july 2015: sustainable environment (connect stonnington group)

Stonnington Survey Group of 47

Stonnington Survey GroupSustainable Environment

Analysis Report July 2015

Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

Results Summary 6

Sample 7

2. ANALYSIS OVERVIEW 10

State of the environment 10

Individual interest of different environment areas 10

City of Stonnington and sustainable environment 11

Sustainability at home 11

Barriers and encouragement of being environmentally sustainable 12

City of Stonnington documents, initiatives and events 12

3. SUMMARY OF OVERALL RESULTS 14

Q1. Current state of the environment 14

Q2. Informed about environmental issues 14

Q3. Individual Environmental issues 15

Q4. Interest of different Environment areas 16

Q5. Other environmental issues 17

Q6. Council’s level of commitment to sustainability 18

Q7. Council supports the community to live in an environmentally sustainable way 18

Q8. Council operates in an environmentally sustainable way 19

Q9. Commitment to environmental sustainability at home 19

Q10. Sustainable Environmental actions 20

Q11. Environmental action at home 22

Q12. Reasons for undertaking environmental action at home 23

Q13. Barriers of being environmentally sustainable at home 24

Q14. Encouragement of environmentally sustainable behavior 25

Q15. Council environmental sustainability documents 26

Q16. Familiarity with Council environmental sustainability initiatives 27

Q17. How to receive information about Council’s environmental initiatives and events 28

4. VERBATIM COMMENTS 30

5. APPENDIX: SURVEY 39


1. Executive Summary

Topic: Sustainable Transport safety

Date: Survey – July 2015

Report – September 2015

Audience: Stonnington Survey Group

Number of respondents: 185

Purpose:This survey aims to identify the issues of interest to residents and gain an insight into current environmental attitudes and behaviours. The results of this section will inform Council’s environmental sustainability activities and provide a measure for the effectiveness of our sustainability initiatives.

Methodology: The Sustainable Environment Survey Report 2015 was informed by online and hard copy surveys. Survey data was collated on Excel spreadsheets. Where possible, data was analysed quantitatively and put into a graph. When analysing the qualitative data from open-ended questions, attention was given to the variety of responses, as well as giving a ranking of popularity of responses (through counting responses of a similar theme).

Corporate and Community Planning:Corporate and Community Planning (CCP) as part of the broader Communications and Community Planning department providing timely, high quality social policy and planning advice to assist and support the decision-making, service delivery and community development processes of Council. CCP uses social research and community engagement through the Stonnington Survey Group to assist business units to gather data on a variety of service and social issues. Analysis on a range of social and community research leads to improvements and effective outcomes in service and amenity in the City of Stonnington.


Results Summary


Sample

An analysis of the Stonnington Survey Group sample in shown on the table below. Of those respondents who provided their personal details, just over half were females (54%). The age group with the greatest representation was persons aged 45-54 years (26%). The response from 75+ years and older was very low (just one respondents). This limits the value of analysis for respondents of this age range and these results should not be regarded as representative of this age group. The largest proportions of respondents were from Malvern East (18%), Prahran (18%), and Malvern (16%) (see table 1).

% Number

Gender

Female 54% 113

Male 34% 72

Age Structure

15-24 years 7% 12

25-34 years 18% 34

35-44 years 22% 40

45-54 years 26% 48

55-64 years 20% 37

65-74 years 7% 12

75+ years 1% 1

Suburb

Armadale 13% 23

Toorak 5% 10

South Yarra 8% 15

Prahran 18% 33

Malvern 16% 30

Malvern East 18% 34

Windsor 8% 15Glen Iris 11% 20Kooyong 2% 4

Key demographics2015 Respondents

Table 1: SSG profile



Analysis Overview

2.Analysis Overview

The following commentary is an overview of the results and covers each of the questions in the survey. Further information can be obtained through the range of data images following this including graphs and tables.

State of the environment

The survey began by gauging how concerned respondents are about the current state of the environment. The majority of respondents (56% / 97 respondents) were very concerned (see page 9). Of the 56%, a high proportion (70% / 79) were females.

Question two asked respondents how informed they were about environmental issues, the majority of respondents (64% / 116 respondents) believe they are fairly informed (see page 11).

Respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with a number of individual environmental issues statements.

Opinions were positive with 89%, 158 respondents said there’s something I can do about the environment as an individual and 82%, 146 respondents find it simple to change my habits to be more environmentally friendly

Respondents disagreed/strongly disagreed in the highest proportion with I talk to friends about how to be more environmentally friendly (19%, 33 respondents) (see page 10).

Individual interest of different environment areas

Question four asked respondents if they are interested in a number of sustainable environment activities. Respondents overwhelmingly are very interested in water conservation and management (89%, 161 respondents) followed by waste management (88%, 158 respondents) and energy conservation (84%, 152 respondents) (see page 12). A high percentage of respondents (34%, 60 respondents) were ether neutral or not very interested in environmental education.

In addition to question four, question five respondents were asked if there are any other environmental issues that interested them. The majority of comments were about water conservation and management in particular rain and waste water management and increasing recycling (both 11%, 9 respondents). Those that said they were very concerned about the environment in question one also strongly agreed that they could have an individual impact on the environment (63.9% / 62 respondents) or strongly agreed it was worth helping even if others didn’t (75%.0 / 73 respondents).


