Melbourne Water - Sustainability Report 2006/07 - Protecting our natural environment

Goals related to natural environment

Increase business value through innovation and efficiency
Minimise waste disposal and maximise resource recovery
Improve environmental outcomes from all aspects of our business
Meet planned reductions in greenhouse emissions and increased use or export of renewable energy
Maximise resource efficiency
Improve biodiversity
Improve river health and the marine environment
Preserve and promote our cultural heritage.

Completed the Eastern Green Energy Project, which is generating renewable energy at the Eastern Treatment Plant and reducing greenhouse emissions
Achieved our target of 45% renewable energy production, and exceeded our target of a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2000/01 baseline
Set long-term targets for achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions and 100% use or export of renewable energy compared with our total energy use, both by 2018
Released the Melbourne Water Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to improve biodiversity management across Melbourne Water’s assets and properties over the next three years.

Being fined for the unauthorised clearing of native vegetation by a contractor at Sugarloaf Reservoir
Renewable energy generation from biogas at the Western Treatment Plant not reaching expected levels because of lower than expected availability of biogas and fire damage to an AGL generator.

Considering and minimising greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in all new projects and activities
Managing existing infrastructure so that it is operated in the most energy efficient manner
Finding new ways to maximise the renewable energy potential of sewage treatment (biogas) and water supply distribution (hydro)
Managing native vegetation especially in dry years
Ensuring appropriate water management at Ramsar-listed wetlands
Maintaining environmental flows in dry years.