NSW sustainability plans and progress
Our policies, legislation and guidance help us achieve economic and social benefits for our state.
Our approach
NSW is committed to embedding sustainable practices into government decision-making and operations. We do this through policies, plans, regulations and legislation.
Our policies give industry, investors and other market participants clear guidance to make informed investment choices. They are designed to attract investment into sustainable industries and infrastructure.
We aim to:
- position New South Wales as a preferred destination for investment in sustainable industries.
- enhance the sustainability of the NSW Government’s operations and financial decision making.
- strengthen New South Wales’s reputation as a leading-practice ESG investor and debt issuer.
Learn more about our sustainability strategies and frameworks.
Data and metrics hub
Credible and up-to-date information is needed to support sustainable finance activities. Our data and metrics hub provides information on many topics, including:
- climate projections
- NSW emissions
- gender equality
- government resource efficiency.
Towards net zero
The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 legislates emissions reduction targets in NSW and establishes an independent Net Zero Commission.
The Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030 sets out how the NSW Government will deliver on net zero targets over the next decade. The implementation updates present a summary of the policies under the Net Zero Plan and the latest emissions reduction projections for NSW.
The purpose of the plan is to give NSW families and communities confidence that the challenges posed by climate change can be solved by improving – not eroding – their prosperity. It will also send a clear message to local and international investors that NSW is open for business when it comes to delivering on our economic, social and environmental ambitions.
The plan and related policies aim to attract more than $39 billion in private investment and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2035, mostly in regional NSW.
How we are progressing
The Net Zero Commission monitors, reviews, and provides advice and recommendations on progress towards NSW’s emissions reduction targets and adaptation objective, with findings published in an annual report.
The NSW Treasury Annual Report reports on the operations and performance of NSW Treasury, including the sustainable transition to a net zero economy.
The NSW Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up 2023 recommends steps to deliver the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to ensure a reliable supply of clean, affordable energy.
View the Net Zero Emissions Dashboard which includes past and projected future greenhouse gas emissions for NSW. Find out more in our data and metrics hub.
NSW Government Agency Rooftop Solar Program
NSW Office of Sport
The NSW Office of Sport identified 12 centres and venues as viable solar panels installation opportunities, presenting $160,000 in bill-savings, 900,000 kWh in energy savings and 673 tCo2-3 in emissions abatements.
NSW Courts
NSW Courts has installed rooftop solar panels in 22 courthouses across NSW, presenting $6.8 million in savings over 10 years and annual CO2 offset of 1,899 tonnes, equivalent to planting more than 28,117 trees.
NSW Police Force
NSW Police Force has installed 2448 solar panels across 19 sites representing 693.4 KW/H. The primary focus has been on police stations and specialist locations through upgrades and new build projects. NSW Police Force is proactively working to increase solar infrastructure.
Subscribe for updates
Join our newsletter and receive updates on NSW Government's actions on sustainable finance.