Merri-bek, VIC
City in Victoria
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC trials a shared traffic zone for reduced speeds and congestion near Fleming Park
Merri-bek initiated the two-year pilot to accommodate increased traffic following the COVID-19 lockdown. The shared zone on Albert Street and Victoria Street allows all traffic but prioritizes pedestrians over bikes and cars. Temporary speed bumps and barriers that slow vehicle speeds can be moved based on ongoing feedback. Street furniture made from recycled wood and colorful road surface designs by a local artist create a welcoming environment for residents.
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC engages residential developers through Design Excellence Scorecard pilot
Townhouse and apartment developers participate in this optional pilot by registering for pre-application meetings. Participants use checklists to align projects with the council's building design, performance, accessibility, and community benefit expectations. Council officers provide feedback on pre-application materials to strengthen approval odds. Successful completion of the process includes expedited approval and a Design Excellence Scorecard logo for marketing materials.
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC planned fleet of hydrogen waste trucks to help meet the city's emission goals
The city council approved a partnership with H2U to produce waste trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Merri-bek planned local design and production of a prototype before a manufacturing partner made additional vehicles. H2U and Merri-bek also worked toward a hydrogen refueling station to keep trucks on the road. The project would have been the first of its type in the world and continued Merri-bek's low-emission vehicle use.
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Verified Projects
Yarra, VIC and Merri-bek City Council develop Unlocking Sustainable Strata guides for rental units
Council officials developed the guides in recognition of the lack of resources for apartment and townhome residents. A dedicated website walks users through the steps to installing solar in apartment buildings, state rebates, and other considerations. Two-page guides are available for townhomes along with low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments. Each guide explains how owners and tenants work together to achieve upgrades like centralized heat pumps, community gardens, and LED lighting.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Yarra, VIC promotes zero-carbon commerce with the Business Renewables Buying Group
Victoria businesses using at least 500 mWh of electricity per year were recruited to the pilot group. A facilitator was selected to leverage the group's purchasing power for 100% renewable electricity contracts. Participating businesses benefitted from reputational boosts, reduced energy costs, and streamlined procurement processes. The Business Renewables Buying Group was led by Yarra in collaboration with Darebin, Melbourne, and Merri-bek councils.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
+2Yarra, VIC coordinates with neighboring councils on Community Skills for Climate Action program
Yarra, Darebin, and Moreland created this educational program after declaring climate emergencies. Interested applicants aged 15 and older can learn how to achieve climate improvements for free. The program accepts up to 25 students per council. Community Skills for Climate Action trains participants to leverage existing networks for advocacy campaigns and projects. Cross-council collaborations are also forged over the course of nine weeks.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
+1Melbourne, VIC switched council buildings to 100% renewable energy with wind energy agreement
The City of Melbourne led a purchasing agreement by local organizations for 88-gigawatt hours each year. The Crowlands Wind Farm and the Yaloak South Wind Farm supply zero-emissions energy to every council-owned building. Council officials prepared for the renewable energy switch with LED street lights and energy-efficient building upgrades. The first two phases of the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project provides enough power to cover annual electrical usage for 39,600 local households.
Melbourne, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
+2Whittlesea, VIC quantifies daily life through Smart Cities pilot
Whittlesea placed sensors on garbage cans and city vehicles to track the usage of public assets. Eight air quality monitors and five water level sensors provided glimpses of environmental conditions. Twenty-one sensors placed in high-traffic areas counted pedestrians for improved traffic management policies. The city council worked with La Trobe University, RMIT University, and neighboring cities to analyze data for future action.
Whittlesea, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
+3