A stylish open-plan café will replace the old one in Hyde Park South as part of work to make Museum Station more accessible.

The new café’s glass frontage will help preserve the heritage look of the brick station entrance at the corner of Elizabeth and Liverpool streets.

The café will be built by the City of Sydney as part of works by Transport for NSW to improve access to the station by installing new lifts to connect the station entry, concourse and platforms.

The work required demolition of the old café by TFNSW.

“The new cafe and improved access from Museum Station will be welcome additions to Sydney’s favourite park,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“The design sits well with the heritage setting and will allow for better access to the park, Pool of Reflection and Anzac War Memorial, which will soon be upgraded to include a water feature and education centre on the western side.

“The café’s beautiful design will make it a great place to enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat.”

Unlike the former café attached to the rear of the station, the re-imagined version will be set back to allow better access and sight lines to the park and Anzac War Memorial, where a water cascade will be added by the NSW Government to realise the architect’s original design.

Designed by Andrew Burns Architects, the new café will cover a similar area to the original but provide more appealing indoor and covered seating.

The project includes:

• Two unisex toilets with one accessible to park users;
• Seating for around 90 people;
• A lift lobby with new paving;
• More accessible routes from Museum Station to the Anzac War Memorial;
• New garden beds, retaining walls and stairs; and
• Paving in the café and station surrounds.

After completing the café, the City will invite expressions of interest from prospective operators.

Museum Station has State Significance as Australia’s first underground station.

Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and a culturally significant heritage landscape. It is listed by the National Trust and as a heritage item in the City of Sydney Local Environment Plan and State Heritage Register.

City of Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore today announced that Sydney’s top commercial landlords had cut 45 per cent of their emissions since 2006, saving an impressive $30 million a year.

The City of Sydney-led Better Buildings Partnership includes the major landlords and property managers of more than half of the Sydney city centre’s commercial office floor space.

The Lord Mayor announced the results at the UN Climate Conference in Paris, as part of a keynote speech on the crucial role for buildings in tackling climate change.

“We mean business when it comes to tackling climate change,” the Lord Mayor said.

“With these results, Sydney’s biggest landlords have shown it makes financial sense to cut emissions.

“They’re already more than halfway to reaching their 70 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.

“Together we’ve shown that more ambitious targets are possible and compatible with strong economic growth.

“We’re seeing real climate leadership by companies here in Australia. The Better Buildings Partnership’s ongoing success is a model for how much progress can be made when government and the private sector work together on sensible, effective climate policies.”

Members of the Better Buildings Partnership have improved the overall sustainability performance of their buildings through measures such as building system upgrades, improved facilities management and green infrastructure including locally produced trigeneration, low carbon energy and recycled water networks.

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings has avoided more than145,000 tonnes carbon emissions in the last year alone and shaved more than $30 million a year from the bottom line. It’s reduced energy use across their92 buildings by six per cent, cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduced water consumption by more than a third on 2006 levels.

Over half of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions come from commercial office buildings, so it’s important to reduce their overall environmental impact.

BBP Chair and group general manager HSE and sustainability, Paul Edwards, praised members for their impressive savings.

“The Better Buildings Partnership has delivered exceptional results, clearly demonstrating the value of working in collaboration with peers,” Mr Edwards said.

“The BBP has again taken a major step towards 70 per cent reduction by 2030, hitting 45 per cent this year.”

“The power of working together is proving again to be the right approach – delivering outstanding value to members and introducing new standards, such as new waste guidelines, which help the whole industry.”

The BBP’s waste guidelines are one of a suite of practical tools that are raising the bar on sustainability management practice for commercial buildings.

The City has worked closely with the BBP on the development of its energy efficiency master plan and climate adaptation plan.

The City’s climate adaptation plan was adopted this year to prepare for future impacts of climate change. These include more heat waves and extreme weather, such as the storms Sydney experienced in April this year. The plan was prepared with help from major science groups and leading business and property organisations, including the BBP.

The adapting for climate change strategy contains 39 different actions to help deal with issues ranging from changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels to more severe heat waves.

The award-winning BBP is one of many City of Sydney programs working with Australian businesses and communities to reduce emissions while making a significant contribution to their bottom line.

