With up to 73% of its residents living in apartments, many of which are towers, Sydney is often referred to as ‘the Vertical City’. These residential buildings account for 10% of the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 38% of its water use and 14% of its waste output. City data predicts that half of the population in the state of New South Wales (NSW) will be living in apartments by 2030. In response to this situation, the City launched the Smart Green Apartments (SGA) Programme in 2011 to help apartment owners and managers reduce their energy and water use, minimise waste and cut GHG emissions. The City of Sydney also plans to cut emissions from its apartment sector by 40% by 2030.