What if businesses covered their roofs in panels? Could they store excess electricity in batteries or even in electric cars or delivery vans? How about if solar uptake spread across a whole industrial estate? Could it power the whole thing?
Six months down the track we’ve asked many more questions, done a great deal of research and come up with a vision for Brookvale.
Big if. But worth a try.
Read on for the full media release which has more details about the collaboration on Powerhouse Brookvale. If you work or live or play in Brookvale, please spread the word.
While the world’s political leaders gathered in Glasgow for COP 24, we joined leaders of another ilk who gathered digitally and physically in Sydney for the Impact X Tech Conference.
Over 1000 participants, 98 speakers and panelists including international leaders, Government leaders, industry leaders, venture capital firms, entrepreneurs and environmental groups, came together to discuss what they are doing, what they plan, and what else is needed. The focus was on hope and practical action.
The key themes were the need for:
urgent pre-2030 climate action, action to reduce emissions and build resilience this decade
laws and policy to create a level playing field and accelerate the changes needed. This includes the need for a net zero Carbon building code and national emissions standards for vehicles
more sharing of information and solutions locally, nationally and internationally. One example of a sharing system working well is the Global Covenant of Mayors helping to share information and elevate local issues and voices to national and international level.
a fit-for-purpose electricity grid
more funding and support for early stage innovations
more public sector/private sector collaboration on climate solutions and implementation
This is where it all began: Zero Emissions Info Days at the monthly Mosman Market on the Village Green. Back in October 2020 we put up our marquee, signs and posters and gave out free zero emissions information. We had a wonderful day talking to people about saving money and sustainability and made lots of new friends.
Since then, we’ve held ten info days at markets, learning as we go, introducing new ways to interact including our Sun Pledge board, and our transport group volunteers bringing E-cars and E-bikes. We’ve had help along the way from Mosman Council, Energy Electric Bikes, Eat My Dust E-scooters and our wonderful volunteer community.
We’ve had great feedback and we’d like to help provide our free info to more areas. Would you like to help us expand to other markets on the North Shore and Northern Beaches? We’d love to hear from you!
We have opportunities for a team leader in each local LGA, and volunteers to come along wherever it suits them best. We provide the marquee, Tshirts, signs and information guides. No experience required: we can bring you up to speed with what has become well-oiled machine. You just need a passion for sustainability and a willingness to engage with like-minded people.
If you’re interested in joining in with one of our most rewarding volunteer activities we’d love to have you. Please contact Marieken, Louise or Ursula or fill out our volunteer form.
Zero Emissions Transport team at the Mosman Market
Our youngest volunteer, Theo, demonstrates how to measure household energy consumption.
Zero Emissions Transport: E-Scooter
Zero Emissions Transport: Kona, E-Bike, Tesla
Jenni Hagland
Chris and Graeme all kitted out
Kate shows off the variable speed pool pump
What is an Urban Renewable Energy Zone? Read on…
Imagine this. A clean, green, mini-power plant in the city where local businesses get paid for energy they collect from their roof; where cars and trucks are powered by the sun; where residences and businesses share energy storage; where having solar panels on your roof is not just smart, it’s normal.
It’s nearly here. Brookvale is home to the largest commercial area within the Northern Beaches and it’s also a powerhouse for renewable energy – 7000 solar panels producing 2 MWp. There are panels on car showrooms, hotels and office blocks, boutique brewers and coffee roasters. But there is room for so much more. Taking that number to 70,000 solar panels (which is 50% of Brookvale’s suitable roofs) is, well… You do the maths. 20 mW, the size of a small power station.
The trouble is, in spite of tax breaks, rebates and the best efforts of solar salesmen not enough businesses have jumped on the solar train. The obvious incentive – money – isn’t getting the attention of small business owners with day-to-day worries about Covid, cash flow and customers.
