ICLEI, formerly the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives but now known as ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, is a world wide association of local governments focusing on promoting and encouraging sustainability.

This morning I attended an ICLEI breakfast briefing, which included an update of ICLEI activities. The organisation includes a number of Australian local governments, including the City of Maroondah. ICLEI includes the Cities for Climate Protection program, which focuses on water initiatives, energy conservation and other measures of sustainability, such as sustainable transport.

The briefing provided an update on sustainability initiatives being undertaken by local councils within Australia. Councils across the country are investing significantly in water and energy conservation to improve environmental sustainability. Actions included implementing water tanks, reducing water usage and installing low emission lighting, reducing greenhouse emissions and undertaking solar and wind power technology.

Environmental sustainability will remain a significant challenge, but it is an area where local government needs to demonstrate leadership.