For more information, visit sydneybetterbuildings.com.au

Shoppers will be treated to the sounds of the festive season with carolling choirs performing in the city’s late-night retails hot spots in the lead up to Christmas.

Through December, carols will fill the air in Pitt Street Mall every Thursday night from 6pm–8pm, and beside the Martin Place Christmas tree every night of the week from 6pm–8pm.

Choirs who will serenade shoppers include Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Café of the Gate of Salvation and Endeavour Harmony as well as children’s choirs from Darlington Public School and the Australian Girls Choir.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was working closely with retailers to make the Sydney Christmas shopping experience as festive and fun as possible.

“The City’s Christmas choir program will help everyone get into the Christmas spirit and give retailers a boost by drawing shoppers into the city centre,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Combined with our projections and Christmas lights, these choirs help create an exciting, festive atmosphere in key retail precincts like Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place.

“Christmas is a wonderful time to be in Sydney and the city is the place to be.”

The renowned Christmas at Sydney Town Hall concert on 15 December also guarantees a memorable night for the whole family. Held in the spectacular Centennial Hall from 8pm–9.30pm, the event is a very traditional affair of carol singing, festive music and readings complemented, by the magnificent Grand Organ.

Pitt Street Mall choir program

Thursday 3 December

North Pitt Street – from 6.25pm: Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
South Pitt Street – from 6.05pm: Endeavour Harmony

Thursday 10 December

North Pitt Street – from 6.25pm: Sydney Philharmonia
South Pitt Street – from 6.05pm: Cafe of the Gate of Salvation

Thursday 17 December

North Pitt Street – from 6.25pm: Sydney Philharmonia
South Pitt Street – from 6.05pm: Australian Girls Choir

Thursday 24 December

From 6.05pm: Endeavour Harmony

Martin Place choir program (each night from 6pm)

Wednesday 2 December – Darlington Public School
Thursday 3 December – Sydney Sings (With One Voice)
Friday 4 December – Northern Beaches Choir
Saturday 5 December – SISTA! Quartet
Sunday 6 December – Australian Girls Choir
Monday 7 December – Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
Tuesday 8 December – Honeybees
Wednesday 9 December – Sydney Philharmonia
Thursday 10 December – Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir
Friday 11 December – Australian Girls Choir
Saturday 12 December – Cafe of the Gate of Salvation
Sunday 13 December – Australian Girls Choir
Monday 14 December – Honeybees
Wednesday 16 December – Sydney Sings (With One Voice)
Thursday 17 December – Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir
Friday 18 December – Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
Saturday 19 December – Endeavour Harmony
Sunday 20 December – Salvation Army Band & Choir
Monday 21 December – SISTA! Quartet
Tuesday 22 December – Salvation Army Band (featuring Colin Buchanan)
Wednesday 23 December – Salvation Army Band
Thursday 24 December – Salvation Army Band 

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Art & About Sydney and Golden Age Cinema are hosting a night-time screening of Steven Spielberg’s classic shark-horror, Jaws, at the Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool.

Forty years after the film first unleashed fear among cinemagoers around the world, this unique outdoor experience will allow viewers to enjoy the movie while lounging poolside.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said people had better be quick to snap up tickets for JAWS: The Deep End, which go on sale on Thursday 3 December.

“Spielberg’s 1975 film – and the music that helped set its tone – is a classic and the opportunity to watch it so close to the water is not to be missed,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This is one of many exciting creative city events we have planned for 2016, I encourage you to get outdoors and make the most of our year-round Art & About program.”

The City teamed up with Surry Hills’ Golden Age Cinema & Bar to create the memorable experience for film-lovers and mark the film’s recent 40th anniversary.

Tickets are limited for this poolside screening, which will also feature fresh seafood and ocean-inspired drinks.

The two screenings in late January next year are part of Art & About Sydney’s new year-round program of art in unusual places.

Jaws won Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Sound. John William’s memorable score also won the Grammy Award, Golden Globe Award and the BAFTA Award.

It is frequently cited as one of the greatest films of all time and in 2001 was selected to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural, historical and aesthetic significance.

The City of Sydney congratulates all the Sydney businesses that shone at the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards 2015 on Friday night.

