City of Sydney

| Skip to Content | Skip to Menu | Contact Us  |   About Us  |   Media Releases

Carbon Neutral

In 2008, the City of Sydney became the first carbon neutral local government in Australia through energy efficiency, renewable energy and offsets. In 2009 we entered our second year of carbon neutrality.

We made our 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 includes 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

Back to top

Key steps

1. Measure

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

In 2009, the City prepared it's 2007/08 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 2008 carbon neutral program was based on our 2006/07 inventory developed by Hyder Consulting with independent verification by the company Net Balance.

The City's emissions inventories are 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, street lighting, greening council operations, and sustainable fleet initiatives. We 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 list of offset providers is contained within the Carbon Offset Guide Australia developed by RMIT. For independent ranking of products visit Carbon Offset Watch developed by Total Environment Centre, Institute for Sustainable Futures and Choice.

The City has purchased verified emission reduction (VER) credits accredited by the Australian Government Greenhouse Friendly Program and more recently Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) offsets.

Back to top

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.
onsite gas usage, fleet emissions, and refrigerant leakage		 4,363 (9%) 4,311 (9%)
Scope-2
mains electricity		 35,002 (72%) 36,344 (71%)
Scope-3
events, flights, taxis and major contractors		 9,192 (19%) 10,319 (20%)
Total emissions 48,557 50,974
Electricity emissions 41,688 (86%) 43,253 (85%)
Non-electricity emissions 6,869 (14%) 7,721 (15%)

Offsets (tonnes C02e)

 2006/07 2007/08
GreenPower -41,687 -43,253
Offsets - bulk purchase -5,983 -7,721
Other offsets -316  
Scope-3 (fuel and gas extraction, production and transport) exclusions -570  
Total offsets -48,557 -50,974
Net C02e emissions 0 0

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Further information

Enquiries about the City of Sydney carbon neutral program can be directed to Nik Midlam, Manager of Environmental Strategy
on 02 9265-9333 or nmidlam@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

 

Downloads

 

 

Back to top

 

Last Updated: Wednesday 13 January, 2010

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.