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!