Zero Emissions Solutions volunteers are collaborating with Clean Energy for Eternity and Clear Sky Solar Investments to help reach the Northern Beaches Council ambitious target of 50% of suitable premises in the LGA installing solar panels by 2030. We’re putting early adopters – Solar Champions, we call them – together with skilled volunteers – Solar Ambassadors – to provide trusted peer-to-peer support, instead of the solar hard sell. We help with finance, we do the research, we fill in the forms. All businesses need is a roof.
The project launches officially in February of next year, but we’re already running pilot schemes and looking for Solar Ambassadors. And we’re thrilled to announce that we have just won a $5000 grant from the Northern Beaches Council towards the project.
If you’re a business owner or property owner in Brookvale, of if you feel inspired by the idea of an Urban Renewable Energy Zone, we’d love to hear from you.
After a nutty first six months of the year for Zero Emissions Solutions the idea was to slow things down a little in July and August.
Hmm. About that… Here’s how the diary ended up looking.
July 20: Solar My House Webinar, with David Veal of Solarpro (recording here)
July 19: Mosman Council delivers our Sustainable Living Guide to 30,000 households
August 3: Mosman Council Climate Action Community Committee
August 4: Zero Emissions Schools Network – Mosman, hosted by Beauty Point Public School
August 5: Solar My House Webinar, with Ruth Irwin of Mosman Council (recording here)
August 17: Ann-Charlott spoke with Nigel Howard and Joeline Hackman of War on Waste Northern Beaches, discussing what local residents can do to reduce emissions (recording here)
Representatives from Zero Emissions Solutions also attended seminars and meetings with (in no particular order) Vote Earth Now, Infinite Australia, AEVA, Groundswell, BZE Renewable Industrial Precincts, the Climate Council, 350.org, 1millionwomen and C4C. In particular, we recommend Professor Lesley Hughes briefing on the IPCC report, in conjunction with Australian Parents For Climate.
We worked with Arnies Recon to launch free EWaste Community Collection days for the Northern Beaches including Avalon 2 Sept, Dee Why 9 Sept, Manly 13 Sept, Mosman 16 Sept.
Finally, we continue to work with Clean Energy for Eternity on a major project to create an urban renewable energy zone – watch this space!
The New South Wales State Government has come up with two compelling reasons to make your next car electric. From September 1 this year there will be:
No stamp duty payable on EVs that cost under $78,000
$3000 rebate for the first 25,000 buyers of EVs that cost under $68,750
“Our transport sector currently makes up 20% of NSW emissions, with almost 50% from passenger vehicles. Electric vehicles are not only cheaper to run and quieter on our roads, but they also reduce both carbon emissions and air pollution which results in dramatically improved health outcomes for our communities.”
Andrew Constance, NSW Transport Minister
The NSW Government is investing half a billion dollars on tax cuts and incentives to make it easier to afford an EV over the next four years. It estimates the average NSW driver will save around $1000 a year in running costs by switching to an EV. Savings can be up to $7500 a year for businesses, taxis and freight. EVs buyers become eligible for the stamp duty waiver and rebate once the backdated legislation passes in parliament.*
“I’m excited by our area having cleaner air and quieter streets, with buses, cars, scooters and bikes being powered by the sun. These incentives plus the ongoing lower running costs of an EV will help many people to go electric”
Ursula Hogben, Co-founder, Zero Emissions Solutions
With such great reasons to go electric, interest in electric cars continues to grow. The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) keeps an up to date list here. Prices (for new cars) range from $45000 for a brand new MG EV to north of $200k for an electric Porsche.
We’ll be talking with Michael Day, NSW Chair and National Treasurer of AEVA at our free community online event on Tuesday 19 Oct at 7pm. Join Ursula Hogben and Michael Day talking EVs, incentives, bidirectional charging and more. It’s free but spaces are limited so book here: https://events.humanitix.com/zero-emissions-transport-tue-19-oct
*Both incentives apply to battery and hydrogen fuel cell EVs, not plug-in hybrids.
