Sustainability in government agencies

The NSW Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 to make our state more sustainable and resilient to a changing climate.

Sustainability through resource efficiency

The government leads by example to reduce its own environmental impact through improved resource efficiency.

We can help government agencies improve their resource efficiency, reduce operations costs and become more sustainable. We do this by supporting government agencies to undertake resource efficient initiatives that help agencies save money and reduce emissions.

How we can help

We have a team of experts who can support you with:

  • advice on the design, delivery and financing of sustainability projects
  • sustainability thinking and leadership in your organisation
  • building a business case for your project
  • advice on your strategic planning
  • guidance on how to get solar on your buildings
  • access to low-interest loans
  • understanding the Government Resource Efficiency Policy (GREP)
  • access to the online tools for reporting on your agency’s resource efficiency.

Sustainability project examples

Contact us

Sustainability in government

The Northern NSW Local Health District

Men walking around and inspecting machinery.The Northern NSW Local Health District made around $800,000 worth of energy savings across six hospitals. The project included upgrading lights and building management systems and implementing water conservation measures.

We all have a part to play in reducing our impact on the environment. By installing energy efficient lighting, cooling systems and water conservation measures we’ve been able to reduce our energy use by around 3,500,000 kWh which is equivalent to approximately $750K per annum in the last two years. It’s a win-win situation for our health system and for the environment.

Peter Cleary
Manager Capital, Assets & Resources, NSW Health Northern NSW Local Health District

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Man on Sydney Harbour Bridge with the city lights in the background The Sydney Harbour Bridge replaced many of their lights with new 200W LED lamps with an expected annual saving of $2000.

I’m glad our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint at SHB attracts interest. It is important to walk the talk, and SHB as our national icon is leading by example. All of our street lighting is LED and we are progressing similarly with the arch lighting.

Peter Mann
Strategic Infrastructure Manager, Roads and Maritime Services

The Australian Museum

Kim McKay, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Australian MuseumThe Australian Museum’s Crystal Hall project included sustainable features which exceeded minimum building standards. These included a 12.5 kW solar PV system to power most of the building and a chilled/heated floor that means the hall is now naturally ventilated for most of the year.

Climate change is one of the key issues of our times and the protection and management of our natural heritage has never been more important. As a leading natural history and cultural institution, the Australian Museum (AM) has a responsibility to educate, inspire and act on environmental sustainability. The award-wining Crystal Hall Project is one example of many initiatives the AM has undertaken to reduce emissions.

Kim McKay, AO
Director, and Chief Executive Officer, Australian Museum

Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Building at Sydney Olympic Park with water tank and water-wise landscaping

The Sydney Olympic Park Authority reduced water use through a range of actions, including planting native species and water recycling. The Water Reclamation and Management Scheme (WRAMS) produced recycled water from sewage and stormwater, which was used for irrigation, ornamental fountains and toilet flushing across the Park.

The Water Reclamation and Management Scheme delivers substantial environmental, social and economic benefits for Sydney Olympic Park, surrounding developments areas and the community of NSW. The legacy of WRAMS is the practical demonstration of how economic, environmental, social and technical objectives can be integrated and balanced, to achieve optimum sustainable outcomes.

Dr Andrzej Listowski
Senior Manager Water & Energy, Sydney Olympic Park Authority