- New controls include minimum energy ratings for some new buildings
- Controls also include net-zero energy use from 2026
- The controls are four years in the making
The City of Sydney will soon require applications for some new buildings to comply with net-zero targets and minimum energy ratings.
The Australian-first was unanimously endorsed by Council last night, with the measures expected to save over $1.3 billion on energy bills for investors, businesses, and occupants from 2023 to 2040, and help the City of Sydney meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2035.
The City will require applications for new office buildings, hotels and shopping centres and major redevelopments to comply with minimum energy ratings from January 2023 and achieve net-zero energy use from 2026.
Final amendments were made to the proposal after the City of Sydney reviewed feedback during the public exhibition late last year.
The rationale
The Lord Mayor said the buildings that will come under the new controls produce a majority of the City’s emissions:
“Commercial office space, hotels and apartment buildings contribute 68% 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.
“These new controls, four years in the making, require developers to reduce emissions through increased energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy production and offsite renewable energy procurement. They are ambitious but achievable and provide a clear pathway for developers to improve energy performance and transition to net zero buildings.”
The City said the measures are expected to deliver substantial financial benefits. Annually, office owners will save $2,750 per 1,000 square metres of floor area and hotel owners $170 per hotel room.
Widely supported and award-winning
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the ambitious controls were created with support from developers, investors, industry bodies, consultants and government agencies.
Development of the controls received national and state awards from the Planning Institute of Australia as well as from Local Government NSW and the Greater Cities Commission.
Six major developers, including Stockland, Frasers, Lendlease, Crown Group, Dexus and Mirvac, wrote to the City of Sydney supporting the proposed development standards.
“Working with our major developers and building owners to address the climate crisis could not be more important. Not only will this program help us reach our target of net-zero emissions by 2035, it will provide energy savings of more than $1.3 billion for investors, businesses and occupants across Greater Sydney,” said the Lord Mayor.
“The action we take locally will help reduce emissions and contribute to a positive business recovery for Greater Sydney.
“The performance standards and evidence base can be used by all councils across Greater Sydney and will support investment in renewable energy and create jobs in regional areas, as we have already done through our investment in wind farms and solar farms in Inverell, Nowra and Wagga Wagga.
“The climate challenge is one that we can only meet with concerted action. The more we can work together and exchange information, knowledge and experiences, the greater our ability to achieve net-zero emissions.”
