City of Sydney council has rubber stamped a policy in which energy efficiency and renewable energy targets will be incorporated into commercial development applications in the local government area, writes Casey Cann.
The move is a first for an Australian council, meaning development applications for new office buildings, hotels, shopping centres and other major building works need to comply with minimum energy ratings from January 2023 and achieve net-zero energy use from 2026.
“Commercial office space, hotels and apartment buildings contribute 68 per cent of total emissions in the City of Sydney,” says Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“If we are to meet our target of net-zero emissions by 2035 [in the City of Sydney local government area] we need the building sector to play its part.
“These new controls – which were four years in the making – require developers to reduce emissions through increased energy efficiency, onsite 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 new building guidelines are expected to save more than $1.3 billion on energy bills for investors, businesses and occupants from 2023 to 2040.
It is estimated owners of office buildings will save $2750 per 1000 square metres of floor area, and hotels will save $170 per room.
“Working with our major developers and building owners to address the climate crisis could not be more important,” says Moore.
“This program will help us reach our target of net-zero emissions by 2035 and provide energy savings of more than $1.3 billion across greater Sydney.”
Developers Stockland, Frasers Property, Lendlease, Crown Group, Dexus and Mirvac support the new building standards.
“The performance standards and evidence base can be used by all councils across greater Sydney to support investment in renewable energy and create jobs in regional areas,” says Moore.
“We can only meet the climate challenge with concerted action. The more we can work together and exchange information, knowledge and experiences, the greater our ability to achieve net-zero emissions.
“The NSW Government should extend this work statewide.”