Green building grants

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We’d like to help you choose the right grant and provide tips for a successful application.

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

Applications are open

Applications close: Tuesday 12 August at 4pm
Project timeline: 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
Recommendations to Council: November 2025

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About this program

This grants program supports building owners and owners corporations to receive environmental ratings, certifications and assessments to make their buildings resource- efficient and achieve net zero emissions by 2035.

These are examples of what funding can support:

Residential apartment buildings

building electrification feasibility assessments
- upgrades of domestic gas hot water systems to heat pump systems
- full building electrification including common areas, in apartments and electric vehicle charging
renewable energy feasibility assessments
- onsite solar, especially shared solar that gives renters access to renewable energy
energy, water, and waste assessments
- identification of no/low-cost efficiency opportunities
- identification of larger projects that future-proof buildings
establishment of local resource recovery hubs (non-capital works)
multiyear NABERS energy and water ratings
- initial rating year and action plan, second year rating and evaluation plan for implemented upgrades, final rating year with measured saving outcomes.

Applicants should demonstrate intent to implement feasible solutions, as indicated in the assessments, and sufficient budget in the building’s capital works fund to do so.

Accommodation buildings, including hotels, hostels and serviced apartments

electrification feasibility assessment for gas dependent boiler, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and kitchen system
multiyear NABERS energy and water ratings, and waste verification supported with an action plan
- initial rating year and action plan, second year rating and evaluation plan for implemented upgrades, final year rating with measured saving and outcomes
Green Star Performance rating
EarthCheck certification
Ecotourism certification
energy, water and waste assessments
renewables feasibility assessments
net zero action plan.

We prioritise projects that help existing residential and accommodation buildings to improve their environmental performance, replace gas systems with electric alternatives and achieve net zero emissions.

We encourage applications from organisations that support Aboriginal and/or Torres and Strait Islander communities and culture, including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and networks.
Proposals are assessed against:
- evidence of the need for the project
- demonstrated connection, benefit to, and engagement with the local diverse community in the planning and delivery of the project
- how the project delivers against the funding priorities.
For more information, see what the assessment criteria means section of the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

Funding available

Cash funding up to $50,000 is available for each project, each year up to 3 years.

Accommodation buildings, including hotels, hostels and serviced apartments: If you don’t meet the guidelines definition of eligible not-for-profit organisation or incorporated association, you’re required to match the cash funding requested with cash and/or value-in-kind.

Eligibility

Owners corporations of residential buildings or owners of accommodation buildings in the City of Sydney’s local area can apply.

Eligible organisations include:
- owners corporation
- eligible not-for-profit organisation
- incorporated association
- corporation
- co-operative
- trustee of a trust.
This program is open to for-profit entities.

For the definition of each eligible applicant above, see the glossary/definitions section in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

For more information on eligibility see the eligibility section in the grants and sponsorship guidelines.
- Capital expenditure or capital works
- New buildings
- Commercial office or entertainment building types
- Requests for tender, quote comparisons
- A NABERS rating mandated by government including under the commercial building disclosure scheme at point of sale or lease.
For more information on what is not eligible for funding in this program, see the general exclusions and ineligibility section in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.