Australian sustainability experts met yesterday in Guangzhou, China, to discuss how cities can harness the power of energy, water and infrastructure for significant climate action.
The Sydney-Guangzhou Sustainability Forum – curated by the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales – featured Sydney academics presenting their research and discussing sustainability measures with local experts and government officials.
The forum was held as part of a four-day program of events led by the City of Sydney to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sydney-Guangzhou sister-city relationship.
“These world-leading educational institutions are not only great ambassadors for Sydney, their ground-breaking research and industry engagement mean they are able to share ideas that will help us build the environmentally sustainable cities that our planet needs,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Today’s sustainability forum was a two-way exchange, with our experts also learning about the innovative research being carried out by their Chinese colleagues.”
“Dangerous climate change is the greatest challenge our world faces. We need to share our experience, lessons and technical expertise. By showing leadership in our cities and working together, we will meet that challenge,” the Lord Mayor said.
Speaking at the Sydney-Guangzhou event, the chairman of the Guangzhou People’s congress, Mr Chen Jianhua, said Sydney had been the inspiration for a number of green initiatives in the progressive Chinese city.
“Over the years, Sydney has set a good example for Guangzhou in the areas of green and low carbon development and applying sustainable environmental technologies,” Mr Chen said.
“Issues of environmental protection and sustainability development get more and more attention from the Guangzhou government, and the city prides itself on some of its key environmental performances.
“The air quality in Guangzhou, for example, is much better now than when the Lord Mayor last visited in 2014, and that is thanks to our association with the City of Sydney.”
Professor Katherine Belov of the University of Sydney praised the forum as a vital opportunity to create a research agenda with a focus on bringing water, waste, energy, resources and researchers together.
“This is the best opportunity to share ideas and links across the academic industry on sustainability,” Professor Belov said.
Deputy Consul-General-Commercial of the Guangzhou Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Julie-Anne Nichols, said Australia is a natural partner for China in urban sustainability and environmental management.
“Australia is home to some of the world's most liveable cities, reflecting the depth of knowledge, skills and innovation driving its sustainable urban development,” Ms Nichols said.
“Our urban and environmental management sectors offer world-leading solutions and innovations, underpinned by world-class scientific and technical expertise.”
Sydney and Guangzhou share a history of environmental commitment to reduce carbon emissions and address the impacts of climate change.
Both cities are members of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), an international network of more than 80 global cities, representing over 500 million people and one-quarter of the global economy. C40 is focused on tackling climate change and driving urban action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.
The City of Sydney is an active member of several networks where forward-thinking cities exchange best practices to build more resilient cities.
Guangzhou joined a recent C40 Private Building efficiency network workshop at Sydney Town Hall to contribute to a global discussion around energy efficiency in cities.
The City’s target is to cut emissions 70 per cent by 2030 based on 2006 levels and an energy efficiency improvement target for buildings of 31 per cent.
The City’s sustainability programs, including CitySwitch, the Better Buildings Partnership, Smart Green Business and Smart Blocks, are improving energy performance of buildings across the city while making significant financial savings.
Earlier this month, Guangzhou’s Vice Mayor, Mr Wang Dong, led a delegation to Sydney and visited the BBP’s newest energy efficient buildings including award-winning 1 Bligh Street and Mirvac’s 200 George Street.
Members of the Better Buildings Partnership have improved the overall sustainability performance of their buildings through measures such as building system upgrades, improved facilities management and green infrastructure including locally produced trigeneration, low-carbon energy and recycled water networks.
Improving the energy efficiency of these buildings has avoided more than 145,000 tonnes carbon emissions in the last year alone and members have collectively saved more than $30 million a year.
For more information visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/guangzhou Follow the social media conversation using #sydneyguangzhou
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Claire Thompson. Phone 0408 414 376 or cthompson1@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Paul Mackay. Phone 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au