Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City of Sydney’s popular smart green apartments building program was now open for applications.
The program offers 20 high-rise apartment buildings solutions to help reduce costs by becoming more energy and water efficient and reducing emissions.
Under the program, 20 apartment buildings recorded savings totalling $1 million in 2017 through energy and water efficiency upgrades that also cut emissions by 7317 tonnes, equal to the electricity used by 1,097 households in a year.
Each of the buildings participating in the program is set to save an average of $57,000 on their annual power bills.
Launched in 2016, the program works with owners and managers to help them slash energy bills and save thousands on running and maintenance costs. The City has committed to working with 20 high-rise apartment buildings each year for the next decade.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the program was a critical part of the City’s work to reduce emissions across Sydney.
“Buildings in our area contribute around 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Helping owners and managers improve their environmental efficiency and reduce their emissions is a priority,” the Lord Mayor said.
“By increasing energy efficiency and reducing water use, we are also helping buildings reduce their electricity bills.
“I’m proud of the results we achieved last year and look forward to even more apartment owners and managers signing up for the next round!”
The program is open to strata or company title residential buildings with more than six storeys or 80 apartments and located in the City of Sydney area.
Last year leading property services group PICA ran six of its multi-storey apartment buildings through the program and saw great results.
Mark Glass, head of product strategy and innovation, said the program “introduced sustainability into the mindset and budgets of our buildings”.
“This was an excellent opportunity to introduce energy and water efficiencies with the prospect of year on year cost savings for our buildings, as well as improving the ‘liveability’ of the residential communities,” Mr Glass said.
“The process has helped us achieve our desired trusted advisor status where we are able to demonstrate our commitment to improving our energy and water performance, maintaining ongoing compliance of key assets and improving the value and quality of living in the building.”
The smart green apartments program offers access to expert advice to implement upgrades and opportunities for retrofits and upgrades in the strata sector. As well as access to training, successful applicants may join the Sydney Water Waterfix program.
For the first time the program will also include a fully funded NABERS rating, which measures a building’s energy efficiency, carbon emissions and water consumption.
Applications for the third round of smart green apartments close on Friday 14 September 2018. To apply, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/residents/sustainable-city-living/smart-green-apartments
For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis.
Phone mobile 0467 810 160 or email bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Julia Lenton
Phone 0410 748 039 or email jlenton@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au