Agendas and programs abound across the globe all aimed at achieving or working towards the greater good. Experts share their knowledge and research about the impacts of predicted climate change. Recommendations are then made as to how we best tackle the implications and impacts of climate change as we seek to mitigate against and adapt to it. This leads to the development of policies, frameworks, milestones and action plans as a global counterattack to the challenges we will face today and in the future. But it is in local action where we start to change things and in turn, see change.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are influencing the climate and this is impacting local environments by exacerbating the existing risks to vulnerable systems, both natural and man-made. Energy and water management specialists have had to quickly adapt their thinking in response to these changing conditions.

Energy demand is growing and government will continue to be challenged to minimise energy consumption and reduce GHG emissions. Local governments, as providers and managers of services and assets that impact heavily on energy and water consumption and stormwater quality, have a significant role to play in adapting to the local impacts of climate change. Consequently, this puts them in a strong position to lead by example and set the standard for businesses and communities in their municipalities.

Through the provision of sustainable energy, carbon and water management services and advice, CPG can assist local governments in reducing GHG emissions from both their internal operations and wider communities. CPG’s knowledge in climate change, energy and GHG emissions management integrated with our water management, ecology, biodiversity, and other consulting expertise provides a well informed solution to on the ground adaptation strategies. The benefits of managing energy consumption and reducing GHG emissions include improved business performance and efficiency, cost reductions, new business opportunities and ensuring that our resource supplies, supply chains and markets remain viable and efficient through carbon management adaptation strategies.

To achieve these benefits local governments need to establish the necessary skills, processes and systems to mitigate the risks, comply with legislation, and maximise the opportunities and benefits that emerge from developing At CPG, greenhouse gas management is treated as one part of the solution, just as important is adapting to the impacts of climate change, and water management becomes the focus of adaptation.

Integrated sustainable water management is an emerging science and skill that needs to be realistic and relevant in its actions and targets as we learn more about the need to adapt to climate change. CPG is at the forefront of this change through our active involvement in research, government and industry programs.

Innovation is the driving force for change as conventional urban water systems are no longer equipped to deal with the cumulative effects of climate change and the demands of a growing population. If we continue down the same path for the provision of water, wastewater and stormwater services, the health of our receiving waterways and catchments will decline and degrade, we will become more vulnerable to flooding and traditional supply sources will become uncertain due to lower than average rainfall and unpredictable patterns.

Around Australia, many local governments have adopted international and national programs to assist them in their sustainable water management efforts by reducing consumption and improving quality. The next step is creating strategies specific to local environments and embedding these within existing policy. Climate change impacts can be dealt with efficiently through existing institutions, paving the way for local governments to be a critical part of any national reform agenda.

CPG has a strong history as an innovator in managing the water cycle in urban areas through the integration of stormwater, wastewater, and water supply. Our knowledge encompasses the areas of demand management, recycling, potable substitution and water quality improvement.

Managing the urban water cycle is axiomatic to sustainable water management, which has culminated in a movement towards the concept of a ‘Water Sensitive City’.CPG has a strong understanding of the ‘Water Sensitive City’ concept as an adaptation strategy in response to climate change, utilising it as a framework for creating Sustainable Water Management Strategies.

CPG’s capability in the water sector extends from strategic consulting through to concept, functional and detailed design documentation. CPG has prepared Sustainable Water Management Plans for local government that provide strategic direction to enable initiatives and policy to be implemented to meet community expectations and demands.

CPG is recognised as a leader in the water industry whose commitment to innovation and continued learning is recognised by selected participation in global water study tours. CPG’s technical expertise and experience has been engaged by Clearwater in the preparation of industry training courses in ‘Integrated Water Management’ and ‘Stormwater Harvesting’, and more recently in the Victorian Government initiative, ‘Alternative Urban Water Supplies – the Review, Framework and Guidelines’.

CPG has been a member of the ‘Melbourne Water Stormwater Quality WSUD Consultant Panel’ for 4 years. Working closely with water authorities and local governments, CPG continues to identify and deliver integrated water management design opportunities and projects with the aim of ‘transferring knowledge and learning’ to local government.

At CPG, the effective integration of our energy and water consulting services delivers integrated, well considered, innovative solutions that respond to global challenges for our local communities.

CPG is an award-winning multi-disciplinary consulting company providing high quality specialised services to the water, energy, buildings, urban development, transport, resources and agribusiness sectors, with an international network of over 3,500 professionals across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

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