96% / 170respondentsstrongly agree/agree that

it’s worth doing things to help the environment even if others don’t do the same followed by there’s something I can do about the environment as an individual

City of Stonnington and sustainable environment

Respondents were asked to rate Council’s level of commitment to sustainability. A small majority of respondents (40%, 71 respondents) rated Council as high followed by neither high nor low (32%, 58 respondents) and don’t know (14%, 25 respondents).

Respondents were then asked how important is to them that Council supports the community to live in an environmentally sustainable way. A large percentage of respondents (92%, 168 respondents) said it was ether very important or important (see page 15).

Question eight asked how important it is to respondents that Council operates in an environmentally sustainable way. That majority of respondents (94%, 171 respondents) said it was either very important or important (see page 16).

Sustainability at home

Respondents were asked in question nine to rate their level of commitment to environmental sustainability at home. The majority of respondents rated there level of commitment as either very high or high (77%, 137 respondents).

Question ten asked respondents what sustainable environmental actions at home. A small majority of respondents recycle clothing (55%, 97 respondents) and add/remove clothing when hot/cold instead of turning on heater or air con (49%, 87 respondents). A high percentage of respondents never purchase carbon offsets (74%, 128 respondents) followed by carpool/car share (61%, 107 respondents) and participation in community environmental activities (61%, 107 respondents) (see page 18).

Following on from question ten, question eleven asked respondents if they have made any sustainable environmental actions to their home. Nine out of ten of respondents have installed dual flush toilet (90%, 162 respondents) followed by purchased energy efficient appliances (79%, 139 respondents) and installed energy efficient lighting (77%/ 137 respondents). A number of respondents have considered solar panels (30%/52 respondents) and solar hot water (27%, 47 respondents) (see page 20).

Respondents were then asked to comment why they undertake environmental actions at home. The majority of respondents say they take action because they are concerned about the environment (26%, 39 respondents) followed by cost efficient (23%, 34 respondents) and reduce impact on the environment (12%, 18 respondents) (see page 21).


8 out of 10approximately (73% / 138) respondentsalways turn off lights when they leave the room

Barriers and encouragement of being environmentally sustainable

Respondents were asked what the barriers were preventing them being more environmentally sustainable at home. Approximately seven out of ten respondents said associated costs (68%, 123 respondents) is a barrier followed by effort required (27%, 50 respondents) and lack of information on what to do (18%, 32 respondents) (see page 23).

Question fourteen asked what would encourage them to be more environmentally sustainable at home. This question reflected question thirteen were the majority of respondents (67%, 122 respondents) said reducing costs would encourage them followed by awareness of quick and easy activities (46%, 83 respondents) and incentives (44%, 81 respondents) (see page 24).

City of Stonnington documents, initiatives and events

Respondents were asked if they were familiarity with three Council environmental sustainability documents. The majority of respondents for all documents were not aware of them ranging from 61% for the environment strategy to 73% for the SDAPP program (see page 25).

Question sixteen asked respondents if they are aware of a list of Council environmental sustainability. Respondents overwhelmingly are aware of and participated in hard waste collection (97%, 172 respondents), green waste collection (73%, 128 respondents) and E-waste recycling (42%, 72 respondents) (see page 26).



Summary of Overall Results

3.Summary of Overall results Q1. Current state of the environment

How concerned are you personally about the current state of the environment (the air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live)?

Number of respondents: 180 of 189 total survey respondents.

53.9%37.8%

8.3%

Very concerned Fairly concerned Not concerned UnsureSource: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 1: Question 1.Number of respondents: 180 of 189

Q2. Informed about environmental issuesTo what extent do you feel informed about environmental issues?


28.3%

64.4%

7.2%

Very well informed Fairly informed Not well informed UnsureSource: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 2: Question 2.Number of respondents: 180 of 189


Q3. Individual Environmental issues

Please rate the following statements based on whether you agree or disagree.Number of respondents: 178 of 189 total survey respondents.

There’s something I can do about the environment as an indi-vidual

It’s worth doing things to help the environment even if others don’t do the same

I find it simple to change my habits to be more environmentally friendly

I talk to friends about how to be more environmentally friendly

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

45.8%

53.9%

30.9%

14.3%

43.5%

41.6%

51.1%

33.7%

4.0%

3.9%

14.0%

33.1%

4.5%

0.6%

3.9%

15.4%

2.3%

3.4%

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagreeSource: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 3: Question 3.Number of respondents: 178 of 189


Q4. Interest of different Environment areas

Please rate your level of interest in each of the following areas.


Very interested Interested Neutral Not very

interested

Not interested

at all

42 90 32 10 4

23.6% 50.6% 18.0% 5.6% 2.2%

69 83 21 4 3

38.3% 46.1% 11.7% 2.2% 1.7%

74 87 13 6 0

41.1% 48.3% 7.2% 3.3% 0.0%

83 75 15 4 1

46.6% 42.1% 8.4% 2.2% 0.6%

67 73 27 10 3

37.2% 40.6% 15.0% 5.6% 1.7%

50 63 38 19 7

28.2% 35.6% 21.5% 10.7% 4.0%

73 66 27 10 3

40.8% 36.9% 15.1% 5.6% 1.7%44 69 43 17 3

25.0% 39.2% 24.4% 9.7% 1.7%

75 68 24 10 2

41.9% 38.0% 13.4% 5.6% 1.1%

Environmental commitment and reporting - Monitoring and reporting of Council’s environmental performance and Council commitment to sustainability.Energy conservation - Reducing energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions, improving efficiency measures and use of renewable energy sources.

