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 wastePeople & communities
Transport and accessBusiness & 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
Recycle your old batteries, mobile phones, light bulbs and soft plasticsTo celebrate National Recycling Week, we’ve partnered with the Mirvac to offer pop-up recycling stations for items that don’t belong in your household bin.28 October 2020News
Top 5 items Sydney doesn’t know how to recycleTips to help you dispose of unwanted goods responsibly.23 October 2020News
Sydney green thumbs show us 6 diverse community gardensThese shared spaces across the city are doing more than providing organic crops. They’re growing community connections too.19 October 2020News
8 birds to spot in SydneyMore than 120 bird species visit or live in our city. Have you spotted these feathered friends? The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is on 19 to 25 October.9 October 2020News
How to negotiate the best GreenPower electricity dealWhat to ask and what to watch out for in your renewable electricity plan29 September 2020News
Lighting our city spaces over darker daysWe’ve upgraded our pools and community centres to make them even more energy efficient.28 September 2020News
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 2020
