Sustainability Report 2006/07

Protecting our natural environment

Exceeded our target of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2000/01 baseline
Commissioned the first of six new mini-hydro generators and began producing power and greenhouse gas offsets.

Failing to meet our targets for renewable energy due to drought impacts
Increased energy consumption due to increased pumping requirements associated with managing drought conditions
The Eastern Green Energy Project delivered lower than expected electricity generation due to gas compressor reliability issues, power station engine breakdowns and operational interruptions as part of the commissioning process.

Considering and minimising greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in all new projects and activities, particularly major new projects such as the Sugarloaf Pipeline and the Tarago water treatment plant
Achieving our targets in an environment where energy use is increasing to deliver services to Melbourne, such as additional pumping requirements
Managing existing infrastructure so that it is operated in the most energy-efficient manner
Finding new ways to maximise the renewable energy potential of sewage treatment (biogas) and water supply distribution (hydro)
Managing native vegetation and sites of biodiversity significance in dry years
Maintaining environmental flows in dry years
Investigating beneficial use of biosolids from the Eastern and Western treatment plants and water treatment residuals from Winneke and Tarago water treatment plants.