Sustainable transport - Walking, cycling, car sharing, public transport, hybrid vehicles.

Urban Agriculture - Cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around the city Animal husbandry, aquaculture, agroforestry, beekeeping and horticulture.

Biodiversity - Protecting and enhancing native vegetation and habitat Enhancing existing open space and wildlife corridors.Environmental education - Environmental events, workshops, school sustainability, availability of online resources.

Water conservation and management - Reducing water usage, using alternate sources such as rainwater, stormwater and recycled water, improving the quality of water entering creeks and waterways.Waste management - Reducing the amount of waste generated, increasing diversion from landfill for recycling, improved provision of waste services.

Sustainable Purchasing - Purchasing products with lower environmental impact, buying local.

Source: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Table 1: Question 4Number of respondents: 182 of 189


Q5. Other environmental issues

Are there any other environmental issues of particular interest to you?


Theme 1Water conservation and management11%/9 respondents said:

Theme 3Plant more trees 8%/7 respondents said:


“Harvest rain water and storm water”

“Storm water capture for local use and to reduce flooding following

downpour.”

“Water conservation”

Theme 2Increase Recycling11%/9 respondents said:

“Council needs to have more recycling bins in public areas”

“More public recycling bins”

“Many people still don't recycle in the most basic way”

“Council should plant more trees, native grass & native flowers”

“Protecting mature trees which provide habitat for wild life”

“Planting of trees”

“Reduction in pollution, reduction in carbon emissions”

Theme 4Pollution reduction8%/7 respondents said:

“Reduction in pollution”

“I am concerned about the number of wood fire places being installed causing considerable air pollution

in the area”

Q6. Council’s level of commitment to sustainability

How do you rate Council’s level of commitment to sustainability?Number of respondents: 179 of 189 total survey respondents.

8.4%

39.7%

32.4%

2.8%2.8%

14.0%

Very high High Neither high nor low Low Very Low Don’t know

Source: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 4: Question 6.Number of respondents: 179 of 189

Q7. Council supports the community to live in an environmentally sustainable way

How important is it to you that Council supports the community to live in an environmentally sustainable way?Number of respondents: 179 of 189 total survey respondents.

61.5%

30.8%

4.9%0.5%0.5%

Very important Important Neither important nor unimportant Not very important Not important at all

Source: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 5: Question 7Number of respondents: 179 of 189


Q8. Council operates in an environmentally sustainable way

How important is it to you that Council operates in an environmentally sustainable way?Number of respondents: 181 of 189 total survey respondents.

54.4%39.6%

4.4%0.5%0.5%

Very important ImportantNeither important nor unimportant Not very importantNot important at all


Q9. Commitment to environmental sustainability at home

How would you rate your level of commitment to environmental sustainability at home?Number of respondents: 181 of 189 total survey respondents.


24.3%

53.1%

22.0%

0.6%

Very high High Neither high nor low Low Very low



Q10. Sustainable Environmental actions

Please indicate which of the following actions you currently undertake at home.


Always

Sometimes Never

Turn off lights when you leave the room 138 37 0

78.86% 21.14% 0.00%

Switch off appliances at the wall 51 104 2029.14

% 59.43% 11.43%

Wash your clothes in cold water 81 69 2646.02

% 39.20% 14.77%

Catch public transport 46 116 1525.99

% 65.54% 8.47%Recycle clothing 97 69 9

55.43% 39.43% 5.14%

Take shorter showers 86 69 2248.59

% 38.98% 12.43%

Take your own bags to the supermarket

90 68 1851.14

% 38.64% 10.23%

Ride a bike or walk instead of driving 41 97 3823.30

% 55.11% 21.59%

Buy products and services endorsed as having a 'low impact on the environment'

36 122 1720.57

% 69.71% 9.71%Buy products with less or no packaging 40 124 12

22.73% 70.45% 6.82%

Add/remove clothing when hot/cold instead of turning on heater or air conditioner

87 86 548.88

% 48.31% 2.81%Shop locally or purchase locally grown food

69 103 439.20

% 58.52% 2.27%Use chemical free cleaning products 35 113 24

20.35 65.70% 13.95 Stonnington Survey Group of 47

% %Receive bills, magazines, etc digitally or online rather than purchasing/receiving paper copies

40 99 4022.35

% 55.31% 22.35%

Buy organic or fair trade food 20 111 4311.49

% 63.79% 24.71%

Take active steps to prevent storm water pollution (e.g. use a commercial car wash, avoid synthetic chemicals in the garden)

88 74 1549.72

% 41.81% 8.47%

Donate money to environmental organisations

34 73 7119.10

% 41.01% 39.89%

Car pool/ car share 9 58 1075.17% 33.33% 61.49

%Grow your own food at home 19 62 96

10.73% 35.03% 54.24

%Participate in community environmental activities 5 64 107

2.84% 36.36% 60.80%

Use a worm farm or compost bin 45 27 10525.42

% 15.25% 59.32%

Purchase carbon offsets 8 37 1284.62% 21.39% 73.99

%Purchase and use Green Power 38 36 104

21.35% 20.22% 58.43

%



Q11. Environmental action at home

In addition to the actions outlined above, have you made any of the following changes to your home?


