The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is embarking on a significant transformation as it targets net-zero emissions by 2050, making strides through various innovative initiatives on its bases. As the largest landholder and energy user in the country, Defence is taking practical measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change while ensuring that military readiness remains uncompromised.

Recent efforts showcase a commitment to not only reduce emissions but also enhance energy resilience across Defence’s extensive estate, comprising over 700 properties. Initiatives have included the installation of solar farms at northern bases like RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks. Collectively, these sites feature the largest solar farms within the Defence estate, with Darwin’s 3.2-megawatt farm generating about 40% of the base’s energy needs, saving an impressive $130,000 annually. Robertson Barracks boasts a 10-megawatt solar farm that produces similar energy savings of $409,000 per year. Felix Bowman-Derrick, Assistant Secretary for Environment and Engineering, emphasizes that such enhancements not only secure energy supply but also bolster overall operational capability and efficiency.

Celia Perkins, Deputy Secretary for Security and Estate and Defence Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted in a recent address on World Environment Day that the initiatives represent substantial steps towards achieving the Australian government’s emissions reduction targets. In addition to renewable energy projects, Defence is undertaking extensive upgrades of lighting systems across its bases. The ongoing replacement of approximately 80,000 lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs is projected to save the equivalent carbon emissions of about 421 households annually.

Furthermore, Defence is innovating in waste management as well. It has ventured into recycling retired tyres and military uniforms, exploring methods that repurpose these materials rather than send them to landfill. Collaborating with industry, approximately 13,300 tyres have been transformed into sustainable surfacing materials, benefitting both construction and paving projects across various bases. This commitment to a circular economy is reinforced by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Roeder’s comments regarding efficiencies gained through upgraded hot water systems that utilize heat pump technology, resulting in significant reductions in both energy costs and carbon emissions.

The ADF’s approach to recycling extends to its military uniforms as well. Recent efforts have witnessed the successful recycling of 67 tonnes of camouflage gear, redirecting these materials from waste streams to useful products in the furnishing and construction sectors, as well as for biofuel production.

Also noteworthy is the role of Defence in the broader context of Australia’s climate initiatives. The recent unveiling of its comprehensive Net Zero Strategy and Future Energy Strategy aligns with Australia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. This framework not only accentuates the critical nexus between climate change and national security but also positions Defence at the forefront of illustrating how military operations can advance environmental objectives.

In support of its initiatives, Defence has engaged in international partnerships, such as the Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership, which aims to decarbonise various industry sectors. This collaboration underscores the global responsibility in combating climate change and enhancing energy transitions.

Overall, Defence’s pragmatic approach—ranging from on-site energy generation to waste reduction strategies—represents a concerted effort not only to achieve its own sustainability goals but also to contribute to national and global climate objectives, reinforcing the imperative that military readiness and environmental stewardship can coexist.

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Source: Noah Wire Services