Minimum energy ratings for new buildings in Sydney
In an Australian-first proposal, development applications for new buildings in Sydney will be required to include energy targets and achieve net-zero energy output by 2026.
Under the City of Sydney’s proposal, development applications for new office buildings, hotels and shopping centres, and major redevelopments of existing buildings, must comply with minimum energy ratings from January 2023 while also achieving net-zero energy output by 2026.
The measures are expected to save more than $1.3 billion on energy bills for investors, businesses and occupants from 2023 to 2040, and help the City meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2035.
The City’s new planning controls will combine energy efficiency and the use of onsite and offsite renewables to move buildings towards net zero energy use.
Including the option to use off site renewable energy purchases is another first for local planning controls in Australia.