Power up for a greener future as locals lead the charge at EnergyZE’s Killara event

On May 23rd 2024, EnergyZE North Shore Inc hosted ‘Practical Solutions to reduce your Power Bill and Carbon Footprint’ at the Killara Bowling Club where over 70 local residents gathered to dive into the pressing issue of our time: reducing power bills while saving the planet!

The event featured three dynamic speakers who didn’t just inform: they inspired us to act. First up was Dr Kate Wilson, a Ku-ring-gai local and a scientist with experience that’s hard to match. With eight years at the helm of the NSW Government’s environmental science initiatives, she didn’t sugarcoat the situation. The path to keeping global temperatures from skyrocketing past the critical 1.5-degree mark is narrow, but it’s still within our grasp. Kate emphasised that hitting net zero requires more than just policy tweaks or tech fixes: it’s about mobilising people power and making everyone part of the solution. Download Kate’s presentation slides here.

Next, Kristen McDonald, the Mobilisation and Engagement Manager at Rewiring Australia, took the stage with a call to action that was impossible to ignore. With nearly two decades of experience in climate, environmental and social justice campaigns – including right here in Ku-ring-gai – Kristen painted a clear picture: electrifying our homes is the key to slashing emissions. She dropped a statistic that hit home: more than 45% of Ku-ring-gai’s emissions come from electricity and gas usage in our homes. The good news? We have the power to change that, by electrifying our homes and cars and installing rooftop solar and in doing so, create a zero-emissions future. Download Kristen’s presentation slides here.

Rounding out the trio was Mayor Sam Ngai, who besides holding degrees in Software Engineering and Accounting, is nearing completion of a Master of Laws (Environmental Law and Sustainable Development). The Mayor showcased the tangible steps the Council has already taken to lead the charge toward a sustainable future. From economic to health and environmental initiatives, Sam detailed the practical support available to residents to help them future-proof their homes and save money in the process. Download Sam’s presentation slides here.

In short, this wasn’t just another community meeting: it was a rallying cry for local action, proof that together, we can spark a revolution using our own rooftops!

Sustainable Futures Day 2023: a local green revolution begins in Ku-ring-gai

St Ives was buzzing with energy on Saturday, 30th September 3023, as over 1,500 residents came together for the inaugural Sustainable Futures Day co-ordinated by Ku-ring-gai Council. The event wasn’t just a gathering—it was a movement in the making, where locals got the chance to chat with the inspiring Net Zero Champions, including our very own EnergyZE group about how to transform their homes into eco-friendly, low-cost havens.

The event was powered by 48 passionate Net Zero Champions—volunteers who are on a mission to spread the word about sustainability far and wide. And the best part? You can join them! Whether you’re ready to dive in headfirst or just want to dip your toes in, there’s a spot for you. You could lend a hand at an event, or roll up your sleeves with one of two dedicated groups focused on driving real change:

  1. Net Zero Action Collective: Dive into community electrification projects, participate in local solar talks, and check out the latest in EV car displays.
  2. Waste less, compost more: Get involved with recycling and reuse projects, clothing and toy swaps, and support the Ku-ring-gai Composting Network.

This is a pilot community project open to everyone aged 16 and up, so if you’ve got a passion for the planet, you’re in.

Next event: Sustainable Futures Day 2024

Date: Saturday, 19 October 2024 | 10am to 3pm

For more information or to get involved visit https://www.netzero.krg.nsw.gov.au/Community-Hub

Sustainable futures are our community’s business: local Lions Environment Forum

EnergyZE North Shore Inc. was delighted to be included in a stellar lineup of speakers from community organisations, business, government and non-government agencies alike, who gathered to talk about how they are driving change for a greener and more sustainable future.

The inaugural Environmental and Sustainable Forum and Awards event was hosted by Lions District 201N5 on 4th November 2023.

Presentations included EnergyZE’s promotion of household solar power and batteries; the Salvation Army sharing their efforts in the recycling of aluminium lids to reduce landfill waste and to raise money to purchase wheelchairs for kids with disabilities; Turramurra Lions and Leo’s, highlighting their achievements in clean-up activities and park care; the decades long work of Cleanup Australia to a true innovator business, Gathera, leaders in reducing water consumption to grow food through innovative strategies. All speakers demonstrated the power of actions big and small to move to a more sustainable world.

