The City of Sydney has launched a renewed draft environmental strategy, setting out bold measures for the next five years to accelerate the city’s path to net-zero emissions by 2035.
The strategy, which was unanimously endorsed by the Council, is now open for public feedback.
Key proposals include cutting operational energy use by 30 per cent, eliminating fossil gas from city operations, and expanding support for renters to access programs that improve energy efficiency.
These efforts are designed to build on the City’s significant progress to date and address the urgent challenge of 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,” said Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO.
Moore highlighted the pressing need for action: “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.
“We’ve made huge strides already by cutting operational emissions by 76 per cent since 2006. While this highlights how we’re on the right track, the next five years are crucial.
“We purchase our electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources, and we must now eliminate fossil gas from the mix.
“This complex but important work is underway, including importantly in our pools, where we are replacing gas with efficient electric heat pumps.
“We have also budgeted to improve efficiency across our properties to reduce our emissions to 85 per cent by 2030.”
To further cut costs and support the electricity grid during peak times, the City aims to reduce its energy use by nearly a third by 2030.
This will be achieved by phasing out gas in city properties and using less harmful refrigerants in air conditioning systems.
The strategy also addresses the needs of renters, who make up 65 per cent of households in the local area and often have limited options to improve the efficiency of their homes.
The City will promote state and federal programs to help renters access renewable and energy-efficient technologies, advocate for stronger minimum rental standards, and support apartment buildings to electrify assets and improve efficiency through partnerships.
Community emissions have already dropped 41 per cent since 2006, and the City plans to continue supporting local efforts to further reduce emissions.
Residents and businesses are invited to provide feedback on the draft environmental strategy until 5 pm, Friday, 9 May.
This renewed strategy underscores the City of Sydney’s commitment to urgent climate action and its leadership in creating a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive city.
