Plan to ban dark roofs abandoned as NSW government walks back sustainability measures

Exclusive: Policy announced by previous planning minister shelved despite experts saying lighter roofs reduce heat island effect'

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The New South Wales government has abandoned its plan to ban dark roofs - aimed at reducing temperatures and energy costs for new homes - as the state's new planning minister walks back ambitious sustainability measures announced by his predecessor.

Former planning minister Rob Stokes previously announced he would be tasking the Department of Planning and Environment with implementing a requirement for lighter-coloured roofs in all new homes in the state, and that the policy feature would help NSW achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

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