Communities reduce ecological 'footprint'

A recent survey conducted in Canberra indicates that people within communities are taking personal steps towards greater sustainability in their homes and workplaces. The 2007 Sustainability Community Attitudes Study consisted of qualitative research and a quantitative survey of 1000 individuals in Canberra.

Commenting on the survey, Canberra’s Chief Minister Jon Stanhope commended people for taking steps towards greater sustainability: “While Canberra is a clean and uncongested city, the survey demonstrated that Canberrans have been thinking seriously about their environmental impact and changing their behaviour accordingly.

“Canberrans reported that they have been taking personal responsibility for greater sustainability, with 95% routinely turning lights off when they leave the room and 90% purchasing energy-efficient appliances, among other ‘environmental’ initiatives.

“The vast majority of Canberrans indicated willingness to change their behaviours and act to reduce climate change (92%) and most believed they and their families could make an important contribution to help minimise climate change (86%).”

The 2007 Sustainability Community Attitudes Study helps the ACT government assess the effectiveness of current education, awareness and rebate programs and identify possible opportunities to improve future services and programs.