A NSW Government website

Stories of success

Be inspired by the actions NSW government and local organisations are taking to save energy, reduce their emissions, and be more sustainable.

Nature-based solutions help schools beat the heat

Schools are a great place to start when it comes to showcasing the benefits of nature in cities. Giving students and teachers the opportunity to connect with nature allows them to feel the benefits firsthand and empowers them to take practical steps to help reduce urban heat in their schools.

School children holding watering cans

Award-winning dune recovery project enriches Byron Bay coastal environment

Schools are a great place to start when it comes to showcasing the benefits of nature in cities. Giving students and teachers the opportunity to connect with nature allows them to feel the benefits firsthand and empowers them to take practical steps to help reduce urban heat in their schools.

Aerial photo of Main Beach

Investing in technology for rapid bushfire detection, response and conservation in Kosciuszko National Park

The escalating threat of too frequent bushfires poses a significant risk to the ecosystems and wildlife of NSW, including the iconic Kosciuszko National Park. By integrating the latest technology - including smart fire cameras, and rapid response helicopters with a targeted hazard reduction program - the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have implemented an effective management strategy to mitigate the risk of bushfire for this unique alpine environment.

2 people in National Parks uniforms looking at garden bed

Creating opportunities to heal Country through carbon farming

Carbon farming projects can provide a pathway for First Nations communities to care for Country and get paid for it. Carbon farming projects reduce carbon emissions by either storing carbon in soil or vegetation or by avoiding emissions that would have otherwise gone into the atmosphere. Projects can create new jobs, strengthen traditional knowledge and practices, protect culturally significant species, and heal Country. 

Yarkuwa Indigenous River Rangers holding plants

Collaborating to secure renewable energy for local councils

For many years, councils in Central NSW have grappled with short-term electricity contracts, leading to uncertainties in energy costs. This left the councils vulnerable to market fluctuations and compelled them to seek a long-term solution to support renewable energy sources. 

The Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) took a proactive approach to address their energy needs. The 11 councils within the CNSWJO joined forces with 5 councils from the Eastern Riverina region to secure a renewable energy deal with Iberdrola Australia for their combined electricity consumption of 36GWh a year.

Aerial photo of wind farm

Achieving large-scale renewable energy impact in NSW schools

In schools across NSW, passion for sustainability initiatives has ignited the spirits of parents and children alike.

With over 2,200 public schools in NSW, School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) identified an opportunity for cost and energy savings through the large-scale deployment of small-scale on-site solar and battery storage.

Teacher and student using technology to look at solar panels

Councils across NSW are already taking action on climate change.  Take a deep dive into the stories of 4 councils, and hear about the benefits to their operations and their community of reducing emissions and committing to a net zero future.  

You can also read the findings of a study into the collective action of NSW councils. 

Video case studies

Towards net zero emissions: councils leading the way

Regional councils making big changes

The economic case for net zero emissions

 

Other case studies

Clean energy knowledge sharing

Two people standing outdoors near machinery

Partnering to make solar simple

Staff involved in community battery program

Kempsey Shire Council goes solar

Aerial view of Kempsey Council buildings with solar panels