Lord Mayor Clover Moore delivered the Environmental Strategy 2021-25 to council on Monday.

"Australia's emissions have been going up since 2014 and in the face of the (federal) government's shameful inaction we are stepping up to reduce our emissions steeper and sooner," she said.

The City of Sydney was the first local government in Australia to become carbon neutral in 2007 and its operations are now powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.

"This year we'll meet our 2008 goal to reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 - nine years earlier than initially targeted," Ms Moore said.

"We're leading by example to tackle the climate crisis and reaching net zero as soon as possible is the next step."

The target is in line with research confirming Australia and the rest of the world need to reach net zero emissions by 2035 to avoid the catastrophic consequences of more than 1.5 degrees of global heating.

"Overwhelming climate research tells us we cannot afford to take our time reducing carbon emissions in Australia - emissions need to plummet now," the lord mayor said.

"While the City of Sydney cannot tackle the climate crisis alone, we can lead and encourage others to do the same within their communities."

Greening the grid, diverting waste from landfill and increasing green building standards will play a part in how the council will meet the challenges of the climate crisis and create a city that is net zero in less than 15 years, she said.

"Achieving net zero means the greenhouse gas emissions produced in an area must not exceed the greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere through offset programs. The only realistic way to do this is by slashing the amount of emissions generated in the local area."

Energy consumption produces 73 per cent of the city's greenhouse gas emissions.

The council will encourage businesses and residents to use renewable energy sources and switch to green power and attempt to slash emissions by targeted programs to manage waste, energy and fuel.

The council aims to lower transport emissions by encouraging a shift away from cars to public transport, walking and cycling, as well as supporting businesses shift to electric vehicles.

The strategy will be presented to council this month and if approved, go on public exhibition from May 19 to June 16.

Australian Associated Press