Yes No Considered

Installed and use solar panels 27 97 5215.34

%55.11

% 29.55%Installed solar hot water 18 107 47

10.47%

62.21% 27.33%

Installed and use rain water tanks 52 92 3129.71

%52.57

% 17.71%Installed and use a grey water system

10 132 315.78% 76.30

% 17.92%Installed a green roof or wall or rain garden

5 145 192.96% 85.80

% 11.24%Installed dual flush toilet 162 16 1

90.50% 8.94% 0.56%

Installed low flow taps 95 68 1054.91

%39.31

% 5.78%Using a pool cover 9 137 7

16.98%

258.49% 13.21%

Maintain a low water use garden 115 47 1266.09

%27.01

% 6.90%Installed energy efficient lighting 137 28 12

77.40%

15.82% 6.78%

Draught proofed the home 108 53 1561.36

%29.94

% 8.47%Installed better insulation 99 56 15

58.24%

32.94% 8.82%

Installed double glazing 31 110 2918.24 64.71 17.06%


% %Purchased energy efficient appliances

139 24 1279.43

%13.71

% 6.86%Purchased water efficient appliances 125 37 14

71.02%

20.90% 7.91%



Q12. Reasons for undertaking environmental action at home

What are your reasons for undertaking environmental action at home?


Theme 1Concern for the environment26%/39 respondents said:

Theme 3Save the environment/reduce impact on the environment 12%/18 respondents said:


“Because I am concerned about the overall environment”

“Consideration for the environment”

Theme 2Saves money/cost efficient 23%/34 respondents said:

“For lessening my impact on the environment and it makes me feel

good”

“If it saves money, I do it”

“Save money on energy and water costs”

“Lower cost less impact”

“To save the environment”

“To save the environment, do the right thing and save money in the

long run”

“Because I believe in trying to reduce my environmental impact”

Theme 4Concern about the future of the planet 6%/9 respondents said:

“Future of our environment”

“Important for the future”

“It's our kid’s future”

Q13. Barriers of being environmentally sustainable at home

What are some of the barriers preventing you from behaving in an environmentally sustainable way at home?

Effort required

Associated costs

Lack of support/encouragement from others

Lack of information on what to do

Lack of understanding about issue

Too busy

Not undertaken by others

No barriers

Don’t care

Other

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0%

27.5%

67.6%

13.2%

17.6%

7.7%

10.4%

7.7%

14.8%

0.5%

23.6%


Q14. Encouragement of environmentally sustainable behavior

What would enable or encourage you to improve your environmentally sustainable behavior at home?

Awareness of quick and easy activities

Political leadership

Sustainably conscious neighbours

Encouragement from family and/or friends

Incentives

Education around what you can do

Information about environmental issues

Reduced costs

Other

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0%

45.6%

26.9%

20.9%

13.2%

44.5%

33.0%

19.2%

67.0%

12.6%



Q15. Council environmental sustainability documents

Please rate your familiarity with the following Council environmental sustainability documents

Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-17

Annual Sustainability Snapshot

Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) program

0.00% 20.00% 40.00% 60.00% 80.00% 100.00%

6.78%

11.43%

4.02%

32.20%

24.00%

22.41%

61.02%

64.57%

73.56%

Aware of and read Aware but not read Not aware


Q16. Familiarity with Council environmental sustainability initiatives

Please rate your familiarity with the following Council environmental sustainability initiatives.

96.6%

72.7%

41.6%

38.5%

5.1%

8.0%

22.3%

12.6%

1.8%

4.0%

27.8%

24.0%

2.2%

23.3%

37.0%

31.3%

22.0%

19.9%

34.3%

37.7%

15.8%

11.4%

31.8%

29.1%

1.1%

4.0%

21.4%

30.2%

72.9%

72.2%

43.4%

49.7%

82.5%

84.6%

40.3%

46.9%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%

Hard Waste collection

Green Waste collection

E-waste recycling at Stonnington transfer station

Recycling Drop Off points

Garage Sale Trail

Compost Revolution

Calendar of Environmental Events

Home energy assessments

Positive Charge energy efficiency advice hotline

Stonnington Green Schools Network

Spring into Gardening

Council’s ‘No junk mail’ stickers

Aware of and participated Aware but not participated Not awareSource: Corporate and Community Planning/Stonnington Survey Group 2015Figure 11: Question 16Number of respondents: 182 of 189


Q17. How to receive information about Council’s environmental initiatives and events

How do you like to receive information about Council’s environmental initiatives and events?

