Auckland Council is making significant strides in green energy efforts as it advances its sustainability initiatives.

The council is focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability across its $11 billion asset portfolio.

Auckland Council’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its latest project, Project Gigawatt.

This initiative, a cornerstone of the council's climate strategy, aims to integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in local parks and community facilities.

At Albany Stadium Pool, a newly installed 206-kilowatt peak solar system, featuring 376 panels across 982 square metres, is leading the charge.

This system is set to generate 286,843 kilowatt-hours of solar energy annually, enough to power 36 homes.

The solar installation is expected to cut the pool’s carbon footprint by 35 tonnes each year, equivalent to planting 380 trees.

Additionally, the project will result in an estimated 20 per cent reduction in utility costs.

Parks and community facilities account for 75 per cent of Auckland Council’s carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of this project in meeting the council's climate goals.