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
Recycling and wasteEnvironmental action
Energy and climate changePeople & communities
Transport and accessEnvironmental action
Greening and natureEnvironmental action
Water managementBusiness & 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
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 2021News
Give a sustainable gift this Valentine’s DayZero-waste gifts to impress that special someone – and nurture the planet28 January 2021News
Top 5 ways to dispose of your old techIt’s easier than ever to recycle electronics.22 December 2020News
Recycle tricky stuff from your doorstep with RecycleSmartWe’re partnering with RecycleSmart to make it easier for you to recycle items that can’t go in the yellow lid recycling bin.7 December 2020News
Drop off your old clothes, electronics, polystyrene, soft plastics and moreGive these items a new lease of life at Recycle It Saturday on Saturday 5 December.26 November 2020News
Have your say on the future of Sydney City FarmLet us know why the site matters to you and share your ideas on its future growth25 November 2020