59.9%

30.8%

37.9%

6.0%

1.6%

1.6%

3.3%

25.3%

4.9%

8.8%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0%

InStonnington

Council website

Environment e-newsletter

Facebook (Council)

Facebook (Libraries)

Twitter

Service Centres

Libraries

I don’t want to receive information about environmental …

Other



Stonnington Survey Group of 47Verbatim Comments

4. Verbatim Comments12. What are your reasons for undertaking environmental action at home?

A better way of living.Already installedApartment complex - no possible scope for such actions.assist the environmentAwareness of needBecause I am concerned about the overall environment and the measures I use are no brainersBecause I believe in trying to reduce my environmental impact: solar panels, recycling, buying localBecause it is important we all play our partBecause it makes sense to; I wish to be a responsible member of the communityBecause of the drought I became really concerned. This problem will is still with us. The garden as it was, was unsustainable. Took guidance from Botanical Gardens on drought tolerant plants etc. Installed special blinds to keep heat in in winter, and keep sun out in summer. Ceiling fans are all that is needed in bedrooms in summer. Only on days of sustained heat.Because of the effect on global warmingBeing responsible citizenbetter for live and the future aheadBetter for the natural environment and often more cost efficient as well.cleaner environment, cheaper billsClimate warmingcommon senseCommon senseConcern about the future of the planetConcern for the environmentConcern for the environment.conservation, save costsConsideration for the environment.Consideration of the environmentcostCostCost factorcost saving and benefit the environmentCost savingsCost savingsCosts can be prohibitive.dislike waste and inefficiencyDo what I can to use utilities as efficiently as I can for both environmental and cost


reasonsDoing what we can with no inconvenienceEasy to act localEconomyEffort to contribute but only to extent cost effectiveEnvironmental efficiency should be the norm. Bought a house this year and it was shockingly inefficient so we had an energy assessment and are working through a list of improvementsenvironmental helpevery bit helpsEvery bit helps.Every household can make a differenceEvery little bit helps make the planet cleaner, saferEvery little bit helps. Often the initial outlay is expensive but it pays for itself in the end.Everyone can help the environment by taking action at home, good example to the children.Everyone has a part today in mitigating the damage humans cause to the earth.Feel better, save money, improve environment, eat better foodfeel that I am doing the right thingFor lessening my impact on the environment and it makes me feel good, I like to watch things grow, and use my worm farm.For my grandchildren's worldFor our own and others' goodFuture of our environment Every little bit helpsHelp the environmentI am a good moral citizenI can't car pool or use public transport much. I have a disability (no allowance for that above?) Live in Body Corp. Aren't allowed solar panels. Can't do double glazing for same reason. So Body Corps are an issue. I don't shower every day. I have a 'wash'. Water gets used more than once. This is a dry and delicate country. We have too many people using too few resources. We don't plant enough to replace what is removed. Natural habitat doesn't always work - so that isn't always sustainable. I also leave fruit leftovers and peelings and old flowers for the ringtail possums. It's not their fault there are too many humans and too little flora. I wish I could do more but I find regulations stifling at every turn - or cost. And hybrid cars cause pollution at their inception, also the batteries are highly toxic. As are the mercury lights we 'MUST' have now. Highly toxic. A teaspoon of that will destroy a 100 mile lake. So where does that all go? Seems to me, all short term thinking.I care about the environmentI do the right thing even if others don'tI do what I can but I live in a body corporate controlled apartment unit. There are laws restricting what can be done. e.g. can't put solar panels on my roof! :(I do what I can. I have a Victorian weatherboard house and it doesn't lend itself easily to environmentally efficient systems, but I have increased insulation in the roof.


I do what I can. I live in a small rented one bedroom flat so the flat is not weather proof, heated or anything fancy like solar panels or recycled water.I feel I'm making some kind of contribution/commitment to preserving the environmentI feel we need to do our bit to be environmentally friendlyI live in a rental property which makes initiating changes difficult. Some kind of incentive for landlords to invest in better energy savings would be superbI live in an apartment building and do what I can as I think it is important for our communityI thinks it's important to all do our best to help the environment. Sometimes money is not available all you would want to doI want this plant to surviveI want tor educe my environmental 'footprint' and also to reduce costs of e.g. water, power. But the upfront costs of some measures can be prohibitive for a person living alone.if everyone did a little, it would make a big differenceIf it saves $$, I do itImportant for the futureImprove the worldIn an apartment building, most of the above do not applyIt is the right thing to do.It often does no harm to be environmentally friendlyIt starts with the individualIt's better for the environment, and can also save moneyIt's difficult living in an apartment to make major changes. However, I've done what I can in my apartment to make it as environmentally friendly as possible...because I care for the environment.Its good to do that you can for the environment when/ where you can afford toIt's our kids futureIt's the right thing to doJust being conscious of doing small things to help with the environmental bigger issueLeading by example to my children, cost effective and normal in Europe ...what we experienced.Leave the earth better for future generationsLive in flat, don'tLower cost less impactMaking a differenceMaking a small a footprint as possibleMostly 'no' answersMy passion for the environment.no need to be wasteful; most of these changes are made for little cost or effort - just a bit of thought and planning


Not only does this reduce my costs, but I consider it is important to reduce the impact on the environment by using natural resources for power where possible and preservng the water supply as it is a finite resource.Note to Number 18: I don't use a pool cover because I don't have a pool! I haven't installed better insulation because the insulation I have has a high R factor and is absolutely fabulous both summer and winter. For Number 19: To keep my footprint on this planet as small as possible.Offers were offered free by Government, had to replace toilets, appliances so bought more energy/ water efficient onesour environment is finite -Personal responsibility and general concern for our environmentProvided it is analysed properly, can be good for society and save moneyreduce costs and lower energy consumptionReduce energy use and cost. Be environmentally friendly within scope of personal impact.Reduce impact in the environment and reduce costsreduce impact on environment and save money if possibleReduce my environmental footprint and reduce costsReduce our impact and reduce costsReduce water and energy consumption.Reduced costright thing to do for our futureright thing to do when it does not impact hip pocketsatisfying, easySave energy, save $$. But I rent, so there's a limit to what I can doSave environment & in some cases also save expenseSave money on energy and water costssave money.Save the environmentSaves power generation, is less wasteful and saves moneySensiblesocially responsiblesupport issues effecting the damage to our worldThe more individuals that take part the greater effect on the environmentThe reasons why I don't is that I live in a block of flatsThe right thing to do in AustraliaTo avoid waste / conserve resources.To avoid wasting resourcesTo consider effects on environmentto do my bitto do my bit for the environment


