A new study shows how Adelaide could become the world’s first carbon neutral city and in the process potentially generate tens of thousands full time jobs.
South Australia’s capital has previous won accolades for its commitment to carbon neutrality – the next step is to determine how best to attain the goal.
The City has already taken a number of steps, including incentives to install solar power and battery storage, but there’s still a long way to go.
Siemens’ City Performance Tool has been used to evaluate hundreds of data points, providing an integrated simulation to accurately forecast the impact of urban infrastructure technologies.
The resulting analysis has found investments in the building, transport and energy sectors can assist Adelaide in slashing emissions by a further 56% by 2025 compared to business as usual.
In terms of energy, the study states the City of Adelaide can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 20% through boosted update of wind and solar power generation. This would require a total capital investment of AUD $300 million over the next decade. The energy scenario sees employment returns of around 2,000 full time equivalents in installation, operations and maintenance related jobs.
The commercial sector makes up the largest source of emissions in Adelaide. Initiatives including the introduction of Building Upgrade Finance starting next year can help the city reduce building related emissions by more than 15%; utilising jut 5 technologies mentioned in the report.
The study also looked at potential savings in the transport sector based on two scenarios.
The first scenario sees transport based on low emission vehicles with medium public transport investment providing 47% savings in transport related emissions.
The second is modeled on higher public transport / lower uptake of low emission vehicles, delivering over 38% savings in transport related emissions.
One of the strategies suggested for promoting electric vehicles is the subsidising of charging infrastructure.
The report was released at a Committee for Economic Development (CEDA) event on Sustainable Energy last week, which was attended by South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill.
“South Australia has an opportunity to place itself at the forefront as a global leader in transitioning to a low carbon economy,” said the Premier.
“We have a unique opportunity to do something that’s good for the environment, good for the economy and good for the city.”
The report, “Carbon Neutral Adelaide: Comparing the benefits of technology choices” can be viewed here (PDF).
