Horsham Rural City Council is taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
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A recommendation was passed unanimously during the council's meeting held on Monday, February 22.
The newly adopted plan, the Zero Net Emissions Action Plan, has been prepared to achieve council's goal to reduce its carbon footprint and lead through example with energy efficiency initiatives.
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Horsham Council will now commit to a target to reduce carbon emission by 3.5 per cent per year until 2050.
Councillor Claudia Haenel said she endorsed the plan to be inline with the rest of the world.
"This is the only quantifiable and accountable way to establish a pathway to achieve this global target.
"Importantly, it forms part of the council's commitment to sound, environmental practice," Cr Haenel said.
The majority of council's measured emissions come from electricity consumption (34 per cent), which includes council's own corporate electricity consumption, as well as consumption by community and commercial organisations utilising council-owned assets.
The second most significant emissions source is Council operated transport fuels, which account for 28 per cent. of total emissions. This figure covers emissions from diesel, petrol, and LPG consumed by Council's fleet of vehicles and plant, with 20 per cent of the total emissions profile generated by diesel fleet vehicles.
Electricity consumption from public street lighting is the third most significant emissions source and makes up 13 per cent of emissions.
This is followed by natural gas from buildings (10 per cent) and emissions from road making materials (8 per cent).
Councillor Ian Ross said he supported the policy even if people questioned the climate emergency.
"We only have one earth, we must look after it," Cr Ross said.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said taking this step was an act of leadership.
"Those who question it, it's actually a cost benefit.
"Over time it will result in significant financial savings within our budget," Cr Gulline said.
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