City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

CITY-LEVEL DECOUPLING: URBAN RESOURCE FLOWS AND THE GOVERNANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITIONS

The Cycle Melbourne scheme, which combines bicycle hire, end-of-trip facilities and bicycle networks will see a 100% increase in bicycle use by 2014. The city is looking at establishing a gas-fired power plant to specifically power public transport, and policy amendments include the requirement that public buses entering Melbourne have to use low-carbon or clean fuel by 2012. Given the prolonged droughts that Melbourne experiences, there is a commitment to reducing water consumption by 40% by 2020. 134 Some direct actions already taken include the gradual replacement of city parks and sports grounds with drought tolerant grasses; the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes; and use of extensive mulching to improve water retention. A free showerhead exchange initiative reduces the amount of water used per person per year by 13,500 litres 135 and citizens are encouraged to collect rainwater for garden irrigation. 136 Water restrictions are in place in the city with compliance enforced. The Ecological Business District, a vision of the Victoria Eco-Innovation Lab, is a mixed-use residential project and research space that generates renewable energy, treats water on-site to return to the city’s catchment area and produces food for sale and further processing. It has stimulated the growth of eco-innovation businesses as well as the commercialisation of low- carbon technologies. 137 Residents are encouraged to reduce food waste and private enterprises have emerged offering services around waste collection, composting as well as the distribution of surplus food. 138 Farmers' markets are growing in popularity and the four largest have banned the use of plastic bags and encourage traders to find alternatives to conventional tasting cups and plastic containers. 139 Commissioned research for the state shows the importance of land use obtaining multiple outcomes including food, energy, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 140 is readily available for citizens and businesses wanting to move towards a low-carbon future. Population growth and the increased adoption of energy intensive appliances like air- conditioners make energy reductions challenging. However, this is seen as an opportunity to drive economic growth with the Melbourne Fund encouraging investment in technologies for wastewater treatment, recycling, renewable energies, retrofit, and design companies 141 to provide further incentive for private industry involvement. Less progress has been made in terms of large-scale de-carbonising of power supplies because of the need for support from a wide range of parties to overcome the barriers such as a lack of institutional mechanisms and industry experience, as well as the entrenched interests of centralised energy retailers and distributors. It is hoped that the Australian governments' commitment to a national emission scheme in 2010 will help to propel this strategy further and drive investment in renewable energy supplies. Why it works and the way forward Both the use of policy to shape development and the decision to set an example for residents by concentrating on reducing the city’s emissions have been key factors for success. Information

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