, and community organizations is helping the City of Greater Bendigo work toward zero carbon emissions by 2030.
As part of our Community Partnership Program, Agnico Eagle is supporting the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration (GBCC) project which is dedicated to taking three years of climate change action and put the city on the path to clean energy.
In August, the GBCC held its first major event – a 100% Renewable Energy Community Climate Forum, which examined how the city can move to 100% clean energy by 2030.
Aiming for community-owned energy, Dr. Jarra Hicks, an expert on community-owned renewable energy projects said, “It’s time for some strategic thinking about keeping your energy dollars local. Every year Bendigo spends about $60 to $80 million on electricity bills. What if that could be retained here?”
The Bendigo Sustainability Group highlighted the many renewable energy projects it has already implemented and invited people to join the Group as it focuses on its next projects.
A highly engaged audience of over 60 people had their home energy questions answered by experts and discussed how to get involved in community energy projects, including energy efficiency in low-income housing, rooftop solar projects, and even the possibility of a community-owned solar farm.