The department is primarily responsible for policy development and implementation, but it also oversees Johannesburg City Parks and the Johannesburg Zoo, ensuring they adhere to the overall sustainable development strategy.

City Parks and the zoo provide recreational opportunities for city dwellers and are key to service delivery. City Parks is also responsible for the provision and management of cemeteries.

The department's mission is to lead the City towards an environmentally sustainable future and ensure that it serves as an example to its stakeholders that such an ideal is possible.