The City of Sydney has unveiled a renewed draft environmental strategy aimed at keeping the city on track to reach net zero emissions by 2035, with proposals that include cutting operational energy use by 30 per cent and phasing out the use of fossil gas across its operations.
Unanimously endorsed by Council, the strategy is now open for public consultation. It outlines the City’s plan for the next five years, with a focus on reducing emissions from its own operations while supporting broader community efforts to address climate change.
“Leading Sydney to a decarbonised future is a key priority for us, and this environmental strategy sets out how we’ll continue to reduce our emissions and tackle the climate crisis head on,” Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said in a statement.
“In human history, 2024 was the hottest year globally and we are feeling that change locally, with six of NSW’s hottest years on record occurring in the past 10 years,” Moore said.
The City of Sydney said it has already reduced its operational emissions by 76 per cent since 2006, largely through purchasing electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources.
The next phase of the plan involves transitioning away from gas, particularly in facilities like swimming pools, where electric heat pumps are being introduced.
“We have also budgeted to improve efficiency across our properties to reduce our emissions to 85% by 2030,” Moore added.
As part of its energy efficiency efforts, the City aims to reduce overall energy use by almost one-third by 2030.
This includes removing fossil gas from its properties and replacing refrigerants in air conditioning units with options that have lower environmental impact.
The draft strategy also addresses barriers faced by renters in accessing cleaner technologies. With 65 per cent of households in the local area renting, the City plans to promote existing state and federal programs that support energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy use in rental properties.
Additional measures include advocating for improved minimum rental standards that factor in energy efficiency, supporting apartment buildings to electrify assets, and calling for safeguards to ensure housing affordability is not compromised during the transition.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft strategy before 5pm on Friday, 9 May.
More information and updates are available at news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
