Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

The City of Fremantle has faced significant challenges in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability within its community. Since 2015, the city has been implementing the One Planet Living® framework, which aims to create a healthier and more sustainable future while operating within the planet's ecological limits. Over the past year, Fremantle has made notable progress, achieving a 40% reduction in carbon emissions from electricity compared to 2016, primarily through efficiency measures. This reduction highlights the city's commitment to tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency.

In addition to reducing emissions, Fremantle has introduced innovative policies such as the ‘Freo Alternative’ planning legislation. This initiative allows landowners to increase housing density under specific conditions, including smaller housing sizes, fewer parking spaces, and enhanced energy efficiency. This approach aligns with successful strategies observed in One Planet Living communities worldwide, demonstrating Fremantle's leadership in sustainable urban planning.

Furthermore, Fremantle has made strides in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, exemplified by the rebranding of the traditional Australia Day festival to ‘One Day in Fremantle’ in 2017. This change, although controversial, has sparked important discussions about the impact of European colonization on Indigenous communities. The city has also published a comprehensive Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan, aimed at fostering an inclusive community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can achieve equitable life outcomes.

These initiatives reflect Fremantle's bold decisions to align all policies and communications with its One Planet Living vision, emphasizing the integration of sustainability into every aspect of city governance. The city's proactive stance serves as a model for other urban areas seeking to transition towards a more sustainable future.