The environment is considered in every decision the City of Belmont makes. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment will help to create cleaner, healthier and more sustainable spaces across the City, which can be enjoyed for years to come.

Below is a summary of the City’s official commitment to the environment through a series of management plans and policies.

Environmental Management System

The City developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) in 2006. This EMS is:
 

• Currently certified to the AS/NZ ISO 14001: 2015 standard;
• Used to develop and implement the environmental policy, set objectives and targets and comply with the legal requirements surrounding environmental management. 

An environmental risk assessment has been completed and is reviewed every year. During the review process, the City considers the environmental aspects of its past, present and future activities and their potential impacts to air, land, surface water, groundwater, the community, flora and fauna.

Environment and Sustainability Policy

The City is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment, an aim which begins with improving the City’s own environmental performance. The City also actively encourages businesses, households and the wider community to find ways to reduce their impacts  and  be more sustainable.

The City’s Environment and Sustainability Policy outlines these objectives as well as a commitment to develop, implement and regularly review an organisation-wide Environment and Sustainability Strategy.

Environment and Sustainability Strategy 

The City’s Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2023 - 2033 was endorsed by Council in 2023 and is reviewed every year. 

The Strategy aligns with the City of Belmont Strategic Community Plan 2020-2040 and outlines how the City manages the environment and uses natural resources sustainability, in relation to:
 

• Corporate philosophy    
• Prevention of pollution and environmental degradation
• Community awareness, engagement and behaviour change    
• Resource use, waste and greenhouse gas emissions
• Natural environment and biodiversity
• Climate change adaptation

As part of the Environment and Sustainability Strategy, the City is involved in a wide range of programs and initiatives, including the Waterwise Council Program, ACER (Achieving Carbon Emission Reduction) Program, Switch Your Thinking, Cities Power Partnership, Business Environmental Assessment and regional Building Benchmarking Efficiency and Managing Flood Risk Projects.