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Sustainability

Sustainability is the challenge of our time. It's about considering the social, economic and environmental aspects of everything we do.

Solar panels

We adopted a Sustainability Framework in 2020 to create a culture of sustainable practice in our organisation that will help us address significant future challenges, such as the climate change global emergency. 

To us, sustainability refers to a continual way of thinking that focuses on the best outcomes for our community, environment and the economy.

Key sustainability targets

  • All City-managed operations to be carbon neutral by 2025
  • Achieve net zero community emissions by 2035
  • Single-use plastics phased out of City-owned buildings by 2022
  • Establish an additional 1,000 hectares of protected natural habitat by 2030
  • Halve the volume of organic materials going to landfill from residential waste bins between 2020 and 2030, with an interim target of 20 percent reduction by 2025
  • Increase tree canopy cover in urban Greater Geelong to 25 per cent by 2045, with an interim target of 20 per cent by 2030  

Environment Strategy

Our Environment Strategy 2020-2030 details our environmental sustainability goals and how we will act to protect our region's environment.

Environmentally Sustainable Design

Geelong is committed to achieving sustainable design and development to ensure that the quality of the environment is protected and enhanced for future generations.

Sustainability Performance Reporting

The Sustainability Performance Report reviews the organisation's progress annually against the Council's Sustainability Framework Action Plan indicators and targets.

Climate Change Response Plan

Our Climate Change Response Plan 2021-2030 guides how we can act as an organisation and community to respond to our changing climate.

Programs, initiatives and community resources

Urban Forest Strategy

Greener public spaces
Envbiodiversity - Smart City - biodiversity and environment

Biodiversity

Our region is home to world-class natural areas and a diversity of wildlife.
You Yangs

Integrated water management

We seek to manage all elements of the water cycle in a holistic, interconnected way. 
image of large tree in the bush

Environmental and Sustainability Grants

Grant to support minor capital works and the initiation, development and delivery of projects that enhance our natural environment, and drive environmental sustainability actions across the Geelong region.
Envcircular - Building a circular economy for Geelong

Waste and circular economy

A circular economy is a model that aims to design waste out of the system.
Climate Change Response Plan

Our climate actions

Join us on an interactive journey to see how we are working to protect our local environment and our climate change response efforts.
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