Sustainable finance news
New legislation to strengthen financial system and boost investment in cleaner cheaper, energy
The Federal Government has introduced legislation to maximise the economic opportunities of cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy and strengthen Australia’s financial system. This includes implementing new mandatory climate reporting requirements for large companies.
Landmark environmental reforms pass NSW Parliament
The Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024 has passed the NSW Parliament. NSW now has the strongest environmental regulations of any state or territory in Australia.
Launch of a new Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website
The NSW Government has launched a new Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website to help vehicle buyers consider sustainability when making their next vehicle purchase.
Government and primary producers invest $23.8 million to cut carbon emissions
The Government has announced 6 partnerships totalling $23.8 million co-invested towards the implementation of the carbon reduction projects.
Review of the NSW Koala Strategy
The NSW Government has released a discussion paper seeking community input by the 26 April 2024 on the koala conservation actions being undertaken under the NSW Koala Strategy.
Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative
The NSW Government has announced $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to secure New South Wales as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology, and create new jobs in the process.
Renewable energy generation and storage program
As part of the Renewable Energy and Storage Program, WaterNSW has awarded a development agreement to Upper Hunter Hydro (UHH) to investigate two large pumped hydro projects, bringing forward private sector investment in pumped hydro schemes.
Managing the threat of natural disasters
The NSW Government released on 23 Feb 2024 the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP) to provide guidance about the mitigation of disasters across NSW.
NSW-Tokyo agreement to accelerate clean economy
Bilateral opportunities between NSW and Tokyo to accelerate the clean economy have been strengthened with the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
Sustainability bond issuance
T-Corp has issued a new A$1.7 billion 4.75% 20 September 2035 Sustainability bond.
Actions delivered under the Social Impact Investment Policy
The Office of Social Impact Investment has reported on the progress and actions delivered under the Social Impact Investment Policy (2022-2025).
Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles
The NSW Government is funding the electrification of fleets and the installation of more fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure.
Climate Change Bill passes Parliament with broad support
The NSW Government landmark Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill has passed Parliament. The Bill legislates ambitious emissions reduction targets and sets up a strong and independent Net Zero Commission to keep this government and future governments on track to Net Zero by 2050.
Minimum energy and water efficiency for commercial buildings
From 1 October 2023, all large commercial developments in NSW will be required to commit to obtaining a minimum NABERS Energy and Water star rating.
Commonwealth Sustainable Finance Strategy
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper on its Sustainable Finance Strategy, which will help Australian companies, investors and the Australian community make the most of the energy and net zero transformation, and help Australia realise its ambition to become a renewable energy superpower.
Adaptation funding for local communitie
NSW Government commits $50 million for Central West flood recovery to make homes more resilient to future climate events.
Social Enterprises funded under Payment-by-Results contracts
The Office of Social Impact Investment has announced the five social enterprises funded under Payment-by-Results contracts to advance the economic wellbeing of women who face increased barriers to economic security, independence, and workforce participation.
Budget powers a clean energy future in NSW
The NSW Government committed $800 million to the Transmission Acceleration Facility to connect the state’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) to the grid sooner.
Further $1.8 billion to power NSW to a clean energy future
The NSW Government demonstrated its commitment to the energy transition with an additional $1.8 billion boost to the State’s energy transition.
Right-sizing Renewable Energy Zone to power NSW’s future
The NSW Government announced an increase to the ultimate size of the Central-West Orana REZ from 3 gigawatts to 6 gigawatts,
Social Impact Pre-Accelerator Program
Investment NSW has opened applications for entrepreneurs to apply for four new pre-accelerator programs aimed at supporting founders from diverse backgrounds and increasing the number of social impact startups entering the market.
Sustainability Bond results
T-Corp has announced results from the increase of its 2.50% 22 November 2023 Sustainability bond.
Transparency and reporting of renewable energy generation and procurement
NABERS introduced a Renewable Energy Indicator to better recognise and reward all-electric buildings that are purchasing 100% renewable energy.
Acceleration of the energy transition
The construction of Waratah Super Battery, one of the most powerful batteries in the world, has started on 31 May 2023 on the site of a former coal-fired power station.