Helping make strata buildings be more sustainable

02 August 2023 | Media Release

2 August 2023

Waverley Council is making it easier for strata buildings to reduce energy, save costs and contribute to reaching Net Zero community emissions by 2035 through a range of targeted programs in 2023/24 including:

Building Futures- Round 6

Applications are now open for strata buildings with 25 or more apartments or commercial lots in Waverley to join the award-winning Building Futures program.

Supported with expert advice and resources, participating buildings work towards reducing common property energy use by 20%.

Each selected building will receive a free energy audit, a review of energy tariffs, implementation support from an energy expert and financial assistance to implement a suitable sustainability upgrade.

Applications are open until 25 August 2023.

Sustainability Rebates for Apartments Trial:

As part of a 12-month trial, apartment buildings in Waverley can receive up to $5000 in rebates for common area energy assessments, rooftop solar, electrification of centralised hot water systems and swimming pool heating systems.

In delivering this trial, Council can support Waverley strata residents to capture energy and emissions saving initiatives and provide case studies to inspire further action.

A summary of the sustainable products available in this trial, as well as their rebate amounts and eligibility criteria, can be found on our Sustainability Rebates website.

Green Office Support:

In an exciting move, Waverley council has joined the National CitySwitch program to support our local office buildings to develop and implement Net Zero plans, reduce energy and waste and upskill their staff in taking meaningful and informed sustainability actions, as well as reducing business expenses.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said having these measures in place means strata buildings will be able to enjoy their new-found energy and cost savings year after year. In Waverley, more than 80% of buildings are medium to high density.

Council is providing effective programs to support strata apartments to overcome the extra costs and barriers associated with improving sustainability outcomes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We invite the residential and commercial sector to partner with us in these programs to help achieve our net zero emissions target by 2035” Mayor Masselos said.

“Given the cost of living pressures and the climate emergency, programs like this are critical to achieve our sustainability goals”

“Residents who live in our participant buildings should be very proud of the being a ‘Building Futures’ building and what that means for the planet.”

To learn more or to read about our past success with Building Futures, visit https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/networks_and_support/building_futures

To learn more about these Council programs and how to get involved, please contact Council’s Sustainability & Resilience Coordinator on 02 9083 8150 or rachel.oleary@waverley.nsw.gov.au

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.