Challenge to Change (C2C) is a community change program which aims to demonstrate that households, schools, businesses, councils and churches can rapidly reduce greenhouse emissions to zero net (carbon neutral) by 2010 by working together. The program aims to empower people to switch from a climate-damaging to a climate-protecting lifestyle.

Here is a short animation produced for the new round of C2C, April/May 2008:

Challenge to Change (C2C) re-launched, May 2008

The second round of Challenge to Change unfolded in the Shire during the month of May. Engaging over 70 businesses, 8 churches, 14 schools, the Mt. Alexander Shire Council and dozens of households, C2C was a month long program of energy monitoring and reduction that aimed to demonstrate that communities can rapidly reduce greenhouse emissions to zero net (carbon neutral) before 2010. The challenge was launched on Monday 5 May by John Landy former Governor of Victoria at Subway in Castlemaine.

Mez Woodward, the C2C Co-ordinator at MASG said “It’s very exciting to see so many people committed to reducing their energy use and taking action on climate change. We have students from Castlemaine Secondary College working with the local cafes and restaurants; we have church ministers and school principals assessing their home and transport emissions. You really get the feeling on a project like this, that the whole shire is pulling together to solve this problem.”

In August/September 2007, the C2C project pilot targeted the Mount Alexander community.

Emma and James check the temperature with the laser thermometer during C2C in Sept 07 | pic: Terri-Anne Kingsley

Update May 2008: Workspace Australia taking up the Challenge to Change

MASG will be working in partnership with Workspace Australia at their Halford St. site to reduce their energy use. Workspace Australia is a small / start up business support provider, assisting over 75 associated businesses Victoria wide with premises assistance and mentorship. Rebecca Dempsey, Manager for Workspace Australia said “It’s a change that the Workspace board and the 40 businesses in the Castlemaine site have encouraged. We believe that a more eco friendly approach will provide the community: education, reduced environmental impact and no doubt cheaper bills”.

The joint project was launched on Tuesday May 6th at Coffee Basics as part of the Challenge to Change project.

Last year’s C2C [September 2007]:
• Sought rapid change (over 4-5 weeks) through concentrated community effort
• Targeted homes, schools, businesses, churches and council
• Provided supportive materials, tools and networks
• Encouraged learning by doing
• Led by example

For more information on the Challenge to Change project in both of its iterations contact MASG on 54706978 or info@masg.org.au