Draft Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan
Provide feedback on the City's renewable energy and emission reduction initiatives
We have updated the City of Coffs Harbour's Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan, and we'd like your feedback.
The plan provides a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the City's own operations which includes action such as increasing the use of renewable energy across Council-owned buildings, facilities, infrastructure and services.
It builds on the City’s previous plan adopted in 2021 and reflects new technology, updated emissions data and changing national and state policy.
Your feedback will help ensure the plan reflects community expectations as the City continues to improve the sustainability of its operations.
Why did we update the plan?
The previous plan is now five years old and, to support continued progress, an updated greenhouse gas inventory and a refresh of the action plan was required. As a result, the City has completed its most comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory to date, now encompassing Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. This provides a more complete understanding of the City's emissions profile and their relationship to its operations, enabling more informed decision-making and targeted emissions reduction initiatives.
The updated plan uses this information to:
- Review progress made since the 2021 plan
- Identify new opportunities to reduce emissions
- Prioritise practical actions that deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits
- Provide a clear pathway to reduce emissions across the City's operations.
This plan focuses on emissions generated through the City's own activities and assets. It does not include emissions produced across the wider community.
What does the plan include?
The draft Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan recommends a range of actions across the City's operations, including:
- Increasing renewable energy generation across the City's facilities
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure
- Transitioning the City's vehicle fleet to lower-emission alternatives over time
- Increasing the use of battery storage and renewable electricity
- Reducing emissions from the City's supply chain and procurement
- Improving landfill and waste management practices
- Embedding sustainability into future planning, asset management and decision making.
The plan also recommends that the City continues to monitor and review its emissions annually to ensure actions remain effective and respond to emerging technology and opportunities.
Why is this important?
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps the City improve the sustainability of its operations while delivering long-term benefits for the community.
Implementing the plan is expected to:
- Lower operating costs over the life of City infrastructure
- Improve energy efficiency across City assets
- Support responsible management of community assets
- Reduce the City’s operational greenhouse gas emissions
- Contribute to state and national emissions reduction goals.
Have your say.
We want to hear your thoughts on the draft Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan.
Your feedback will help the City finalise the plan before it is considered for adoption.
You can provide feedback by:
- Make a submission using the online form
- Emailing us at: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au
- Posting your feedback to: Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Support and accessible options are available. If you need help to review the plan or provide feedback, please contact the City.
📅 Submissions close on Monday 24 August 2026.
What Happens Next
After the exhibition wraps up, we’ll go through all the feedback and make any necessary changes. The final version will then go to Council for consideration of endorsement. Your feedback will help make sure the plan reflects what’s important to our community.
