Climate Action Plan – Year three

Powerhouse launched its Climate Action Plan 2022–25 in November 2022, setting out 12 key objectives encompassing infrastructure, programs and operations across the museum’s 4 sites, with the aim of achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2025.

The key projects highlighted in this report demonstrate our progress towards targets set out in the plan. Powerhouse reported progress across our objectives during the 3-year plan period in publishing a final report on climate action achievements in 2026.

Innovation, function and critical analysis of energy production and consumption have been ongoing themes throughout the history of Powerhouse, from our priceless Boulton and Watt Steam Engine through to the adaptive reuse of the Ultimo Power Station for Powerhouse Museum in the 1980s. Renewal of our buildings and precincts represented an immediate opportunity for Powerhouse to reduce carbon emissions. With innovative architectural design and engineering, Powerhouse Parramatta will be a 6 Star Green Star building. The renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo will adopt a sustainable approach to modifications, new built form and further adaptive reuse, while recognising the site’s original function and purpose.

1.1 Work with First Nations people to develop opportunities, engagement and strategies to embed caring for Country principles that reflect their perspectives and knowledge.