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Promoting the environment message to residents

While Council is ensuring green initiatives are a cornerstone of its own activities and a requirement for new developments, it is also seeking to bring the community on board.

Two recent initiatives demonstrate Newcastle's leadership in this area. In December, Council appointed local environmental artist Mark White as graphic artist to create a series of works promoting simple ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He has produced a series of paintings, drawings, comic strips and sculptures to drive the 'green' message home. These were recently exhibited at the Australian Municipal Energy Improvement Facility (AMEIF).

AMEIF Project Officer Mark Squires said the green art project helps simplify the message to the community. "Something that is fun and colourful is much easier to remember than complex and boring reports," he said.

Another initiative goes straight to those who have the most interest in the future, young people. Named CHAPPY, this Life Cycle Analysis model gives students the tools to analyse the environmental impact of their own family home.

This software was originally developed by BHP to assist architects in the design of environmentally friendly buildings. Students can look at the type and size of their home, the appliances they use and cheaper alternative technologies available to run them, transport options, recycling of household waste and repairs, maintenance and refurbishment. A simplified program is available for primary students.

For further information contact Mark Squires, telephone (02) 4974 2549

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