Corbell sets a high bar for ACT emissions

ACT Energy Minister Simon Corbell has announced ambitious new greenhouse targets for the ACT, that include peaking in 2013.

Well that's great Simon. I'm right with you.

So to have any hope of meeting that 2013 goal, we are going to have to see some massive ramping up of initiatives in the ACT.

The various concept plans for all new suburbs are going to have to be thrown out - including Molonglo - in favour of more appropriately oriented streets and blocks.

We'll need mandatory declaration of the energy star ratings of every block at the point of sale as an economic tool to "encourage" developers (including the ACT's LDA) to design better subdivisions.

ACTPLA's work on variable lot setbacks depending on block width and orientation will have to be fast-tracked. Ditto consideration of a "solar fence" concept.

Rain tank rebates will have to be ramped up - including for greenfield sites where people go beyond the minimum. Ditto for greywater systems - because treatment = energy.

Lets have specific assistance to start community solar cooperatives as I've talked about with you, to allow many more people to invest in solar even if they don't have $10K lying around.

Take thousands of cars off Northbourne by sticking light rail down the middle of it.
You are going to need a lighting and plumbing retrofit assistance program to start bringing the existing housing stock up to an acceptable standard - the Fed's insulation rebate is a good start but only a fraction of the equation.

You'll have to ramp up the streetlighting retrofit because they are currently doing a great job of lighting the Brindies - and the LDA are rolling out new suburbs with lights that are just as bad.

You are going to have to lead by example and get ACT Government offices in Gungahlin and the other satellite city centres so people can move to departments that are locally based rather than commuting.

You're going to have to embark on a major overhaul of all ACT Gov't buildings - including schools - for lighting and plumbing retrofits.

And you're going to have to break from tradition and look at accrual accounting for ACT budgets - by borrowing to fund many of these initiatives rather than only doing what can be paid for in each year. You need to spend a bit up front to yield long-term expenditure and greenhouse gains.

That's the quick 5-minute summary of places to start.