In this feature: Sydney Opera House sustainability
in this feature
How the iconic building’s original 1950s design was remarkably forward-thinking and sustainable from the start.
A look at the Opera House’s modern green initiatives, from renewable energy to biodiversity, and how visitors can experience them.
The future challenges the landmark faces, including the ambitious goal of full decarbonization and adapting to rising sea levels.
The Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel. It’s more than the gleaming white sails that grace postcards, Instagram feeds, and travel documentaries. It’s more than the iconic backdrop to Australia’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The UNESCO World Heritage site is trying to redefine what it means to be sustainable in the 21st century.
“Sustainability is in our DNA,” says Jess Gooch, the Sydney Opera House’s director of strategic engagement and impact.
She’s not exaggerating. An innovative seawater cooling system was built into the performing arts center from the start. But can this iconic landmark, once a symbol of modernist ambition, also learn a few new tricks about sustainability in the 21st century? And can visitors become part of its green journey?
Jess Gooch, the Sydney Opera House’s director of strategic engagement and impact. Photo by Christopher Elliott
“Embedded” sustainability in Sydney
When Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House in the 1950s, sustainability wasn’t a thing. Yet, his vision was remarkably forward-thinking. The building’s self-cleaning tiles and seawater cooling system were groundbreaking.
“Utzon was way ahead of his time,” Gooch explains. “He embedded sustainability into the design from the very beginning.”
But the Opera House’s sustainability journey was just getting started. Fast-forward to 2019, when the organization adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, committing to achieve them by 2030.
Travelex Insurance Services is a leading travel insurance provider in the United States with over 55 years combined industry expertise of helping people dream, explore and travel with confidence. We offer comprehensive travel insurance plans with optional upgrades allowing travelers to customize the plans to fit their needs. Compare plans, get a quote and buy online at Travelexinsurance.com.
This wasn’t just a PR move, says Gooch. It was a call to action.
“We realized we had to bring all our efforts under one umbrella,” Gooch says. “Environmental sustainability, equity, inclusion, accessibility — they’re all interconnected.”
To streamline its efforts, the Opera House restructured its teams, creating an “impact function” that combines these previously siloed areas.
“We wanted to think about sustainability holistically,” Gooch adds. “It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a stage for diverse voices, preserving heritage, and inspiring others to take action.”
How the Sydney Opera House became more sustainable
The Sydney Opera House’s sustainability efforts are as diverse as its programming. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening behind the scenes:
Improved building operations. The Opera House has reduced its emissions by 26 percent and now runs on 100 percent renewable energy. It’s also achieved a 6-star Green Star Performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, which means it officially uses 10 to 40 percent less energy than a comparable facility.
Better waste management. Over 90 percent of event waste is diverted from landfills, thanks to robust recycling and composting programs.
Biodiversity. The Opera House has installed an artificial reef to promote marine biodiversity. “We’ve even spotted a rare white seahorse there,” Gooch notes.
There are also improvements outside the traditional sustainability discipline. For example, the Opera House wants to make more of a social impact, and it is committed to showcasing diverse voices, from First Nations artists to contemporary performers. Its collaboration with the Sydney Festival on projects like Thaw — a melting iceberg installation highlighting climate change — shows how art can drive meaningful conversations about sustainability.
The facility is also trying to be more accessible. It has invested heavily in new pathways, elevators and escalators.
“This building wasn’t designed with accessibility in mind,” Gooch admits. “But we’re changing that.”
Can visitors see the Sydney Opera House’s sustainability when they visit?
You don’t have to be a sustainability expert to notice the Opera House’s green initiatives. If you visit Sydney, you can see the building’s sustainability mission on display in big and small ways.
For example, during events like Vivid LIVE, the Opera House’s annual contemporary music program, the facility offers guests reusable cups to reduce single-use plastic.
Once a month, the facility also offers a sustainability tour, where guests can see the Opera House’s green initiatives behind the scenes, including its original cooling system. It also runs a digital sustainability tour exclusively for schools to educate kids about its sustainability efforts and to foster environmental awareness.
Your voice matters
🖐️ Your voice matters
When it comes to iconic landmarks like the Opera House, what’s more important: preserving their original state or adapting them for modern sustainability and accessibility?
Have you ever visited a tourist attraction that surprised you with its commitment to sustainability? What were they doing, and did it enhance your visit?
What other famous buildings or attractions do you think should follow the Sydney Opera House’s lead? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You can also see art, which is a key part of the Opera House’s cultural sustainability program. The Balu Gilly projection on the building’s sails is a nightly First Nations artwork that connects visitors to the land’s cultural heritage.
What’s the future? Electrification — and adaptation
The Opera House isn’t resting on its laurels. Its next big focus is decarbonization.
“We’re looking at electrifying everything — our kitchens, our venues, even our shuttles,” Gooch explains. “We want to remove any reliance on fossil fuels.”
But the challenges are real, too. Rising sea levels pose a threat to the Opera House’s harborside location. Indeed, when the building was constructed in the late 1960s and early 70s, no one was concerned about rising sea levels — or that the building might someday be under water.
“We’re closely monitoring sea levels and working on a climate adaptation plan,” Gooch says. “We’re also thinking about how to future-proof the building against extreme heat and wind.”
The Sydney Opera House is an example of what’s possible when art, culture, and sustainability intersect.
“We want people to see, touch, and feel what we’re doing,” Gooch says. “We want to make sustainability real for everyone.”
As the Opera House continues its journey toward sustainability, its impact will extend far beyond Sydney Harbour. It’s an example of what’s possible and perhaps proves that even the most iconic landmarks can adapt and innovate.
So, the next time you visit Sydney, take a moment to appreciate not just the beauty of the Opera House’s sails, but the futuristic vision behind them.
The sustainable sails: how the Sydney Opera House went green
Then: a design ahead of its time
Seawater cooling
An innovative system uses cold seawater from the harbor to power the building’s heating and air conditioning, a feature built in from the start.
Self-cleaning tiles
The 1 million+ tiles on the sails have a glossy finish that allows rain to wash away dirt, reducing the need for chemical cleaning.
Now: a world leader in sustainability
Renewable energy
100%The entire facility is now powered by renewable energy sources.
Emissions reduction
26%Carbon emissions have been cut by 26 percent from baseline levels.
Waste diversion
90%of all waste from events is successfully diverted from landfills.
Biodiversity
An artificial reef installed nearby has helped promote marine life, including rare seahorses.
Next: facing future challenges
Full electrification
The next major goal is to decarbonize by electrifying everything from kitchens to vehicles, removing all reliance on fossil fuels.
Climate adaptation
A plan is in development to future-proof the harborside building against the threats of rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Beyond the sails: 5 things you didn’t know about the Sydney Opera House
What’s the story behind its winning design?
Answer: It was rescued from the reject pile. Jørn Utzon’s design was one of 233 entries and was reportedly discarded before famed architect Eero Saarinen declared it the clear winner.
How far over budget did the project go?
Answer: The final cost was $102 million, more than 14 times the original $7 million estimate. The construction, which was supposed to take four years, ended up taking 14.
Who was the first person to perform there?
Answer: American singer and activist Paul Robeson. In 1960, long before the official opening, he climbed the scaffolding and sang “Ol’ Man River” to the construction workers during their lunch break.
Did the original architect attend the opening?
Answer: No. Amid intense political pressure and disputes over costs, Jørn Utzon resigned in 1966. He left Australia and never returned to see his finished masterpiece.
How many tiles are on the famous sails?
Answer: A staggering 1,056,006 tiles. They were custom-made by a Swedish company and have a glossy, self-cleaning finish that allows rain to wash away dirt.
Related reads