City of Melbourne, headquartered in Australia, is a prominent local government authority that plays a vital role in urban management and community services. Established in 1837, it has evolved significantly, focusing on sustainable development, cultural enrichment, and economic growth within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Operating primarily in the local government sector, City of Melbourne oversees essential services such as waste management, public transport, and urban planning. Its commitment to innovation is evident in initiatives aimed at enhancing liveability and environmental sustainability, making it a leader in smart city solutions. Recognised for its vibrant arts scene and diverse community programs, City of Melbourne has achieved notable milestones, including the implementation of the Melbourne City Strategy. This positions it as a key player in shaping the future of one of Australia’s most dynamic cities.
How does City of Melbourne's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Public Administration industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
City of Melbourne's score of 16 is lower than 89% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2020, the City of Melbourne reported total carbon emissions of approximately 12,345,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 1,425,000 kg CO2e from stationary combustion, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 759,000 kg CO2e from purchased electricity, and Scope 3 emissions of around 1,526,000 kg CO2e from waste generated in operations. The City has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, aiming for a total emissions reduction of about 5,738,000 kg CO2e to help avoid a 2-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. This target is part of their broader climate commitments, although specific SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) reduction targets have not been disclosed. Historically, in 2018, the City of Melbourne's emissions were reported at approximately 5,738,000 kg CO2e, indicating a significant reduction from previous years. In 2017, emissions were recorded at about 10,692,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions of approximately 791,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions of around 9,901,000 kg CO2e. The City of Melbourne's climate initiatives are supported by various reduction plans, including energy savings from street lighting and other operational efficiencies. However, no specific reductions from these initiatives have been quantified in the data provided. The City continues to focus on enhancing sustainability practices and reducing overall emissions as part of its commitment to climate action.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1,804,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 13,648,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 |
A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 41% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Waste Generated in Operations" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
City of Melbourne has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

