Published on 08 July 2022
The Mansfield Family and Children’s Centre has been upgraded with a new 30-kilowatt rooftop solar power system. The installation is part of Council’s strategy to adopt and promote energy options that are affordable and sustainable, including converting Council owned and managed facilities to solar power.
The $29,380 array installed by Greenwood Solutions will have a positive environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is estimated to reduce the Centre’s electricity bills by approximately 40% annually.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said sustainable buildings were identified as a priority for the community when Council asked for feedback on the Climate Action Change Plan.
“The environment and sustainability continue to be a key priority for our community and we’re listening. This is the next step in the solar project outlined in Council’s Environmental Strategy 2019-2023,” said Cr Tehan.
“The benefits of the solar installations are twofold. It creates environmental benefits while ensuring we reduce our overall operating costs into the future.”
A recent feasibility study by Rethink Sustainability determined that the Centre was the next best location to install a new system due to its high energy usage compared with other Council facilities, especially during the daytime when solar energy is generated.
The study also explored options for greater savings in the future by incorporating all Council’s solar assets into a Virtual Energy Network. The Council offices and some minor facilities have already been converted to solar power and Council is also planning to convert the Mansfield Sporting Complex and Council Depot in the future.
To read our Environmental Strategy 2019-2023.