To help the environment and hopefully to save money over time.To make what improvements we can to live in a sustainable wayTo minimize my impact on the environmentTo much impact on the environment in one lifetime. My grandmother lived in a completely harmonious way - no car, little waste, recycling .... we have made such a huge impact (negative) in such little time.To preserve our planetTo prevent waste and decrease greenhouse emissionsTo reduce dependance on coal fired energy. To reduce pollution of the air or land. Hot water is heated as used so Solar no better. Considered grey water system to re-cycle water but way our house is built would have made it more expensive than usual and not very effective.to save energy ie gas/electricity/waterTo save environment and coststo save moneyTo save money & the environmentTo save money in the long term and not 'waste energy'.To save money on energy + better for the 'world'. I don't agree with NOT taking easy measures when they are there to do. I object to excessive packaging and throw-away attitudes. I like to repair items when I even even if it would have been easier (and perhaps less expensive) to replace.to save the environment, do the right thing and save money in the long runTo set a good example for our children To help protect the Earth's futureTo stop waste and stop spoiling of resourcesTo try and lower the utility bills.To try to help environmentTry to do a little for the environmenttry to tread lightlyTrying to reduce impact on environment where possibleTrying to reduce my carbon footprintUtility expenses!!!Very concerned about the impact man has on the environmebtWhere else?


Q5. Are there any other environmental issues of particular interest to you?

Access to sunlight - solar Congestion/urban densityAir quality, being close to a major road. NoiseAll importantAlong railway tracks, native grasses & native flowers could be planted. Council should plant more trees, but look after them.Anything pertinent to the care of animals.Average everyday recycling. Many people still don't recycle in the most basic way, such as separating papers and tins out of landfill, and I wonder why. Is it being lazy or uninformed?Being able to travel to the city and CARLTON by TRAM is MOST important to me. I am retired and 78 years old and like to go to the theatre in the city and Nova cinema in Carlton.Because there is no available parking TRAMS are crucial and environmentally friendly. PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL BE CRUCIAL IN THE FUTURE.

Bird lifeChanging of all street lighting to LED.Charming heritage homes are being demolished in order to build cheap dense housing/4 storey high blocks of flats over-utilizing the sites. Too many people and cars with stress on the physical environment. This is a major concern!Climate, farming practices and food production. GMO and organic foodCommunity gardensCouncil divesting from fossil fuel industries, Council being an active participant in the Yarra River Action Plan, net zero emissions target for Council buildings, 100% renewable targets for Council buidlings

Council needs to have more recycling bins in public areas.curb on graffiti idiotsCycling to the extent it helps the environment, but I cycle for other reasons too.Declare war on possums!Electric 'Smart' meters should not be compulsory, because they really do cause illness in some people (applies or may apply to water and gas also)

Electric vehicles. In stonnington I hate breathing vehicle exhaust fumes. Whether I'm walking, taking public transport, cycling or even in my own car. Every day I breathe carcinogenic fumes from Mercedes and BMWS.Energy and water conservation waste managementExcessive packing of eg fruit and vegetables - eg small amounts trapped in plastic rather than sold loose.Exhaust fumes and increasing traffic densityGlobal WarmingGraffiti, rubbish, sign pollution, clutter and clubs


greenhouse gasesHealth of the Yarra riverHousing for the homelessI am concerned about the number of wood fire places being installed causing considerable air pollution in the areaI am keen for more people to go SolarI am more concerned with not being beaten up at the railway station than protecting the environmentI approve of council's aim at increasing park areas.I do not believe in global warming/climate changeI do think continual reinforcing of these matters needed. Residents are getting careless again about their dogs. Notice in the past week I have had large deposits from dogs in my driveI favour the concept of an urban forest for Melbourne. It's important that Stonnington be part of this concept. Re urban agriculture, we need more native planting to support native birds/ small mammals/ insects/lizards etc.and their habitats. I feel very concerned about the impact of modern lifestyles on the environment and try to do my best to limit my 'footprint'. I support the Council's approach to small infill parks eg our new one in Ross St-thank you for it!I get communications from Aust ConservationI look forward to better batteries which will allow solar panels to take a Much greater share of the energy we require.

I think they are all covered aboveI think we should follow San Fransisco's lead and ban the sale plastic water bottles in Stonnington. This product produces a HUGE amount of waste, environmental damage and is easily stopped. We need to start setting examples not saying it is too hard to change the status quo. Proactive rather than reactive.

I wish people would use the bins the way they should. Recycling in Stonnington is poor, due mainly to the residents, renters, and visitorsI would like Stonnington Council to make a very strong statement in regard to global warming and the phasing in to renewable energy and water conservation for all new construction, whether private of commercial, and retrofitting Council properties. Little point in creating more open spaces if there is no water to sustain them.