So you’re interested in volunteering? In doing something meaningful and fun? In working with dynamic and inspiring people?
We’d love to have you.
Zero Emissions Solutions is an all-volunteer run community organisation working in Mosman and the Northern Beaches LGAs. We’re all about practical ways to take action on climate: things we can do that will have a real impact. No-one is going to solve the climate crisis on their own. Working together for zero emissions has to be the way forward.
Where to start?
Choose from a range of activities to match your skills and/or interests.
Solar My House is Zero Emissions Solutions flagship program. We’ve run over 30 events since 2019, reaching more than 300 households, creating guides, videos and case studies, and attending forums, local expos and online events. We’re always looking for people who are passionate about rooftop solar to get involved with organising events and taking this exciting program forward. You don’t need special skills, just enthusiasm for making a difference. If you can help, please contact Ann Charlott.
Zero Emissions Homes working group meets regularly and creates resources to save energy and emissions at home. They produce Council/LGA specific Sustainable Living Guides, the first was the Mosman Sustainable Living Guide provided to Mosman LGA’s 30,000 residents in mid 2021. They promote switching and supporting renewable energy to approx. halve household emissions. They also look at sustainable solutions including new house design, renovations, appliances, pools and policy. If you are interested in ecosmart retrofits, building trends and energy savings, please email Ursula on electric@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Out and about
The Zero Emissions Markets team launched our first market stall at Mosman in October last year. Since then, they’ve held 7 events. In 2022, their sights are set on exploring markets in the Northern Beaches. It’s a fun opportunity to meet like-minded volunteers and to have meaningful conversations with the local community. No experience required, just a big smile and an hour or two of your time! If you’re interested, please contact Lesley.
Our youngest volunteer, Theo, demonstrates how to measure household energy consumption.Mosman Markets group: Louise, Lesley, Fay
Zero Emissions Schools is run by Jenni Hagland and Liz Migliorini. They are responsible for the guides on our Schools page and they convene the Zero Emissions Schools Network (Mosman). If you’re involved in education, or if you’ve got school age children and want to get your school involved in sustainability, they would be keen to hear from you. Lots to do, from researching resources to project managing events. Please email Jenni on schools@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Worksheets to download Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman: Mosman Public
Zoom zoom
Zero Emissions Transport is run by Ursula and the Zero Emissions Transport working group. They’ve put together great resources and guides to help electrify your transport on our Electric Vehicles and Electric Bikes pages. They’ve reached over 250 households with Zero Emissions Transport info sessions, and held 7 E-Transport Markets show and tells with electric cars, bikes, scooters and motorcycles. They’ve investigated second hand EVs, hosted a test-drive day, compiled a report on Councils installing chargers, and are creating case studies on many EVs. If you have an EV or are interested in EVs, and would like to be involved, please email Ursula on electric@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Zero Emissions Transport: E-ScooterGood storage space!
And finally…
If you’re good with words, pictures, sounds, and any other form of story-telling, Harriet wants your help. She puts together the newsletter, website, this blog, marketing materials, and tries to keep up with social media. If you’re an introvert who wants to save the world, or a wordpress genius, if you’re an instagram maven or a budding film maker, a demon proof reader or someone who just likes a yarn, just say hello to Harriet on hello@zeroemissionssolutions.org
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re in lockdown, or even if you’re not, read on for some great environment, climate change and sustainability resources for students.
Outside in
Many of us are combining work from home with teaching at home right now, including Jenni Hagland, ZESN’s schools program leader. She’s found some great resources for students.
Taronga Zoo is offering Virtual Zoo Lockdown Lessons and curriculum linked workshops.
Explore the amazing program of the Sydney Science Trail , an online science festival just for schools – featuring live and on-demand interactive activities for primary and high school students.
The Royal National Park EEC is delivering lessons on nature journaling and photography at 2pm on Wednesday afternoons.
SDG Action is a new initiative launched by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) to support the UN’s Decade of Action – the global effort to mobilize governments, businesses, and civil society to deliver the SDGs by 2030.
