Futureproofing Apartments Program

What is the Futureproofing Program?

The aim of the program is to improve sustainability while reducing the cost of living & GHG pollution.

Annual strata fee reduction is a major focus, because the savings potential with energy upgrades is typically a good investment. So analysis will be on the numerous opportunities in common areas.

Often owners don't realise how much energy and money is being wasted in the hidden areas and equipment of buildings, so a report by specialists will clearly quantify that, and make recommendations for the owners corporation to follow up on.

With electric vehicles on the way to being mainstream, a great path to energy savings, and potentially not individually owned, on-site EV car rental and charging can be investigated for your building at no cost.

Approving upgrades is easier than many people realise. If no more than 25% of the votes cast at the meeting (in person or by proxy) are against the motion (note this is different from the common myth that 75% of all owners need to agree) then it is passed.

When the options are clearly illustrated with a good report, the thinking becomes... why wouldn't we upgrade, given the financial benefits!

  

   

Expo event

This event in Nov 2019 was a great success with lots of connections made between apartment owners & experienced strata solution providers. See all the presentations by specialists here.

Introduction - Ian Garradd from Council (879KB)

Wattblock - Program consultants (7MB)

LPE - Solar, Renewable heat HWS & retail (2MB)

Allume - Solar Sharing (377KB)

Zeromow - Electric renewable energy landscaping equipment (3MB)

JET Charge - EV charging & Vehicle to Grid electricity sharing (3MB)

Enlighten LED & smart controls (3MB)

Reclaim Energy - renewable heat for hot water (heat pumps) (2MB)

OHMIE - EV rental on site for apartments and more (2MB)

SUMS - Group Water data logging (627KB)

Energus - Lightweight premium solar panels (5MB)

 

2019-2020 Program Rollout - round 2 Free building energy & water assessments worth up to $2000

Based on interest, a second round of building assessments is available - which can then demonstrate to strata and apartment owners all the worthwhile building upgrades.

(The first round was back in Nov 2018 when 45 buildings revealed 145 upgrade opportunities.)

The program offers - at no cost:

Energy assessments performed by industry specialists. Detailed reports which will clearly illustrate the financial case for upgrades. Attendance at strata meetings if requested to help communicate benefits of building upgrades. General support. Workshops and information sessions for apartment residents.

Eligible Buildings

The scheme offers sustainability assessments and reports on 30 residential apartment buildings, made up of 10 assessments for each of the following apartment sizes:

10 units or less 20 units or less 21 units or more (Mixed residential and commercial buildings will also be considered)

5 x NABERS assessments funded up to $1500.

10 x specific solar feasibility assessments.

7 x feasibility studies as required for special and complex opportunities such as renewable heat for space heating or centralised hot water system (HWS) fuel swapping, or complex solar opportunities.

Did you know?

Most apartment buildings will benefit with efficiency upgrades in common areas. Around 75% of local residents live in apartments in North Sydney. Renewable heat and electricity can both replace imported grid gas and electricity. Renewable heat is perfect in shady areas, at night, or if cloudy, unlike solar electricity, and can provide space heating and domestic water heating.

 

Energy Cost savings

Solar electricity - solar panels for rooftops and walls. Renewable heat from the sun - for space heating and water heating. Energy efficiency - why waste energy? All-electric buildings offer the only path to zero emissions electricity and cost savings. Often upgrades offer investment opportunities with an internal rate of return (IRR) between 15-50%1, which will likely be one of the best investment returns you’ll ever make. Simple payback periods are commonly as short as 2 years.

1 Based on recent upgrades.

  

Smart Energy Future 

Want to find the best ways to get renewable energy? Compare your own specific building and occupancy type - with the personal example info sheets here.

This program, will be reviewed by Council periodically until project completion on 30 June 2020.

Related Links Related Documents Back to Listing