Historic steps towards net zero transport future
New South Wales is leading the way in powering Australia towards a cleaner future, with progressive plans to accelerate net zero operations in the transport sector.
Transport is the fastest-growing source of emissions in Australia, contributing around 20 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Transport for NSW Net Zero and Climate Change Policy details ambitious decarbonisation and climate change targets, including reaching net zero in all NSW transport sector emissions by 2050.
Aligning with Australia’s commitments under the 2016 Paris Agreement, the targets reflect the challenges facing the industry and urgency required to address them.
Key targets include:
• 100 per cent renewable energy for operational electricity for the rail, light rail and metro networks by 2025 (already around 98 per cent complete)
• 100 per cent of Transport’s work vehicle fleet transitioning to all-electric by 2030
• Net Zero in Transport sector emissions by 2050
• Net negative transport sector emissions by 2060
Transport for NSW will also partner with National Highways, the body responsible for managing the UK’s motorways and major roads and a global leader in decarbonising transport infrastructure.
The signing of this memorandum will help achieve these targets and support Transport’s Sustainable Infrastructure Program, a game-changing shake-up to the procurement and construction process that embeds emission reduction targets right through the lifecycle of projects from the start through to completion.
Transport for NSW will monitor progress and produce annual reports on the agency’s carbon footprint.
Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
“Australian Governments and industry are beginning to make serious moves to greener infrastructure, and I’m pleased that Transport for NSW has been taking a leading role in this important work.”
“I’m proud NSW is laying the groundwork with world-leading innovations in the race to net zero transport.”
“Everyone has an important role to play to help achieve net zero and leave a positive legacy for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray:
"Our Net Zero and Climate Change Policy and Sustainable Infrastructure Program will drive our emissions targets in the journey towards a cleaner, more resilient network.”
“Some of these targets may be ambitious, but they are achievable if we all work together – and our industry partners have been part of designing this greener transport future.”
Quotes attributable to National Highways Director of Environment Sustainability Steve Elderkin:
“Partnerships like this with Transport for NSW help us to share best practice and reach our goals faster and more cost effectively. We look forward to working together.”
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Sustainability Council CEO Ainsley Simpson:
“With around 70 per cent of Australia’s emissions enabled by infrastructure, sustainability is more important than ever. That's why we strongly endorse the continued positive measures the NSW Government is undertaking in this field.”
“The targets set out are challenging but important, and the Memorandum of Understanding with National Highways means we have two global leaders collaborating to accelerate to net zero.”