info@gcc.nsw.gov.au
Mitigating climate change is a complex and ongoing challenge both globally and locally. It requires reducing the emission of greenhouse gases to prevent more severe climate change and adapting to manage the impacts of climate change.
The NSW Climate Change Policy Framework sets out the aspirational long-term objective for NSW to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The way Greater Sydney's urban structure and built form develops over time can support NSW's transition towards net-zero emissions.
In Greater Sydney, the sectors that contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions are (refer to Figure 45):
- energy (electricity and gas) used in buildings
- transport
- waste.
Developing the metropolis of three cities and aligning land use with transport planning will help slow emissions growth by planning the location of new homes near public transport, walkways and cycling paths. It will also help to better manage congestion, improve air quality and increase mobility
Future Transport 2056 sets out directions to investigate cost-effective pathways to support net-zero emissions by 2050, including encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport, promoting low-emissions vehicles, and transitioning to a cost-effective, low-emission energy supply.
Costs savings for households, businesses and local governments can be realised by improving the design and operation of buildings through energy, water and waste efficiency measures and by providing cheaper travel mode options. Increasing the uptake of solar panels can reduce reliance on centralised energy. The objectives for energy and waste (refer to Objective 34 and Objective 35) also set out contributions to netzero emissions.
The pathways towards net-zero emissions by 2050 vary across Greater Sydney, and depend on local circumstances and characteristics of each neighbourhood. In areas undergoing transformative change, more comprehensive approaches delivering greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are possible. For example, greater use of public transport and changes to parking supply in locations such as Greater Parramatta and the Olympic Peninsula can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nine per cent56. The pathways are summarised in Figure 55.
Support initiatives that contribute to the aspirational objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 especially through the establishment of low-carbon precincts in Planned Precincts, Growth Areas and Collaboration Areas.
Figure 55: Pathways towards net-zero emissions in Greater Sydney
