Northern Beaches Council has been recognised as a leader by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Northern Beaches has been awarded a rating in the highest band possible, the "Leadership Band", for the second year running. Receiving an A minus (A-) score, CDP said Council showed a clear understanding of emissions breakdown, have a strong mitigation plan, and are demonstrating progress towards climate targets.
CDP is a not-for-profit charity, that monitors global disclosure for companies, cities, states and regions to help manage their environmental impact and ramp up their climate action.
Leadership Councils are recognised for building climate action momentum and having demonstrated best practice standards across adaptation (the process of preparing for, and adjusting proactively to, climate change) and mitigation (the process by which cities reduce emissions and transform to a low-carbon economy). Mayor Michael Regan said this score is good for the Northern Beaches and good for the planet.
"We're thrilled to have been recognised again by the Carbon Disclosure Project CDP for taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency.
"Despite the mounting pressures of a challenging global economic situation around the world, Northern Beaches has received top score," Mayor Regan said.
"Our hard work is paying off. As an organisation, and as a community we are working together to protect and take care of our environment for future generations.
"We are so proud to be part of a future-minded community that actively champions sustainability and climate change action on the Northern Beaches. In 2022 we have not just 'met' our corporate emission reduction targets - we have exceeded them well ahead of time.
"By investing in solar and switching to renewable energy, we've reduced our emissions by around 80% and slashed our energy costs. It's a win for the community with savings directed back into infrastructure upgrades and community projects right across the Northern Beaches. We're well on our way to reaching our target to be a net zero Council by 2030," Mayor Regan said.
To receive a score in the leadership band, cities and areas must have set a renewable energy target for the future and have published a climate action plan. They must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards.
Many leading cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment from a council Mayor to tackle climate change.
A-category Cities in the Leadership Band are demonstrating their climate leadership through concerted and effective action, just as national governments have been asked to do at COP27.
Northern Beaches Council is celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action - from ambitious emissions reduction targets to building resilience against climate change - is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities.