The NSW DPIE Saving our Species Program has a great collection of activities, curriculum-linked workbooks, presentations, and citizen science projects to foster our understanding of conservation and our threatened plants and animals.
Learning through Landscapes (UK) have published a series of sustainable learning and play activities for early learning to upper primary home learning. Activities are designed for safe outdoor spaces such as gardens or parks, but can be adapted for indoors.
Taronga Zoo free lessons
Drawing nature live webinar
Look!
The Sydney Science Trail
Inside Out
In the wake of the IPCC report, Jenni has also looked for books and websites that are helping adults and children deal with climate anxiety, dread and helplessness.
All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal With Climate Change is a thoughtful book that will help young readers work through their feelings of anxiety about climate change. Through informative text and activities, the book gives children age-appropriate information about the climate crisis
All We Can Saveis an anthology of writings by 60 women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward.
Eco Anxious is a website that serves as a welcoming and calming online realm, aimed at people who feel alone in their climate fears. It uses the power of stories to relieve that sense of isolation.
Gen Dread is a newsletter that shares nuanced perspectives on the emotional and psychological impacts of the climate crisis. It regularly explores tools for coping with eco-stress, the intersection of eco-anxiety and grief.
This blogpost is reproduced from the Zero Emissions Schools program newsletter. If you’d like to read more like this, or explore how Zero Emissions Schools might work with your community, please take a look here or email Jenni at schools@zeroemissionssolutions.org.
All around the world people are taking the day off to demand climate justice for everyone.
Here in Sydney, we’ll be supporting our plucky students in person and on line.
Here are some suggestions on how you can help:
Sign the pledge: Pledge that you, your group, business or organisation will stand with school strikers to oppose public funds being wasted on dirty gas & instead call on the Federal Government to #FundOurFutureNotGas by
Resourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for Country.
Funding the creation of secure jobs that fast track solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover.
Funding projects that transition our economy and communities to 100% renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership.
Join a march: Find your nearest strike and let us know let us know if you’d like to join the ZESN group – we’ll be confirming details / meeting place once Covid-19 protocols are confirmed. (NB Sadly, at the moment it looks like outdoor gatherings will not go ahead before October 18.)
Put up a sign: put up an eye-catching sign in a street facing window or in your front yard. Students love to see the support!
Show the world we want climate justice for everyone.
Zero Emissions Solutions is delighted to have received a Mosman Council 21/22 Community Grant to assist schools to reduce emissions and increase sustainability, benefit education, and increase community connections and wellbeing.
Zero Emissions Solutions organised and launched the Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman in February 2021 with Mosman Council and the 8 schools in the Mosman LGA: Queenwood School for Girls, Mosman Preparatory School, Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart School, Beauty Point Public School, Middle Harbour Public School, Mosman High School and Mosman Public School.
“Zero Emissions Solutions have provided us with materials and advice which have enhanced our projects around our school. The network of schools that Zero Emissions have facilitated has been a fantastic knowledge-sharing opportunity for us.”
Brent Robens, Classroom Teacher – Beauty Point Public School
Jenni Hagland (Zero Emissions Schools Program Leader) will coordinate the Network through 2022, with the support of the Mosman Council Community Grant.This includes four meetings a year, a monthly newsletter to all Program participants (with information on grants, sustainable initiatives, competitions, curriculum and information from Mosman Council on ways they can support schools) and materials to assist schools with many sustainability topics. In 2022, we’re excited to introduce annual awards!
The energy and passion to become more environmentally sustainable is a delight to behold and the program highlights the value of networking together for a positive outcome.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan
Mosman Municipal Council
The Zero Emissions Schools Program was designed and developed by Jenni Hagland (Program Leader), with Ursula Hogben (Co-Founder), in consultation with Loani Tierney, Environment Education Officer, Mosman Council. For more information about Zero Emissions Schools, check out our resources on this website and subscribe to our newsletter.
