The City of Mitcham has won the top prize at the 2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards. The award, announced at a ceremony hosted by the Premier’s Climate Change Council, includes a $10,000 prize for Mitcham’s Community Renewable Energy Program.
The program demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by offering solar panels and home batteries to local homes and businesses at no upfront cost. Since it began in 2021, more than 900 systems have been installed with the help of ShineHub – the solar energy supplier running the program.
One of the standout features of Mitcham’s award-winning program is the option for residents to engage in a virtual power plant. This model involves a network of solar batteries that operate together to deliver enhanced efficiency and energy reliability across the community.
In addition to scooping the top prize, the City of Mitcham was also successful in the Government category. Their double victory highlights their important role in regional efforts to address climate change through sustainable measures and community involvement.
Other notable winners at the 2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards include:
- Electrolux: Awarded the Business and Industry (Large Enterprise) prize for their new electric furnace, which uses 70% less energy than the old gas-powered version at their Dudley Park factory.
- Sparc Hydrogen: Recognised in the Business and Industry (Small Enterprise) category for their innovative pilot plant that produces green hydrogen with zero carbon emissions and no electricity consumption.
- Biodiversity McLaren Vale: Won the Community award for their efforts to restore local biodiversity and native landscapes, improving carbon reduction and climate resilience through community and government collaboration.
- Waite Arboretum at The University of Adelaide: Received the Research and Education award for creating a comprehensive tree database from data across 20 councils, aiding in the management and enhancement of urban forests.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment, and Water, Susan Close MP, praised the winners for their dedication to advancing sustainability: “All of the winners and nominees in this year’s SA Climate Leaders Awards undertake incredibly important work and deserve the recognition they have received,” she said.
“Lowering carbon emissions and reducing cost-of-living pressures are key priorities for the State Government. It is wonderful to see South Australians taking a leading role in combatting climate change.”
Martin Haese, Chair of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, also highlighted the impressive progress being made in the region: “The Premier’s Climate Change Council congratulates the entrants, finalists and overall winner of the 2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards for their innovative solutions to address climate change in South Australia,” Martin Haese said.
“Well done to the City of Mitcham for their Community Renewable Energy Program to reduce carbon emissions and ease cost-of-living pressures for their local residents. This is an example of practical climate action that is a win-win for the environment and the local economy.”
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