I'm concerned about the impact of climate changeImpact of overdevelopment. Population pressures on a local environment and microclimate change.Increasing open spaces in Stonnington, making Stonnington 'greener' as Boroondara has achieved. I feel Boroondara's environment makes it more pleasant and family orientated.Introduced birds displacing native birdsKeen on bike paths and bike infrastructureKeen on most.Maintenance of trees in parks Stonnington Survey Group of 47

more hard rubbish clean-ups. low energy street lighting. public recycling bins. rubbish dumpingnone in particularNo-playing a small part in a bigger communityNot that haven't been covered already.Not that I can think ofOp shops for recycling. I think if I put an article on the nature strip for council collection, I would prefer someone to take it, use it than for it to be broken as thrown in a truckover development of our lovely suburbs... such a short term solution to a huge long term impact on our quality of life and health in the future.Overall Stonnington councils excels in this area, perhaps they even 'overdo' it .. but it is local Councils responsibility and duty to educate the ignorant masses such as myself!!

Planting of trees. Open spaces. Using, say, verges, nature strips for plantings. People being given seeds, incentives, - ie like the old 'prettiest town in Victoria' awards. Not discussions but actual doing stuff. When I first came to live in Melbourne years I wasn't allowed to have a water tank. I thought city folks are wasteful!

Pollution and wastePopulation reductionPreserving environment for bird life in cityprotecting mature trees which provide habitat for wild lifeRe Waste Management: Recycling bins in all public places and parks. And collecting food waste for composting or worm farming to keep it out of landfill wherever possible.recycling of green matterRecycling, buying local/fresh foodsReduce cycling on busy roads, use bike and walk pathsReduce of smoking in public areas , restrictions of use of barbecues in residential small blocksReduction in pollution, increased recycling, reduction in carbon emmissionsRemove/relocate temporary leaf storage depot in Edgar St Glen Iris. It's operation is noisy and the facility is inappropriate in a suburban street. The space should revert to car parking for Harold Holt pool users. Would result in less pool users parking in the street.Renewable energySafe cycling routes. Harvest rain water and storm water. Stop land fill of electronic goods.Soil Toxicity Population Densitysolar energystorm water capture for local use and to reduce flooding following downpour.support natural also Australian owned and madeSupporting environmental lobbying organisations and Conservation Foundation, National Banks Victoria by attending meetings and donating money


Sustainable development. Current building projects in south yarra a blot on the suburb. No sustainable design features or benefits. Traffic impossible, public transport over crowded and dangerous.

The reduced free space/green areas due to houses now taking up entire blocks, with no regard to the gardens and trees being wiped outThe state of our parksTraffic managementWaste of foodWhilst I am not interested, I think they are important eg all topics above need to be worked on in StonningtonWhy are maroon bins so expensive? Don't you sell the contents?why Council continues to allow so many high-rise buildings that contribute to the environmental impact of the area I live, and the increase of waste, traffic, pollution and crime in the small area of Stonnington, Prahran, that I live and have lived for 15 years.Yes, let the nature bees exist in the street trees. They do no harm and help to pollinate our gardens and trees. Stop killing all the bees. It's stupid

Yes. We need to get rid of those trams. They are a disgraceful environmental slur on our city. Apart from tons of copper filings, dangerous dust from the break shoes and consumption of brown coal electricity they create visual pollution from all those caged cables above the roads. They are a danger to everything that needs a flat road for moving around, including bikes, motorbikes and pedestrians. They are the cause of most traffic snarling and delays in traffic flows and movement, they are now trains travelling along roads built for small and light vehicles. They are difficult to access and egress. This is by far the worst blight on the city and it is difficult to be environmentally responsible when the city encourages such environmental pollution in all aspects.you should stick to what the rates pay for not areas outside your works, ie opera in the park etc


5. APPENDIX: Survey

Section 1 - Sustainable Environment

Council has an important role to play in protecting and managing the local environment to enhance liveability and community health and wellbeing. This section aims to identify the issues of interest to residents and gain an insight into current environmental attitudes and behaviours. The results of this section will inform Council’s environmental sustainability activities and provide a measure for the effectiveness of our sustainability initiatives.

Environmental Sustainability in General

Q1. How concerned are you personally about the current state of the environment (the air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live)?

Very concerned Fairly concernedNot concernedUnsure

Q2. To what extent do you feel informed about environmental issues?

Very well informedFairly informedNot well informed Unsure

Q3. Please rate the following statements based on whether you agree or disagree.

Strongly agree Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree Strongly disagree

There’s something I can do about the environment as an individual It’s worth doing things to help the environment even if others don’t do the same

I find it simple to change my habits to be more environmentally friendly I talk to friends about how to be more environmentally friendly


Q4. Please rate your level of interest in each of the following areas.

Very intereste

dInterested Neutral

Not very intereste

d

Not interested

at allEnvironmental commitment and reportingMonitoring and reporting of Council’s environmental performance and Council commitment to sustainability.

Energy conservationReducing energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions, improving efficiency measures and use of renewable energy sources.

Water conservation and managementReducing water usage, using alternate sources such as rainwater, stormwater and recycled water, improving the quality of water entering creeks and waterways.

Waste management Reducing the amount of waste generated, increasing diversion from landfill for recycling, improved provision of waste services.

