The road towards net zero emissions in NSW by 2050 will involve net zero precincts and low emission infrastructure, as highlighted by a new government strategy paper.
The NSW Government’s Net Zero Cities Action Plan, released last week, lays the groundwork for critical steps and exciting opportunities in reducing emissions across households, businesses, cities and urban centres.
As per the framework, the Action Plan offers a promising glimpse into what net zero homes, neighbourhoods, and suburbs/cities could look like as the years progress.
Unsurprisingly, active transport plays a prominent role in the document. The Action Plan paints active and micro-mobility transport links as essential ingredients to a net zero neighbourhood and city scale (pages 9-10).
The Action Plan also proposes multi-use tunnels to separate cars and trucks away from bike lanes and green space, thus encouraging safe active travel (page 10).
Flick through the gallery below to view the net zero examples described in the Action Plan.
Amongst the 16 actions for implementation, there are two related to active transport that are noteworthy:
- Action 7: Partner to enable thriving and healthy neighbourhoods - The NSW Government will pursue opportunities to partner with local government to promote and support active transport for short trips.
- Action 16: Develop an active transport data platform - In a bid to encourage and monitor active travel uptake, the NSW Government will make more information available to customers on active transport networks and supporting infrastructure, including how cycling, e-bikes, e-scooters and pedestrians interact and intersect.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes has said the Action Plan will help reduce the state’s carbon footprint whilst easing cost of living.
“Greater Sydney contributes 38 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and if we’re serious about tackling climate change, then we need to change the way we build and power our cities,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our infrastructure projects will be powered by more renewable energy and greener materials, while congestion will be reduced with micromobility hubs to allow more efficient parcel deliveries.”
You can read the NSW Government’s Net Zero Cities Action Plan here.
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