NSW courthouses solar power into greener future

14 February 2023

Rooftop solar systems have now been installed at 22 courthouses across metropolitan and regional NSW as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to a greener future for our state.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government has invested $4.1 million in the first stage of the Rooftop Solar Program and associated work to make courthouses energy efficient and reduce greenhouse emissions.

“The sustainability upgrades include installing of solar panels and smart metering systems to maximise energy efficiencies and minimise the impact on our environment,” Mr Speakman said.

“Investing in renewable energy technologies substantially saves on running costs and substantially contributes to a cleaner environment. The completed first stage of the courthouse solar program will generate up to 2,403 megawatt hours of electricity every year, which is equivalent to the average power use of 442 residential homes.

“This stage of the program will save more than $460,000 in running costs in the first year of operation and more than $6.8 million over 10 years. The environmental savings are also significant, with the annual CO2 offset of 1,899 tonnes, equivalent to planting more than 28,117 trees.”

Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s courthouse solar project will see further upgrades including the installation of energy saving LED lighting and motion sensors in non-court areas, such as meeting rooms and bathrooms.

Mr Speakman announced the completion of the first stage of the statewide courthouse solar program during a visit to Tweed Heads Courthouse with Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.

Mr Provest welcomed the recent completion of major upgrades at Tweed Courthouse totalling more than $780,000 which included replacing the courthouse roof and installing a rooftop solar system.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to investing in renewable energy at Tweed Courthouse is an investment in a greener future for our community,” Mr Provest said.

“I am also pleased that Tweed Heads was also one of 45 courthouses across the state to benefit from a $9 million package for new and upgraded safe spaces and modern facilities to help empower domestic and sexual violence survivors and vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence in court.

“Tweed Heads Courthouse received a second remote witness room plus upgrades to the existing women’s safe room and remote witness room and security upgrades.

“Safe and remote witness facilities enhance support for the courageous victims who come forward to report abuse.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and it is crucial these facilities are available to support them and help alleviate the trauma of coming to court.”

In total, there are now 154 remote witness rooms and eight rooms that are directly connected to a courtroom at 100 locations in NSW. In addition, there are 84 safe rooms at 77 court locations in NSW.