Sydney’s skyline is set to soar after the state announced it had given approval to the City’s Central Sydney Planning Strategy. This will be the city’s biggest revamp of the CBD skyline since the 1970s.

NSW planning minister Rob Stokes and Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore have approved the 20-year development strategy, which will allow developers to build above current height limits, up to 300 metres, nearly 24-storeys taller than Chifley Tower, the city’s current tallest commercial building. The new strategy will also require all new towers over 55 metres to be at least half commercial in order to maintain Sydney’s status as a global city and economic powerhouse.

As well as increased job and lifestyle opportunities, this announcement provides the chance for future developments to embrace smarter and greener initiatives. Recent developments like Barangaroo have set a new standard, committing to be carbon neutral and water positive through a range of efficient water, energy and waste solutions.

With hundreds of new developments set to emerge in the next two decades, this means larger investments in efficient, smart and renewable technologies to pave the way for Sydney’s smart city vision.