Energy & Emissions
There are many types of greenhouse gas emissions, with many the result of human activity.
Greenhouse gas emissions
It’s now generally agreed that the safe level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is less than 350 parts per million (ppm) and we have been above that level for twenty years.
Centralised energy from Australia’s coal power electricity generation is currently responsible for around 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions or carbon pollution - this is an area with the greatest opportunity for change.
What the City is doing
Air quality
The two major air pollution problems in Sydney are smog and particulates.
Better Buildings Partnership
The Better Buildings Partnership is a collaboration of a number of Sydney's leading public, private and institutional landlords.
Carbon neutral
Already Carbon Neutral, the City of Sydney aims to remove its dependence on coal-fired electricity and increase its self sufficiency.
Coal Seam Gas
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP has written to the Premier to call for an independent investigation into the full environmental and social impacts of coal seam gas exploration and extraction.
Current status
Comprises a list of historical environmental indicators about energy, greenhouse gas emissions and air quality in the City of Sydney.
Electric vehicles
The City of Sydney now has one of Australia’s first electric cars – the compact Mitsubishi i-MiEV -as part of its vehicle fleet. Sydney is also home to Australia’s first public roadside electric vehicle charging station in Glebe.
Green infrastructure
The City is developing four Green Infrastructure Plans to secure the future of energy and water supply, and to reduce waste.
LED lighting trial
Street lighting accounts for around one third of Council's electricity use. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions 250 energy efficient street lights have being installed.
Sustainable fleet
City of Sydney is leading the way in sustainable fleet management by reducing the number of vehicles, using the most efficient engines, and low emissions fuels.
Urban heat island effect
The City of Sydney is using aerial thermal imagery and real-time temperature monitoring stations to measure the effect of vegetation and pavement type on ambient temperatures as a way to reduce the urban heat island effect.
What you can do
Residential & Business Programs
Find out what you can do to make your home and business more energy and water efficient, reduce your bills and help our environment.
Sustainable Sydney 2030
The City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including (CO2) by 50 per cent by 2030. This equates to a 70 per cent reduction on 2006 levels by 2030.
Through innovation and new partnerships, the City is making its own operations more sustainable, and supporting residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
For more information vist Sustainable Sydney 2030.
