Climate change action: Auckland Council moves to cut and electrify car fleet

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Auckland Council's proposed budget includes a move to electrify and reduce the size of its vehicle fleet, in what are being called 'first steps' on climate change action.

The fleet will reduce by 230 from around 1000 vehicles, and 358 electric or hybrid vehicles will replace fossil-fuelled cars, over the next five years.

The council's other major climate move will be the eventual conversion of gas-powered heating systems at public swimming pools, to zero-emission systems.

Most of the mayor's proposed moves for next year have been long-signalled, including a 3.5 per cent rise in average general rates, which will mean an increase of about 4.5 per cent for homes, and 2.6 per cent for businesses. 

**READ MORE:

* Clock ticks on climate action and transport change

* Auckland's new top challenge - climate change

* Auckland rate rises: If 2.5 per cent is the answer, what is the question?​

* More Auckland households than expected face rates rises above the 2.5 per cent threshhold​**

Policies which the mayor campaigned for re-election on include a slight rise in discounts offered to school pupils using public transport, costing $4.1 million a year.

The payment of a Living Wage to all council staff will be extended to cleaners who work at the council but are employed by contractors.

Goff said the vehicle fleet and gas boiler elimination would reduce the council's carbon emissions by 20 per cent once the changes were completed.

The electrification of the fleet would cost $6.3m over five years, and reduce total council emissions by 7 per cent.

Gas boilers at public swimming pools account for 20 per cent of the council's greenhouse gas emissions.

Goff said more widespread action would start from mid-2021 when the council re-sets its 10-year budget.

'A 20 per cent reduction is a good start, but it is only a start and we need to do more substantial things,' said Goff.

The council's Climate Action Framework has been out for consultation, and the feedback will be presented early next year.