Leading Sydney businesses from Glebe, Newtown, Walsh Bay and the city centre were celebrated alongside businesses from across the state at the gala awards dinner.

“These annual awards recognise success in business leadership, ethics, innovation, sustainability, employment and export, and they’ve been an excellent showcase for our small business sector,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“It was good to see Sydney businesses holding their own among the finest in the state, and I congratulate them for being recognised at a state level.”

The businesses were shortlisted from across the local government area, having competed in the new Sydney City regional awards program in July, run by the NSW Business Chamber and sponsored by the City.

Judges for the Sydney City Regional Awards and the NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards are selected from subject matter experts or practitioners in the area relating to the award category, academics in the field, award category sponsors and NSW Business Chamber representatives.

The City was a proud sponsor of the Excellence in Small Business award segment of the NSW Awards, and will continue to support the awards next year. The award was this year won by The Perfect Wave Travel Company, from Brookvale in Sydney’s north.

The City will again be conducting the business awards across its local government area next year, as part of the NSW Business Chamber awards program.

The City of Sydney businesses shortlisted for the 2015 NSW Business Chamber’s Business Awards included:

Simmer on the Bay

Business Leader – Simmer on the Bay, Walsh Bay

Brigid Kennedy has been Managing Director of Simmer on the Bay, a renowned catering and events space in the Walsh Bay arts precinct, since 2005. She is also a published author and expert chef.
Brigid mentors her staff, helps them work towards their chosen career paths, not just during their time at Simmer on the Bay, but also after they have outgrown the business and are ready to strike out on their own.
She belongs to two business chambers and has the chance to inspire and work first-hand with the younger members of those chambers, sharing advice and advocating for their businesses.

Employer of Choice – The Shepherd Centre, Newtown

The Shepherd Centre offers a variety of family-centred critical services under one roof at their head office in Newtown, continuously expands its range of programs and invests in research, technology and innovation. The centre maintains focus on staff retention through flexible working conditions, team building and training.

Excellence in Business – The Shepherd Centre, Newtown

Not-for-profit The Shepherd Centre is an organisation teaching children with hearing loss in NSW, ACT and Tasmania to listen and speak. It offers a variety of family-centred critical services under one roof, with the office based in Newtown.
The centre credits clear leadership and vision from the board and executive team for allowing the organisation to expand without losing its focus on staff and the families who need them.
The Shepherd Centre is recognised as a leader in its field, providing world-class services to families.
Sustainable growth in fundraising is key to the organisation, which strives to satisfy the growing demand from families.

Excellence in Business Ethics – D&M Research, city centre

D&M Research is a boutique, full service research agency, passionate about research, clients and successful organisations. The company constantly reviews the ethics of its business practices and any relevance implications to projects and clients. D&M Research is also a carbon neutral company that cares about the impact of its activities on the environment.

Excellence in Export – Australian Institute of Professional Education, city centre

Isil Sam is the Chief Finance Officer at the Australian Institute of Professional Education (AIPE), an innovative vocational education provider based in Sydney CBD, offering both on-site and online e-learning.
Ms Sam says she is focused on quality, productivity and standards in the organisation and encourages the next generation of upcoming leaders at AIPE with simple advice: “break down large tasks into simple manageable projects and always keep in mind the objectives of those projects to keep your focus”.
Although she has a wealth of experience in her field, she says she keeps learning and growing her knowledge.

Excellence in Innovation – Glebe Family Medical Practice, Glebe

Glebe Family Medical Practice has delivered medical care to the local community for over 30 years. Its experienced team of doctors offer fully-accredited patient-centred care, including travel vaccination clinic, complex and chronic disease management and women and children’s health care.
The practice also supports the Closing the Gap Indigenous Reform Agenda and works to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and early childhood development in the local community.
The practice has recently introduced a free screening tool for atrial fibrillation (abnormal rhythm of the heart that is associated with a high risk for stroke) for patients aged 65 and over when they attend for their annual flu vaccination. This screening tool allows their doctors to offer preventive treatment to those who need it and it can decreases their risk of stroke.

