City of Sydney makes the move to net zero

Developers and the City of Sydney council have joined forces in support of new regulations that will help the city reach its net zero goal.

The City of Sydney will include energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives in development applications as the council moves towards net zero emissions.

It’s a first for Australia, the council says, after unanimously approving regulations mandating significant redevelopments, new office buildings, hotels and retail shopping centres, meet with minimal energy ratings starting in January 2023 and reach net zero energy consumption starting in 2026.

The City of Sydney says this will help it reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2035.

The move will also save investors, companies and tenants an estimated $1.3 billion in energy costs between 2023 and 2040.

“Commercial office space, hotels and apartment buildings contribute 68 per cent of total emissions in the City. If we’re to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2035, we need the building sector to play its part,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

The new controls will require developers to reduce their emissions through energy efficiency and use of renewables produced either on or off-site.

Architect and deputy chair councillor HY William Chan, who moved the item at the council meeting, said the City of Sydney’s decision would “set a precedent for other local governments”.

The new standards were supported by six major developers: Stockland, Frasers, Lendlease, Crown Group, Dexus and Mirvac, who wrote to the City of Sydney to express their support.