About switch your thinking!
The Programme
The switch your thinking! (syt!) programme was launched in June 2002 to enable SEREG Councils and their communities to implement measures that will save energy, water and operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The programme was devised by SEREG as a means of linking seemingly disparate projects and actions under an easily recognisable brand. The programme has been strategically designed to engage the community in participating in achieving our regional emissions reduction target of 15% by the year 2010.
International experience shows that changing the way people behave with respect to energy and water use is never an easy thing to do. syt! epitomises a systematic and locally tailored approach to social marketing. Based on literature research and surveys of the community, the programme has been designed to address specific barriers and opportunities to changing environmental behaviour in Perth's southeast.
A key feature of syt! to date has been the formation of successful partnerships with state and federal government agencies, funding bodies, and corporate sponsors. Since the programme's inception five years ago, SEREG and its project partners have invested close to a million dollars in regional actions, helping reduce greenhouse emissions by more than 250,000 tonnes (carbon dioxide equivalent).
For more information about the syt! programme, including past and future initiatives and their outcomes, download the 2006/07 - 2008/09 syt! Business Plan.
Significant Acheivements
The syt! programme has received critical acclaim and recognition at both a state and national level. Recent awards won include:
- Sustainability 2006 Awards (National) – Gold Award – Category Winner – Most Outstanding Sustainability Partnership.
- WA Environment Award 2006 (State) – Winner – Government Leading by Example.
- WA Environment Award 2006 (State) – Winner – Community Energy Efficiency.
- 2007 Banksia Awards (National) – Finalist - Local Government Award
Does your Council want to run its own switch your thinking! programme?
Whilst at present switch your thinking! operates exclusively within the Cities of Armadale and Gosnells and Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire, SEREG has been approached by other local government authorities with a view to using the syt! brand to help deliver sustainability initiatives to their communities.
Keen to share its successes and help others implement sustainable initiatives, SEREG has come up with a simple 'licensing' type arrangement that will enable other Councils to deliver their own syt! programme to their communities.
For more information and to view a copy of the Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement contact the Regional Greenhouse Coordinator, Mr Jason Menzies on 08 9391 6032.
overview | the brand | the group | programme |