Excellence in Small Business (City of Sydney sponsored) – FIRESOFT Consulting, city centre

FIRESOFT Consulting is a specialist IT recruitment and executive consulting firm based in central Sydney and serving clients Australia-wide. FIRESOFT credits its growth in the last year to “big plans tightly underpinned by a strong vision, mission and set of values that the whole team is passionate about”.
The company purposely works more closely with a restricted number of clients, emphasising strong relationships and winning repeat business.

Excellence in Sustainability – SMC Conference and Function Centre, city centre

Central Sydney venue, SMC Conference and Function Centre offers a 100 per cent accessible, purpose-built centre which gives its clients a complete conference solution with modern and stylish facilities.
The venue is committed to sustainability and has had a green policy in place since its construction 35 years ago. It orders only fresh, seasonal local produce for their events catering, closely monitors its carbon emissions and uses low-energy, electronic posters to promote the venue.

Local Chamber of Commerce – Glebe Chamber of Commerce, Glebe

Glebe Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the revitalisation of Glebe and to helping their members access opportunities for their businesses throughout Sydney and NSW. It organises the annual Glebe Street Fair and other initiatives to engage local businesses with their community.
The Glebe Chamber is trialling a number of innovative programs with local businesses. It has recently launched glebe.com.au providing local businesses with an affordable and easy-to-use platform to find everything they ever wanted to know about Glebe, supporting them to become more productive, connected and sustainable.

Young Business Executive – Daniel Moss, Vertical Financial Solutions, city centre

Daniel Moss is co-founder and managing director of Vertical Financial Solutions (VFS), an independent advisory firm specialising in wealth management.
Daniel has hands-on experience in establishing and managing financial services businesses and is passionate about investment markets. He says teamwork and partnerships are key to the company’s success as well as hard work and commitment to its strategy.

Young Entrepreneur – Kris Spann, The Works, Glebe

Building and projects manager Kris Spann runs The Works, a multi-level warehouse space in Glebe offering co-working, studio, accommodation, classroom and retail space for creative practitioners to design, make and exhibit their works.
To build the business, Kris started out thinking about what creative businesses and practitioners would need under the one roof. The spaces he has created, which took three years to realise, are helping and inspiring dynamic, innovative people to produce great work.

Sydney’s much-loved Christmas projections are, for the first time, lighting-up some of Martin Place’s most striking historic buildings, creating a colourful, festive experience in the month leading up to 25 December.

The GPO Clock Tower, Burberry, Westpac Bank and Challis House have joined Sydney landmarks St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney Town Hall in being illuminated with festive colours.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the annual projections and illuminations attract people to the city centre and created a joyful mood.

“It’s really worth visiting the city centre after sunset to soak up the magical atmosphere and take in the colourful moving projections on these buildings,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Bring your loved ones – and a camera – and take a walk from Sydney Town Hall to Martin Place and St Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate the season of peace, joy and goodwill.”

Martin Place is Sydney’s home of Christmas this year with a 21-metre-tall interactive Christmas tree, sparkling disco-style banners and roving choirs complementing the projections.

Sydney’s most-loved Christmas tree is dressed with 60,000 lights, 120 interactive stars, 200 shiny baubles and topped with a 1.5-metre wide star.

The Boulevard of Light in Pitt Street Mall features more than 100 living, potted Christmas trees and an overhead canopy of 62,000 lights, creating a festive wonderland. The trees will be auctioned during the week of Christmas with all proceeds going to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Sydney Town Hall’s renowned sandstone facade is this year illuminated with festive colours starting from the steps all the way up the 55-metre tall clocktower.

From 10 December, the St Mary’s Cathedral projections will acknowledge the United Nation’s International Year of Light with themes and imagery based on the power of light. The City is waiving venue hire fees worth around $70,000 each year for the next three years to help the projections proceed.

Their annual Lights of Christmas projections illuminate the 75-metre tall façade of the cathedral with vivid 3D imagery complemented by sound and choirs.

City lights and projections:

Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street: 7pm–midnight, until 25 December
Boulevard of Light: 8.30pm–1am, until 25 December
Pitt Street Mall with more than 100 Christmas trees
Martin Place: 8.30pm–1am, until 25 December
Westpac Bank, 341 George Street
Burberry, 343 George Street
GPO Clock Tower, 1 Martin Place
Challis House, 4 Martin Place
St Mary’s Cathedral, College Street: 7.30am–midnight, 10–25 December.

