About Us

Committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions in the City of Banyule.

Banyule Clean Energy Group is a non-profit, strategic outcomes community group with a focus on the financial benefits that renewable energy and energy efficiency can deliver.

We’re supporting and empowering residents, businesses and organisations in the City of Banyule to make strategic decisions with renewable energy and energy efficiency. We provide project management and ongoing support to ensure optimal outcomes.

Our achievements

Developed business cases, presented at key forums and negotiated with Banyule City Council (BCC) stakeholders to outline the financial benefits associated with renewable energy.
Gained key stakeholder buy-in to enable adoption of new $5M Climate Action Package, 2028 Net Zero Emissions Target for BCC (without offsets) and 2040 Net Zero Emissions Target for the whole municipality.
Facilitated renewable energy projects and energy efficiency workshops for residents and organisations in the City of Banyule.

Our team

Meet some of the people behind Banyule Clean Energy Group. We’re a team of experts with a sincere commitment to making an impact. Together we volunteer our diverse range of skills and experience to help residents, businesses and organisations in Banyule improve the energy efficiency of their homes and workplaces.

Michael Copsey

President

Michael is President of the Banyule Clean Energy Group that was founded in 2018. He lives in Banyule with his young family in his all electric, solar powered veggy producing home and works directly with residents and businesses as a renewable energy consultant. Michael also has over 20 years experience as a technology executive, project manager and trusted advisor to global organisations across the local government, health, not-for-profit, financial services, retail, technology and FMCG sectors.

Dr Trivess Moore

Senior Advisor

Trivess is a Senior Lecturer in the Sustainable Building Innovation Laboratory at RMIT University and undertakes teaching and research in the sustainability and built environment space.

Dr Tony Lunken

Researcher

Tony is a committed and passionate volunteer with multiple and varied involvement with climate change advocacy groups. He is particularly concerned about the contribution to climate change of the energy that we waste in our homes. After a career in social work he has grabbed the opportunity BCEG provides to contribute to the transition to a zero emission future.

Randall Pearce

Treasurer

Randall is a chemical process engineer, having worked in the energy, chemical, pharmaceutical and food manufacturing industries over many years, on project development and engineering, process improvements, and in research, development and management.

Jörg Hildebrand

Vice President

Jorg is an experienced engineer, experienced predominantly in the building automation, energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. Now he is heading the Australian office for active coatings for buildings, providing high energy savings and improved Indoor Air Quality. Jorg is also an accredited NABERS and CBD assessor.

Amanda Collier

Digital Content and Communications Lead

Formerly of the ABC, Amanda is an experienced digital product and content specialist, with a unique mix of expertise in both digital content development and product management.

Robin Gale-Baker

Vice President

Robin is a retired psychotherapist and a current community activist. She is a co founder of Sustainable Macleod and Banyule Clean Energy. In 2014 Robin and her husband Paul won the Sustainable House and Garden award for Banyule. She was named Banyule Local Hero for Sustainability in 2016 and was the 2018 Senior Victorian of the Year, Healthy and Active Living. Robin is passionate about creating safe, connected and sustainable communities.

Paul Gale-Baker

Secretary

Paul is a former teacher, former permaculture designer, a former Project Officer in the conservation movement and a retired relationship counsellor. He is currently president of Sustainable Macleod, a transition towns group in Banyule.