Sustainable PurchasingPurchasing products with lower environmental impact, buying local.

Urban AgricultureCultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around the city Animal husbandry, aquaculture, agroforestry, beekeeping and horticulture.

Biodiversity Protecting and enhancing native vegetation and habitat Enhancing existing open space and wildlife corridors.

Environmental educationEnvironmental events, workshops, school sustainability, availability of online resources.

Sustainable transport Walking, cycling, car sharing, public transport, hybrid vehicles.


Q5. Are there any other environmental issues of particular interest to you?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Council’s role

Q6. How do you rate Council’s level of commitment to sustainability?

Very high

High

Neither high nor low

Low

Very Low

Don’t know

Q7. How important is it to you that Council operates in an environmentally sustainable way?

Very important

Important

Neither important nor unimportant

Not very important

Not important at all

Q8. How important is it to you that Council supports the community to live in an environmentally sustainable way?

Very important

Important

Neither important nor unimportant

Not very important

Not important at all

Sustainability at Home


Q9. How would you rate your level of commitment to environmental sustainability at home?

Very high

High

Neither high nor low

Low

Very low

Q10. Please indicate which of the following actions you currently undertake at home.

Always Sometimes Never

Turn off lights when you leave the room Switch off appliances at the wall Wash your clothes in cold water Catch public transport Recycle clothing Take shorter showers Take your own bags to the supermarket Ride a bike or walk instead of driving Buy products and services endorsed as having a 'low impact on the environment' Buy products with less or no packaging Add/remove clothing when hot/cold instead of turning on heater or air conditioner Shop locally or purchase locally grown food Use chemical free cleaning products Receive bills, magazines, etc digitally or online rather than purchasing/receiving paper copies Buy organic or fair trade food Take active steps to prevent stormwater pollution (e.g. use a commercial car wash, avoid synthetic chemicals in the garden)

Donate money to environmental organisations Car pool/ car share Grow your own food at home Participate in community environmental activities Use a worm farm or compost bin Purchase carbon offsets Purchase and use Green Power


Q11. In addition to the actions outlined above, have you made any of the following changes to your home?

Yes No ConsideredInstalled and use solar panels Installed solar hot water Installed and use rain water tanks Installed and use a grey water system Installed a green roof or wall or rain garden Installed dual flush toilet Installed low flow taps Using a pool cover Maintain a low water use garden Installed energy efficient lighting Draught proofed the home Installed better insulation Installed double glazing Purchased energy efficient appliances Purchased water efficient appliances

Q12. What are your reasons for undertaking environmental action at home?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q13. What are some of the barriers preventing you from behaving in an environmentally sustainable way at home? (Please select as many as apply)

Effort required

Associated costs

Lack of support/encouragement from others

Lack of information on what to do

Lack of understanding about issue

Too busy

Not undertaken by others

No barriers


Don’t care

Other (Please specify) ____________________________

Q14. What would enable or encourage you to improve your environmentally sustainable behaviour at home? (Please select as many as apply)

Awareness of quick and easy activities

Political leadership

Sustainably conscious neighbours

Encouragement from family and/or friends

Incentives

Education around what you can do

Information about environmental issues

Reduced costs

Other (Please specify) ____________________________

Q15. Please rate your familiarity with the following Council environmental sustainability documents:

Aware of and read

Aware but not read

Not aware

Sustainable Environment Strategy 2013-17 Annual Sustainability Snapshot Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) program


Q16. Please rate your familiarity with the following Council environmental sustainability initiatives:

Aware of and participated

Aware but not participated

Not aware

Hard Waste collection Green Waste collection E-waste recycling at Stonnington transfer station Recycling Drop Off points for:

Small Household Batteries Mobile Phones and Chargers DVDs, CDs and Cases VHSs and Cases Cassette Tapes and Cases Floppy Disks

Garage Sale Trail Compost Revolution Calendar of Environmental Events Home energy assessments Positive Charge energy efficiency advice hotline Stonnington Green Schools Network Spring into Gardening Council’s ‘No junk mail’ stickers

Q17. How do you like to receive information about Council’s environmental initiatives and events? (Please select as many as apply)

InStonningtonCouncil websiteEnvironment e-newsletterFacebook (Council)Facebook (Libraries)TwitterService CentresLibrariesI don’t want to receive information about environmental initiatives and eventsOther (Please specify) ____________________________


Q18. How would you prefer to receive the following Council publications?

Post Online Email Service Centres

and libraries

Annual recycling calendar Annual garden waste calendar Hard waste brochure (Spring and Autumn)

Library notices InStonnington Ward newsletters Chapel Off Chapel ‘What’s on’ brochure Council planning consultation brochures Rate notices


Section 2 – About the Survey

This final section of the survey is provided to receive feedback from participants about the survey.

Q19. Please indicate below your thoughts about this survey. (Please tick as many as apply)

Easy to completeDifficult/complex to completeEasy to understand questionsDifficult to understand questionsOther. Please specify__________________________________

Q20. Do you want to receive feedback on the results of this survey?

Yes

No

Q21a. Would you like to receive future survey by email?

Yes

No

Q21b. If yes, please write your email address

___________________________________________________________________

Q22. Have you any suggestions for improvements to future surveys?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

This completes the survey. Thank you for your time.


july 2015: sustainable environment (connect stonnington group)

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