More than 800 experts in planning, urban design and commercial property

will come together at the City of Sydney-sponsored Green Cities conference to discuss sustainable building initiatives.

The annual conference, run by the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia, will attract some of the most innovative and influential specialists in the field, from 22–24 March, in Sydney.

The City will showcase its leading sustainability projects at the conference, which provides a platform for professionals to share knowledge and explore the latest ideas on sustainable buildings, cities and communities.

“Eighty per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Sydney area come from buildings, so it’s important we look for new ways to create sustainable, energy efficient developments,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Central Sydney and the inner city are home to many commercial and residential properties, which have embraced new sustainable technologies and innovative building techniques.

“These energy-saving technologies and designs are evolving fast, so this conference gives planners, designers and commercial developers an opportunity to share their practical experience and insights into making Sydney’s new high-density developments innovative and sustainable.”

The City will provide $20,000 in cash sponsorship for the conference, which is now in its tenth year and attracts more than 800 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region for three days of practical site tours, hands-on masterclasses, networking events and inspiring speakers.

Next year’s conference theme is ‘Disruption’ and will include discussions about:

• The importance of pedestrian zones in George Street and integrated transport planning;
• Creating connected cities with light rail, cycling and walking;
• Sustainable urban renewal projects, such as Green Square;
• The issues related to city growth, densification, social and environmental sustainability;
• Affordable housing for a diverse population; and
• Wellness in the workplace.

Green Building Council of Australia chief executive officer Romilly Madew said the conference theme would look at how disruption in cities can been transformational.

“The City of Sydney has introduced a range of innovative and some would argue disruptive ideas that have challenged the way we approach the design and management of our buildings and precincts. Leading initiatives such as the Better Buildings Partnership and a highly-ambitious sustainability strategy are just two reasons why we were keen to partner with the Mayor and her team.  We are excited to be working together to shake up the status quo and spark new ideas for sustainable cities,” Ms Madew said.

According to Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison, Australia’s population is projected to grow to 30.5 million in the next 15 years – and most of that growth will occur in our cities.

“This population growth will be a disruptive force, and we’ll need to jettison business-as-usual thinking and reimagine our cities to ensure they remain productive, liveable and sustainable,” Mr Morrison said.

“With the support of the City of Sydney, Green Cities will provide a platform to help our industry do just that.”

The City’s presentations will include an opening panel session, a speaker on urban renewal and a half day masterclass on the Better Building Partnership’s best practice work on waste.

The City is committed to helping the business community respond to the challenges of climate change, while making savings to the bottom line through programs like the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP), City Switch and Smart Green Business.

The BBP works to reduce the use of water, waste and energy in commercial offices. Its members include landlords and property managers representing more than half of Sydney CBD’s commercial floor space.

BBP members have saved $25 million in electricity costs a year and reduced their emissions by 35 per cent since 2006 – well ahead of the target to cut emissions 70 per cent by 2030.

The City has recently signed its third Environmental Upgrade Agreement – an innovative funding agreement between a building owner, a finance provider and council to unlock barriers to sustainability investments in buildings.

“More than 90 per cent of Sydneysiders told us they wanted action on climate change. Through careful planning and investment we are making significant progress,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The City is leading through example, getting our own house in order and showing by doing. We are also encouraging business and community to make changes to green the urban environment while making significant financial savings.”

The City of Sydney was Australia’s first carbon-neutral government and has set an ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of reducing emissions by 70 per cent below 2006 levels by 2030.

The City of Sydney is sponsoring a new pocket guide, website and training program to allow people with disability or accessibility needs to more easily attend arts and culture events.

Produced by NSW’s peak arts and disability organisation, Accessible Arts, the new ‘Z-card’ printed brochure and website provides venue information on access and inclusion programs, including audio-described and Auslan-interpreted performances, and accessible amenities, such as wheelchair and hearing-loop access.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the information would help people with access needs and their carers plan their visit and have confidence the venue would meet their needs before arriving.

“Everyone should be able to access Sydney’s many fantastic arts and cultural venues in an easy and dignified way,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The Z-card will reduce barriers that prevent people from enjoying Sydney’s cultural and creative life.

