Environmental action
Working towards a more sustainable, liveable city.
Why we’re doing this
In June 2019, Lord Mayor Clover Moore declared a climate emergency in response to the ongoing effects of climate change.
The challenges we collectively face are significant. But we’re determined to maintain the liveability of our city and build our resilience to the impacts of global warming.
We’ve created this environmental sustainability hub for residents and businesses in the city, to learn about the different ways you can take action. There are dozens of ways you can make a difference.
We’ve also gathered information about our ongoing sustainability initiatives, so you can see what we’re doing.
Together, we can safeguard the future of Sydney.
Action areas
Environmental action
Energy and climate changeEnvironmental action
Recycling and wasteEnvironmental action
Greening and natureEnvironmental action
Water managementPeople & communities
Transport and accessBusiness & economy
Green economy
Our strategy and action plan
Strategies & action plans
Environmental Action 2016-2021: Strategy and action planPublished 30 March 2017
Environmental support & funding
Making Sydney sustainable
Development applications
Guidance on sustainable developmentIncorporating general design features during the planning and construction stages of development can reduce resource use and improve a building’s operational efficiency.Strategies & action plans
Sydney’s sustainable office buildings planWe’re helping owners and tenants reduce their environmental impact.Published 30 August 2018Strategies & action plans
Residential apartments sustainability planYou can save significantly by considering the environment in your home.Published 30 August 2015Strategies & action plans
Making Sydney a Sustainable DestinationBusinesses in the entertainment and accommodation sector can benefit from an increased focus on the environment.Published 28 February 2018
City of Sydney News
News
There’s more than 1 way to recycle batteries in SydneyJust don’t put them in your yellow-lid bin at home.6 May 2021News
100 new spaces open in food scraps recycling trialMore spots available for apartment buildings.5 May 2021News
A beginner’s guide to avoiding single use items 5 easy ways to make the switch to reusables.28 April 2021News
Advanced tips for living a more plastic-free lifeIf you’ve already ditched takeaway coffee cups, straws and bottled water, take your eco-journey to the next level.28 April 2021News
Your guide to carbon offsets: 3 actions you can take nowAppealing, convenient and impactful ways to reduce your environmental footprint.29 March 2021News
Our plans for a greener, cooler, more resilient SydneyNew and improved parks, green roofs and walls, streetscape gardening and hundreds of new trees will help cover 40% of the city in greenery by 2050.19 March 2021News
Green your city: Receive a free treeThe giveaway is part of a NSW Government project to plant 1 million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022.15 March 2021News
Aboriginal fire stick farming: close-to-home carbon offsettingWe’ve signed a deal with Aboriginal carbon farmers to help reduce our emissions11 March 2021News
How to grow your own food if you rentTips to start an edible garden with mobile gardens, planters and pots.1 March 2021News
What happens to recycled itemsWe explore where clothes, electronics, polystyrene and soft plastics go once you drop them off at Recycle It Saturday.18 February 2021