Underlining the importance of government support to achieve our community sustainability goals, representatives in attendance were:

  • Barbara Ward, Gordon Councillors, Ku-ring-gai Council
  • Matt Cross, State Member, Davidson
  • Ray Williams, State Member, Kellyville

Solar Made Simple Webinar – coming soon

If you want to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar panels on your residential or commercial roof, join us for this free online session. We will also address questions such as:

  • How much solar can you fit on your roof?
  • How many panels do you need?
  • What are the options for system sizes, panels and batteries?
  • How do you choose an installer?
  • How can you finance your installation?
  • Once installed, how can you track your consumption?

Learn about local case studies.

Date: to be confirmed / Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm AEST (Sydney)

Location: online via Zoom

Australia can lead the world on solar, batteries and electrification, speed up global climate action and improve our quality of life, with zero emissions, on time to beat a 2-degree target!

Saul Griffith, author of The Big Switch

Practical Solutions to reduce your Power Bill and Carbon Footprint

Australia has access to the cheapest electricity in the world-rooftop solar. We can lead the world on climate action while saving money for families and putting more jobs into our communities.

This FREE event, supported by KU-RING-GAI council, will address what we as individuals and a community can do to reduce our power bills and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint!

Learn about the economic, health and environmental benefits and also the rebates KU-RING-GAI council offers to assist the transition.

Learn about Rewiring Australia’s plans to electrify everything and of their work placing households and communities at the centre of effective solutions to help all Australians reduce their emissions and energy bills.

Thursday, 23 May 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Killara Bowling Club

To attend, please register at this Humanitix link.

Environment Forum

Date: Saturday 04 November 2023

Venue: Blair Wark VC Community Centre

1 Dunston Drove Lindfield NSW 2070

Time : 2.30pm to 5.00pm

Organisers of the event: Lions Club of Turramurra Inc.

Officially opened by District Governor PAUL McINNES

VIP Speakers will include:

  • Jenny Geddes CEO Clean up Australia   –  Clean Ups and Collaboration for Tracking or reporting waste
  • Tamara Wickremanayake   –  Lion Club Clean Ups and Park Care How to Get Involved
  • Salvation Army Speaker   –  Reducing Waste and Recycling
  • Gathera Dilhan Wickremanayake   –  Water Conversation

Entry is Free

Raffle Tickets, Tea, Coffee and Cakes can be purchased for a nominal amount

 

Solar Made Simple Webinar – 11th October 2023

If you want to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar panels on your residential or commercial roof, join us for this free online session. We will also address questions such as:

  • How much solar can you fit on your roof?
  • How many panels do you need?
  • What are the options for system sizes, panels and batteries?
  • How do you choose an installer?
  • How can you finance your installation?
  • Once installed, how can you track your consumption?

Learn about local case studies.

Date: Wednesday 11 October 6:30pm – 7:30pm AEST (Sydney)

Location: online via Zoom

To attend, please register at this Humanitix link, and a Zoom link will be sent to you.

Australia can lead the world on solar, batteries and electrification, speed up global climate action and improve our quality of life, with zero emissions, on time to beat a 2-degree target!

Saul Griffith, author of The Big Switch

Solar Made Simple Webinar – 30 May 2024- 6.30pm to 7.30pm

If you want to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar panels on your residential or commercial roof, join us for this free online session. We will also address questions such as:

  • How much solar can you fit on your roof?
  • How many panels do you need?
  • What are the options for system sizes, panels and batteries?
  • How do you choose an installer?
  • How can you finance your installation?
  • Once installed, how can you track your consumption?

Learn about local case studies.

Date: 30 May 2024.  Start time 6.30pm until 7.30pm

Location: online via Zoom

To attend, please register at this Humanitix link, and a Zoom link will be sent to you.

Australia can lead the world on solar, batteries and electrification, speed up global climate action and improve our quality of life, with zero emissions, on time to beat a 2-degree target!

Saul Griffith, author of The Big Switch

Solar Made Simple Webinar – 24th October 2023

If you want to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar panels on your residential or commercial roof, join us for this free online session. We will also address questions such as:

  • How much solar can you fit on your roof?
  • How many panels do you need?
  • What are the options for system sizes, panels and batteries?
  • How do you choose an installer?
  • How can you finance your installation?
  • Once installed, how can you track your consumption?

Learn about local case studies.

Date: Tuesday 24th October 6:30pm – 7:30pm AEST (Sydney)

Location: online via Zoom

To attend, please register at this Humanitix link, and a Zoom link will be sent to you.

Australia can lead the world on solar, batteries and electrification, speed up global climate action and improve our quality of life, with zero emissions, on time to beat a 2-degree target!

Saul Griffith, author of The Big Switch