Upgrade to local sustainability tool to make taking action easier

THE Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) is preparing to release a major update to its Ecological Footprint Planner.

Launched in late 2022, the online tool allows local residents to assess their environmental impact and provides tips for living more sustainably.

The update, which will go live on June 11, was funded by grant provided by the Surf Coast Shire and offers a significant expansion to the existing planner, featuring new ways to assess each household’s impact and new information on sustainable living.

It also provides easy-to-follow pathways to take local action.

“The initial tool mainly highlighted the sources of each person’s greenhouse gas emissions,” SCEG vice-president Stephen Prendergast said.

“This was a great starting point since it showed people what to think about to slow climate warming, but the idea was always to expand this to biodiversity, carbon capture, water use, and circular economy.

“While people can lighten their footprint by changing behaviour or adopting new habits, the planner now recognises the impact of volunteering or financially contributing to local sustainability initiatives.”

Geelong Media’s Jonathan Wright, who helped to program the planner, said the online resource was based on the principle that each person’s journey to a more sustainable life is different.

“No one can instantly change, and you can’t do everything,” he said.

“The planner helps people to decide on their priorities given practical concerns, available time and budgets.

“Where possible, it calls out where people can save money as well as make a positive change for a better world.”

Local architect Phoebe Clarke, who specialises in sustainable buildings, was consulted as part of the ecological planner’s update, and contributed ideas to assist homeowners to retrofit their properties to convert gas to electricity and ensure their homes retain heat.

SCEG president Graeme Stockton said local action was the best way to address some of the significant global problems facing the planet.

“That way you really feel like you can make a difference,” he said.

“For example, one of SCEG’s icon initiatives is to build a biolink from Torquay and the Spring Creek Valley to the eastern Otways.

“The Eco Footprint Planner encourages Surf Coast residents to think about these types of projects to improve local biodiversity, to capture more carbon, to provide more recreation opportunities and to help landowners with new economic opportunities.”

To access the Ecological Footprint Planner, visit sceg.org.au