Our climate action

Climate change is already affecting South Australia’s transport network, infrastructure and communities.

In line with our climate strategic outcomes, we are:

• reducing emissions to support South Australia’s transition to net zero
• making our transport system and social infrastructure more climate resilient to support reliable transport and stronger communities.

Our climate strategic outcomes

Delivering our climate strategic outcomes

Net zero operations by 2050

We are reducing operational emissions from our assets, facilities and services. This will help meet the state government’s commitment to lead by example on climate action.

As a major contributor to government operational emissions, we play an important role in reaching net zero.

Targets

• Net zero Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 2040, including Adelaide Metro services.
• Net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

Key initiatives delivered and underway

• Electrified the Gawler and Seaford rail lines and introduced hybrid railcars on other lines. This saves up to 1 million litres of diesel each year.
• Upgraded River Murray ferries, which cuts fuel use by around 40%.
• Implemented a Sustainable Procurement Policy to reduce supply chain emissions.
• Introducing 60 new 100% battery electric buses from late 2025 to 2026.
• Planning the transition of Adelaide Metro’s remaining diesel buses and railcars to zero tailpipe emissions.
• Developing Sustainable Government Building Requirements to reduce emissions from non-residential government buildings.
• Developing a South Australian Government infrastructure decarbonisation policy in partnership with Infrastructure South Australia.

Low-emissions construction and maintenance

Building and maintaining transport and social infrastructure creates significant emissions.

By choosing lower‑emissions options and materials early, we can reduce emissions over the life of our assets. This also reduces waste and improves resource efficiency.

Goals

• Reduce emissions from infrastructure delivery and maintenance.
• Increase reuse and recycling of materials to support a circular economy.

Key initiatives delivered and underway

• Continuing to reduce emissions using warm mix asphalt and recycled materials such as crushed glass, fly ash and soft plastics.
• Increasing the use of pavement stabilisation to recycle existing road surfaces. This reduces waste and emissions while creating longer-lasting roads.
• Strengthening sustainable procurement in line with best practice approaches in the National Sustainable Procurement in Infrastructure Guidelines.
• Aligning with national tools, guidance and net zero plans.

Net zero transport

Transport is the largest source of emissions in South Australia, making up 39% of the total.

Making it easier to use public transport, walk and cycle will help reduce emissions and support healthier communities.

Goals

• Reduce emissions from the transport sector.
• Make it easier to use public transport, walk and cycle.
• Support the shift to low- and zero-emission vehicles and fuels.

Key initiatives delivered and underway

• Delivered South Australia’s Transport Strategy which includes transitioning to net zero as a key priority.
• Developed the Active Travel Design Guide to support better walking and cycling infrastructure.
• Preserving rail corridors to support future public transport expansion.
• Improving public transport services and infrastructure to make them more accessible and reliable and improve passenger experience.
• Continuing investment in walking and cycling infrastructure through the annual State Bicycle Fund.
• Developing a South Australian Public Transport Strategy and an Active Transport Strategy to support mode shift.
• Planning a high-frequency passenger transport service between Mount Barker and the city.

Climate-resilient transport and infrastructure

Climate change is causing temperatures and sea levels to rise, and more frequent and intense weather events. These changes can disrupt transport networks, damage infrastructure and affect supply chains.

Building resilience helps keep transport safe and reliable into the future.

Goal

• Improve the resilience of transport and social infrastructure to climate change impacts.

Key initiatives delivered and underway

• Embedded resilience in South Australia’s Transport Strategy and Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
• Completed a Climate Risk Scan to identify key physical and transition risks.
• Delivered flood recovery and resilience upgrades on the Stuart Highway.
• Continuing to include climate risk in planning, investment and asset management.
• Developing a River Murray Transport Network Resilience Program.

Greener, cooler places

As the climate warms, green infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

Greening transport corridors provides shade to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use. It also helps cool urban areas and improve liveability.

Target and goals

• Achieve 30% tree canopy cover across metropolitan Adelaide and the built-up areas of regional cities, towns and townships.
• Ensure green infrastructure supports urban cooling, active travel and public transport use.

Key initiatives delivered and underway

• Developed a Green Infrastructure Commitment (PDF, 4.8 MB) aligned with the state’s target of 30% canopy cover across metropolitan Adelaide by 2055.
• Strengthened greening requirements in transport infrastructure specifications.
• Reduced setbacks to enable more tree planting in medians.
• Working with councils and other organisations to deliver greening projects in priority areas.
• Addressing barriers to delivering and maintaining street trees and other green infrastructure.

Related information

On this website

• Sustainability Manual
• Active Travel Design Guide