“The City’s $30,000 sponsorship will also improve each organisation’s understanding of issues around accessibility, and highlight the need for clear and consistent communication.”

Addressing barriers to participation in cultural activity are identified priorities of the City’s Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan and Cultural Plan.

Sydney’s leading venues and events are detailed in the Z-card, including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, City Recital Hall, Maritime Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Writer’s Festival, Art Gallery of NSW and Carriageworks.

Accessible Arts Chief Executive, Sancha Donald, said the City’s sponsorship would also allow them to produce a how-to style guide for participating organisations on developing best-practice accessible websites to assist in reaching audiences with disability.

“Partner organisations can use the how-to style guide and include the Z-card logo on their individual sites, helping audiences to easily locate access information,” Ms Donald said.

“The entire Z-card initiative, with pocket guide, website, staff training and how-to style guides, is going to be a great help to so many Sydneysiders, who can now enjoy a night out at the city’s cultural and arts venues without worrying about the details most of us take for granted.”

Accessible Arts will monitor the results of the pilot project to ensure it is working for people with disability or access needs.

The City of Sydney’s ambitious actions to slash emissions have been backed by a new report, confirming global warming is intensifying the impact of extreme weather events globally with Sydney at risk from heatwaves, droughts and sea level rise.

The report, Expect the Unexpected, by Munich Re, one of the world’s biggest reinsurance companies, shows Sydney faces almost a third more hailstorm days in the face of climate change.

The Munich Re report shows costs to Australia from natural catastrophes have almost quadrupled from 1980 to reach $6.3 billion a year. This figure is expected to soar to $23 billion by 2050 in real terms.

“Munich Re’s report shows the conditions for thunderstorms in Sydney will rise by nearly a third by the end of the century and the frequency of extreme droughts in Australia could increase by more than one and a half times,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“We’re already witnessing threats such as the fierce storms in April when heavy rainfall flooded parts of Sydney and NSW. As our climate changes, the hottest days will become hotter, more frequent and last longer, putting enormous strains on vital infrastructure, community health and air quality.”

“This new report confirms what the world’s top scientists have been saying – we have reached a critical decade for action on climate change.”

“In Sydney, we’re getting on with the job of protecting against these dangerous climate threats for our community. We have the most ambitious target of any Australian government – to cut emissions 70 per cent by 2030, on 2006 levels – and we’re well on track.”

The City’s sustainability achievements include:

• Completing a major retrofit of 45 of the City’s major buildings. The retrofit has cut the City’s electricity use by about 6.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) a year – enough to supply about 1000 households annually – and saved an estimated $1.1 million a year in power bills;
• Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) on major buildings such as Redfern Oval Grandstand, Sydney Park pavilion and Paddington Town Hall. The panels are expected to reduce the City’s annual carbon pollution by around 2,073 tonnes, about five per cent of the City’s total electricity use;
• Replacing 6,450 lights with LEDs across the City’s streets and parks, saving nearly $800,000 a year in electricity bills and maintenance a year and reducing carbon emissions by nearly 40 per cent;
• Supporting the Better Buildings partnership members, including owners of more than half the city’s commercial property, to reduce their emissions by 113,000 tonnes, saving $30 million in the last year alone;
• Recruiting nearly 600 new businesses to the Smart Green Business Program. This year members saved 15,000 tonnes carbon emissions;
• Increasing businesses participating in the CitySwitch Green Office program, which covers nearly three million square metres office floor space across the city; and;
• Installing the city’s largest stormwater harvesting system at Sydney Park. The $10.5 million project will captures and cleans up to around 850 million litres stormwater a year, providing a sustainable water supply for the parks’ future.

The City has a suite of green infrastructure master plans to achieve targets for renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste and water. The City’s climate adaptation strategy is a landmark plan prepared with major science groups earlier this year to help deal with issues ranging from changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels to more severe heat waves.

The City has signed its third Environmental Upgrade Agreement – an innovative funding agreement between a building owner, finance provider and council to unlock barriers to sustainability investments in buildings.

The City has also appointed Sydney’s first Chief Resilience Officer to help prepare the city for social, economic and climate challenges.