Protection of the Environment Policy
What’s this about?
As the biggest building state in the country, the NSW Government has a critical role to play in delivering infrastructure sustainability. To support this goal, we're consulting on the first ever Protection of the Environment Policy (PEP) for NSW.
Why it matters
- The PEP establishes a reporting and monitoring framework for emissions and recycled materials use in the construction of public infrastructure.
- The PEP prompts NSW Government agencies to consider upfront carbon emissions and preference recycled materials in public infrastructure projects.
- It will support government efforts to increase recycling of valuable materials and to promote a circular economy.
- The PEP will also support the achievement of the NSW Government’s legislated emissions reduction targets.
Protection of the Environment Policy – Sustainable Construction
As the biggest building state in the country, the NSW Government has a critical role to play in delivering infrastructure sustainability.
To support this goal, we're consulting on the first ever Protection of the Environment Policy for NSW.
The Sustainable Construction PEP aims to promote decarbonisation of the infrastructure delivery sector and a circular economy in NSW.
The PEP will require NSW government agencies delivering public infrastructure to consider upfront carbon emissions throughout the project lifecycle and report information to the EPA to demonstrate those considerations, in line with the NSW Government Decarbonising Infrastructure Delivery Policy.
It also requires agencies to preference the use of recycled materials in public infrastructure projects and report on recycled materials used.
The PEP is proposed to apply to major public infrastructure projects undertaken by, or on behalf of a NSW Government agency with a cost of:
- over $50 million for building sector projects
- over $100 million for all other infrastructure types.
We want to get your feedback on proposals to:
- minimise the environmental impact of delivering public infrastructure in NSW
- adopt a consistent approach to reporting on upfront carbon emissions and recycled content materials associated with use in the delivery of public infrastructure projects
- support NSW in its transition to a circular economy and net zero by 2050.
Have your say
Have your say by 5pm Wednesday 2 April 2025.
There is 1 way to submit your feedback.
Online consultation
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