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Carbon Neutral

In 2008, the City of Sydney became the first carbon neutral local government in Australia through energy efficiency, renewable energy and offsets.

We made this commitment voluntarily to reduce impacts of climate change, meet public and staff expectations, show leadership, influence sustainable market processes, and reduce costs through energy savings.

Our target now is a 20 per cent reduction of emissions through energy efficiency by 2012 (based on 2006 levels) and to continue to use 100% GreenPower and other accredited offsets for emissions which can't be avoided

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Key steps

1. Measure

Accurate accounting of emissions is essential to any carbon neutral claim. 

The 2008 carbon neutral program was based on an inventory developed by Hyder Consulting with independent verification by the company Net Balance.

In 2009, the City prepared it's emissions inventory using the Project Two Degrees Emissions Tracker software. This has been independently verified by the company Banarra. Click here to download the verification statements.

The City's emissions inventory is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol framework of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Natural Resources Institute.

The inventory includes all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and some Scope-3 (such as flights, taxis, contractors fuel, and events).

carbon neutral scope

2. Avoid and reduce

The City has been achieving emissions savings through its Energy Savings Action Plan and Fleet Program and will continue to identify and implement new energy savings programs.

3. Switch

In being carbon neutral the City uses 100 per cent GreenPower for its properties and street lighting electricity emissions. Click here for more information.

greenpower

The City commissioned a report to assist in selecting the most environmentally beneficial GreenPower products and other offsets. Click here to download the report.

4. Offset

Greenhouse gas offsets may reduce a carbon footprint, however should only be used where emission reductions are not feasible.  Offsets must be accredited to ensure accountability.  

A regular assessment of offset products is contained within the Carbon Offset Guide Australia developed by RMIT.

In becoming carbon neutral, in 2008 the City purchased verified emission reduction (VER) credits accredited by the Australian Government Greenhouse Friendly Program.

GreenPower and offsets for the 2009 inventory will be purchased via tender in coming months.

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City of Sydney emissions

The City's 2007/08 emissions were 50,975 tonnes C02e which is a slight increase on 2006/07 emissions. This is explained by new facilities being added to the emissions inventory (existing major energy using sites have actually decreased over this period).

To achieve a zero net emissions balance the City purchases GreenPower to offset all of the emissions associated with electricity used by our properties and street lighting.  Carbon offsets provide for the non-electricity emissions such as fleet and contractors fuel usage, natural gas, taxis, flights and events.

The table below shows recent emissions inventories. To view the most recent inventory visit Project Two Degrees or click here to download verification statements and the 2007 inventory.

Emissions (tonnes C02e)

 2006/07 2007/08
Scope-1 4,363 (9%) 4,311 (9%)
Scope-2 35,002 (72%) 36,344 (71%)
Scope-3 9,192 (19%) 10,319 (20%)
Total 48,557 50,974
Electricity emissions 41,688 43,253
Non-electricity emissions 6,869 7,721

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Our targets

The City of Sydney Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was endorsed by Council on 25 June 2007. In consultation with peak environment groups, Councillors and staff, the EMP established targets and actions for Council to reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Specifically, the target for Council is:

100 per cent offset of greenhouse gas emissions from Council operations and services by 2008. This includes a minimum 20 per cent reduction of Council emissions by 2012 based on 2006 levels through energy savings measures.

Action E06 of the plan states:

The City of Sydney will become carbon neutral, meaning there will be zero net emissions resulting from our own operations and services. The priority in becoming carbon neutral is to avoid using energy where possible and to achieve maximum energy efficiency. We will use cleaner energy sources and work with key environment groups to invest in programs to offset our total emissions.

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Further information

Enquiries about the City of Sydney carbon neutral program can be directed to Nik Midlam, Manager of Environmental Strategy on 9265-9333 or nmidlam@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

 

Downloads

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Last Updated: Tuesday 29 September, 2009

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.