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 wastePeople & communities
Transport and accessEnvironmental action
Energy and climate changeBusiness & economy
Green economyEnvironmental action
Greening and natureEnvironmental action
Water management
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
Watch: A Farmer, a sheep shearer, a cricket coach – meet the Gamiliroi country locals benefiting from GreenPower projectsSee one of the places the City of Sydney buys electricity from - Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell in northern NSW.15 September 2020News
Explain it quickly: How to go renewable without rooftop solarEven if you’re renting, you can go 100% renewable. Learn about GreenPower and power purchase agreements.3 September 2020News
How to switch to renewable energy if you rentIt’s faster and easier than you think. Learn about GreenPower.3 September 2020News
Kua shows Sydney consumers the future with zero-waste coffeeA Chippendale coffee start-up shows how circular business models can benefit the environment and communities in Sydney and Uganda.25 August 2020News
International acclaim for our urban wetlands Sydney Park’s water reuse project wins major award.13 August 2020News
Recycle It Saturday: Our new drop-off eventGive household items like old clothes, polystyrene and electronics a new lease of life.31 July 2020News
Have your say on barriers to installing green infrastructure in your apartment buildingIf you own or rent an apartment, town house or villa in NSW we invite you to take part in this survey.27 July 2020News
We’ve made the switch to 100% renewable energyThe City of Sydney is now powered using 100 per cent renewable electricity generated from wind and solar farms in regional NSW.1 July 2020News
5 things to know about our electricity dealThe City of Sydney is now 100% renewable. We’ve struck a deal that’s good for the city, benefits regional NSW and protects the planet. Here’s how we did it.1 July 2020News
Meet Sydney Park’s new family membersThe black swan couple of these inner city wetlands recently became proud parents to a brood of cygnets.16 June 2020
