City of Parramatta has been recognised as a Gold Partner of Sustainability Advantage, becoming the first council in Sydney to reach the status, in a move that highlights its environmental initiatives and sustainability targets.
The program, delivered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water, supports medium to large organisations working on projects aimed at improving environmental outcomes and community impact.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the council’s approach places the environment and community at the centre of planning and service delivery.
“We’re proud to set the gold standard in sustainability, not only within our community but in our day-to-day practices and services at Council,” Cr Zaiter said.
He said the recognition comes as Parramatta continues to position itself as a growing global city, with a focus on infrastructure and long-term resilience.
“As we grow into a global City, we need to make sure we are building infrastructure and creating resilient communities, not only now, but for future generations to come,” he said.
The council has adopted an Environmental Sustainability Strategy aimed at addressing future challenges and strengthening urban resilience.
“This is why we created our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, to help us respond to potential challenges and opportunities for urban resilience.”
City of Parramatta has committed to reducing corporate and community carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2038.
Cr Zaiter said the council has already taken steps to cut emissions across its operations, including increasing the use of solar energy in public facilities.
“We’ve worked hard to reduce our carbon footprint across our City with our libraries, community centres and carparks increasingly powered by solar energy,” he said.
He added that key infrastructure projects are contributing to these goals, including the PHIVE building in Parramatta Square.
“The iconic PHIVE building in Parramatta Square, which also achieved a 6-Star Green Star rating, is completely powered by renewable energy and is an example of Council’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure.”
The recognition follows Parramatta’s earlier milestone of achieving carbon-neutral certification in 2023, making it the first council in Western Sydney to reach that level.
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