Improve your eco footprint

Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) has launched an updated online Surf Coast Eco Footprint Planner - an important tool to help you tackle climate action. The update to the planner was made possible through a Council Community Initiative grant.

First released in late 2022, the planner highlights the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in daily life including the amount of energy you use, how you travel and what you eat. You’re then provided with your total amount of emissions you emit each year and pathways for actions to reduce them.

The updated planner includes biodiversity, carbon capture, water use and circular economy actions, as well as recognising the impact of volunteering or financially contributing to local sustainability initiatives.

Residents looking to retrofit their home to improve their eco footprint can use the planner to identify areas for improvement. The planner also provides links and information on local providers who can help.

SCEG President Graeme Stockton said while we have significant global problems, the best way for us to address them is through local action. One of SCEG’s icon initiatives is to build a biolink – which features landscape connections – from Torquay and the Spring Creek valley to the eastern Otways. “The Eco Footprint Planner encourages Surf Coast residents to think about these types of projects to improve local biodiversity, to capture more carbon, to provide more recreation opportunities and to help landowners with new economic opportunities,” Graeme said.

The Eco Footprint Planner only takes 10 minutes to complete with suggestions at the end to show how you can reduce your eco footprint. Try the planner at sceg.org.au.