An independent expert panel will guide environmental programs in sustainability for the City of Sydney.

Energy efficiency expert Allan Jones said Sydney is calling for tenders from expert consultancies and legal firms in areas of sustainability to join the panel.

“We are also seeking expert legal and regulatory advice on public and public/private joint venture corporations for energy, water and waste,” Mr Jones said.

According to Mr Jones, much of what the City of Sydney is doing has never been attempted on such a scale in Australia before, so these projects need to be implemented "in the face of climate change".

Mr Jones said Sydney is becoming one of the world’s leading green cities.

He will not be on the panel as he is an employee of the City of Sydney.

The council will pay for the panel appointees, but they are currently unable to provide a figure.

Sydney’s projects in development are a trigeneration energy network for low carbon electricity, a city-wide recycled water network, an automated waste collection network, renewable gasses from agriculture and farming waste, and installation of solar panels.

The panel’s appointment in assisting Sydney’s energy, water and waste staff will last for three years.