Solar Citizens welcomes NSW plan to get on track to meet emissions targets

This action addresses recommendations made by the independent Net Zero Commission, which identified that the state’s targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035, are at risk of not being met.

Minister Sharpe has prepared a whole-of-government response to the Net Zero Commission’s 2024 Annual Report, and has confirmed that the NSW Government supports all four of the recommendations made by the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future, in relation to this report.

In March 2025, the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future recommended that the NSW Government:

1. Ensures the Net Zero Commission is well resourced and supported by all government departments and agencies, and that their advice is carefully considered; and

2. Provides a report on resources sector emissions as a matter of urgency; and

3. Considers implementing regulatory changes to encourage the adoption of low emissions technologies; and finally

4. Implements home energy ratings for existing homes with voluntary disclosure at the point of sale or lease

Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said:

“Solar Citizens welcomes Minister Sharpe’s whole-of-government response to the Net Zero Commission’s 2024 Annual Report, and we particularly look forward to seeing action on  voluntary disclosure of home energy ratings in NSW, as a first step towards implementing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards with mandatory disclosure for all properties.

“Earlier this week, Queensland launched their eagerly awaited Supercharged Solar for Renters Program, and we have seen similar programs rolled out in Victoria and the ACT – which are also the only two jurisdictions to have implemented  Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for rental properties.

“NSW is home to one-third of Australia’s renting population, who are mostly locked out of accessing cleaner, cheaper energy like rooftop solar and battery storage.

It’s imperative that the Minns Government fast tracks policies and funding measures to support these locked out households to access electrification, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

“Not only are renters currently locked out of rooftop solar, but a lack of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards means rental properties are typically less comfortable to live in and more expensive to heat and cool compared to other homes.

To make matters worse, renters are generally not allowed to make  essential energy and electrification upgrades themselves, further locking them into high energy bills.

“Renters themselves could save as much as $2,000 each year on their energy bills with solar – and by adding energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, heat pump hot water, and efficient heating and cooling, some could save up to $6,000 a year, according to ACOSS.

“Unlocking clean energy for renters is absolutely key to a faster, fairer energy transition in all Australian jurisdictions – and with more renters living in NSW than in any other state, it’s critical that the Minns Government continues to provide the policies and funding required to deliver energy equity for locked out households.

“The Net Zero Commission’s Annual Report identified the Built Environment Sector as, ‘currently not on a clear emissions reduction  trajectory’, and reported that greenhouse gas emissions attributable to this sector of government were in fact increasing, rather than decreasing in line with Net Zero targets. Emissions from the transport sector were reported to be on the rise again after a temporary decline.

“Solar Citizens echoes the advice made by the Net Zero Commission, that all new housing in NSW must be built with clean energy and efficient electric appliances, not inefficient and increasingly expensive gas.

“It’s reassuring to see that Minister Sharpe has committed to develop a new Net Zero Plan that focuses predominantly on the built environment and transport sectors, in response to advice given by the Net Zero Commission.”