Energy

We have a power purchase agreement with one wind farm and 2 solar farms in New South Wales. This covers all the electricity we use for our town halls, community centres, streetlights, sportsfields and aquatic centres.

When we made the move to 100% renewable electricity, we chose to support at least one new renewable energy project to help grow the sector in NSW.

This approach is achieving results. We’ve significantly reduced our emissions and saved ratepayers $8 million in electricity costs between 2020 and 2026.

This video shows where we’re buying renewable electricity from, and how you can go renewable too.

We were one of the first organisations with electric vehicles, and by 2030, we plan for all our light commercial and passenger vehicles to be 100% electric.

Victoria Park Pool in Camperdown was our first pool to become fully electric. We no longer connect gas in new projects and we’re gradually removing gas appliances from our existing buildings. Our goal is to remove fossil gas from our operations by 2030.

We’ve updated our planning controls to support a wide range of sustainability improvements across new developments and existing buildings.

• Net zero energy performance standards – new commercial buildings, hotels and shopping centres in our area must meet a net zero emissions performance standard. Under these requirements, new buildings must meet strict energy efficiency requirements and purchase 100% renewable electricity for their base energy needs.
• EV charging in apartment buildings – new apartment developments must ensure private parking bays can be easily retrofitted for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Some shared parking bays, such as visitor and customer parking, will also require EV chargers to be fitted as part of the development.
• Improved bike parking – new apartment buildings will be required to provide high-quality bicycle parking, such as secure, lockable rooms on the ground floor, near building entrances and main lifts, making cycling a more convenient and attractive transport option.
• Easier solar panel installation in heritage areas – planning changes will make is easier for households in heritage conservation areas to install rooftop solar panels, allowing more residents to benefit from renewable energy without the need for a development application.
• Urban agriculture in basement spaces – buildings can repurpose unused car parking and basement areas for urban agriculture. These spaces can support innovative food production methods, enabling the local growth of fresh produce such as leafy greens, mushroom and herbs.
• Indoor gas appliances in new homes – new residential buildings are to be designed without indoor gas appliances. This aims to improve indoor air quality and support healthier living environments.

• We’re trialling on-street electric vehicle charging for people who can’t charge at home, while making sure public spaces are protected. You can find locations in our local areas.

We continue to encourage the state and federal governments to do more on climate change.

• Involving local government – We’re advocating for councils to be supported to play a bigger role in designing and producing climate programs and helping communicate them to the community.
• Supporting all households – We want renters, apartment residents and low-income households to benefit from renewable energy including access to cheaper, cleaner energy and climate resilient homes.
• Improving building standards – we’re pushing for stronger building efficiency rules including clear energy performance information and minimum standards for rental homes.
• Ensuring new data centres are strategically located - we advocate for investment and requirements that support the energy transition, enhance resilience, and strengthen local economies, while avoiding impacts on water, energy systems, emissions, and communities.

We’re continuing to reduce emissions from our own operations by improving efficiency, switching from gas to electric systems, and buying renewable energy. Since 2006 we’ve reduced our operational emissions by 78% – without relying on carbon credits!  In 2011 we became the first council in Australia to be certified carbon neutral.

For the emissions we can’t avoid, we purchase carbon credits. More of these credits now support Indigenous-led fire and land management projects.

These projects use traditional cultural burning practices – cool, controlled burns over smaller areas – to help prevent large, intense bushfires. This reduces emissions and also creates jobs, protects nature and strengthens cultural knowledge.

• Smart green apartments – helps apartment residents reduce energy, water and waste costs, while reducing building emissions.
• Environmental grants  – provide funding for assessments, ratings and upgrades, circular economy and climate resilience projects.
• CitySwitch for businesses – helps office-based businesses reduce energy use, lower costs and improve sustainability.

Find events, guides and other sustainability support for businesses and residents.