Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) has achieved operational net zero – reaching the goal 25 years ahead of the state’s 2050 target and now aiming towards “true zero”.
The department flagged on Tuesday that it has achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions across operations in 2024-25, following a third party review, which it said is equivalent to removing 2500 cars from the road annually.
The agency said it achieved net zero through a range of initiatives, including installing solar panels on roofs on its buildings, switching to energy-efficient lighting, improving building performance, installing smart batteries at 16 of its larger sites, and converting gas-fired heating to efficient electric water and space heating.
Its electricity is purchased through a provider of 100 per cent green power, and the remaining emissions are offset through purchasing locally generated Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs).
The department said it is currently utilising AI and IoT to identify other carbon mitigation opportunities continuously and will be revising its net zero transition plan to reduce further reliance on gas and grid-supplied electricity. It said it is also looking at addressing hard to abate emissions such as refrigerant gases in their buildings, emissions from sources such as waste, water and third party activities.
In its Net Zero Strategy, the agency also included potential changes in policy including; the mandatory use of EVs, reporting and offsetting carbon from domestic and internation travel, purchasing of local foods and preferencing low carbon products, maintaining green power purchases greater than the mandated 6 per cent.
It added it will also work with other government agencies towards their “shared net zero goal.”
PDNSW chief executive Leon Walker said the organisation will not be “resting on our laurels”.
“Property and Development NSW is proud to have achieved Net Zero emissions for our operations, a remarkable 25 years before the mandated target of 2050.
“We will continue to implement our ambitious plan to further reduce emissions associated with our extensive property portfolio as part of our pathway towards true zero emissions.”