The Victorian Government has committed to ensuring a sustainable future by undertaking initiatives and programs within the Energy & Environment sector. Victoria is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and has made the largest investment of its kind in Australia towards clean energy.

City of Melbourne also supports these initiatives and has created a framework building on the strengths and attributes that make Melbourne the world’s most liveable city now and for future generations. Melbourne is a city that cares for its environment and shown through partnerships between government, council, universities, research institutions and businesses committed to reducing the impacts of climate change.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

The Victorian Government is investing $1.6 billion to create renewable energy hubs across the state, improve crucial grid infrastructure, decarbonise our energy system, drive down emissions and support more sustainable infrastructure. Victoria is leading the way in sizing and scaling renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and creating clean energy technology. Victoria has already cut its emissions by 24.8% and achieved 2020 emissions reduction target two years early. Victoria has invested more in clean energy in any other state or territory in Australia. The State is headquarters for leading energy agencies Clean Energy Council, Energy Australia and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

The Renewable Energy Action Plan outlines the actions that the Victorian Government is taking to encourage investment in the Victorian Energy sector.

SOLAR ENERGY

Victoria has an abundant solar resource and the Victorian Government is taking a range of steps to ensure the state can make the best use of this solar energy.

The Victorian Organic Solar Cell (VICOSC) Consortium has developed new materials and processes to produce thin, flexible and semi-transparent solar cells based on printable ‘solar inks’.

VICOSC is a research collaboration between CSIRO, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, BlueScope Steel, Innovia Films, Innovia Security and Robert Bosch SEA.

WIND ENERGY

Victoria has 25 operating wind farms which produced around 9% of the electricity generated in the state. Wind energy has the potential to provide a significant proportion of Victoria’s growth in renewable energy generation over the next coming years.

In 2018 the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre joined 13 other reputable Melbourne organisations to support the development of a wind farm in regional Victoria. The initiative has enabled the centre to offset approximately 15% of the venue’s total electricity consumption.

WAVE ENERGY

Victoria has significant potential in marine energy, particularly wave energy. The Victorian Government has supported pilot and demonstration projects to progress the development of this technology. The Government continues to explore a range of new and emerging energy technologies, including through the New Energy Technologies Sector Strategy, which supports investment, sector skills development, and consumer-driven markets for new energy solutions

WORLD LEADING RESEARCH

Melbourne’s universities offer programs that provide foundations in specific fields of clean energy expertise as well as broader courses that strategically include clean energy carbon accounting and energy technology knowledge.

A number of Victorian vocational training institutes offer qualifications with a practical emphasis on the skills for clean energy technology design, installation and management

Source: https://esdnews.com.au/innovative-wave-device-lands-at-port-fairy/

VICTORIAN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVES

Victoria’s public transport system has been linked to renewable energy to reduce Melbourne’s carbon footprint and deliver a clean, sustainable future. The $200 million dollar investment will result in a reduction of more than 80,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

6 STAR GREEN STAR CONVENTION CENTRE

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was the first centre in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environment rating by the Green Building Council of Australia for the Convention Centre’s innovative environmental design and operational features. MCEC continues to be energy and environment conscious with innovative and sustainable menu initiatives and diverting waste from landfill through the elimination use of single use plastics

GLOBAL DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY INDEX

MCB is a member of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index), an initiative that drives the adoption and recognition of sustainable practices in the business tourism and events industry. MCB partners with the City of Melbourne, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in leading the GDS Index initiatives and ensuring sustainable practices are imbued throughout the meetings industry. Melbourne is the top ranked GDS-Index city in Asia-Pacific and ranked eighth globally.