How to save strata cash … and the planet

Want to do your bit to save the planet AND save your owners a chunk of money? City of Sydney has extended the deadline for their Smart Green Apartments program to September 19.

The award-winning residential sustainability program, helps owners corporations understand and improve the efficiency of their buildings and reduce utility costs

“Increasingly complex centralised equipment and services, coupled with rising energy and water costs, means good asset management is important for strata communities,” says a CoS press release.

“Since 2011 we’ve worked with more than 230 buildings and reduced emissions by an average of 30% for each strata community. Water and energy efficiency upgrades have helped apartment owners save $4 million.”

If selected, your apartment building will receive:

• NABERS rating (energy and water)
• energy action plan with recommended improvements
• presentation and Q&A on NABERS rating and energy action plan
• tailored advice to reduce waste and improve recycling
• water saving opportunities (through Sydney Water’s WaterFix program)
• access to webinars, resources, and opportunities to connect with people in other buildings through our leadership network.

To qualify your owners corporation (or equivalent) must demonstrate a high level of commitment and capacity for improving your building’s environmental performance, including your NABERS energy and water ratings and waste management.

The strata-titled or company-titled buildings must have a minimum of 50 residential apartments.

Obviously, for the City of Sydney program, your block must be in CoS.  But if you live elsewhere, contact your local authority and find out if they offer anything similar.

Or have a look at this website which is for a property sales and financing company but has some terrific advice.

Otherwise, CoS strata committee officers or members (or strata managers) can visit this webpage and complete the online application form by 5pm, Monday 19 September.

For help with your application contact: Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Maria Diswe. Email: MDiswe@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Phone: 02 9265 9464