Major changes for investors as part of Sydney’s net zero plans By Cameron Micallef 25 May 2021 | 1 minute read SHARE New buildings in Sydney will be more energy-efficient, use more renewable energy and support the transition to net zero under a new proposal starting in 2023. The changes come as part of the City of Sydney’s plans to achieve net zero emissions across its local government area by 2035. Under the proposal, development applications for new office buildings, hotels and shopping centres and major redevelopment of existing buildings must comply with new minimum energy ratings by 2023 and achieve net-zero emission output by 2026.