High rise goes low emissions

MEDIA RELEASE

Waverley Council has launched its Building Futures program for Bondi Junction strata buildings.

Ten buildings have joined up to save thousands of dollars on their water and energy bills with the goal of reducing both their running costs and their carbon emissions.

They are all working towards a goal of 20% reduction of energy use in common areas.

Each building gets energy, solar and waste assessments, costed upgrade recommendations, matched funding for upgrades and support to implement the changes.

They will also be among the first apartment buildings to receive the new National Australian Built Environment Rating System rating for environmental performance in apartment buildings (to be launched in June).

There are also training and networking opportunities, awards and recognition.

Participating strata buildings include Eastgate Gardens, The Palisades, ParkSun Apartments, The Oscar on Hollywood, The Crown, The Stanford, Vue Apartments, Trevilion, Capitol and Spring St Apartments.

This is the first initiative of its kind in the area, and if successful, will be extended to other areas.

Waverley Mayor John Wakefield said Building Futures is part of a strategy to make Bondi Junction an environmentally sustainable and low-carbon precinct.

“Bondi Junction alone represents more than one third of the local government area’s water consumption and carbon emissions,” Mayor Wakefield said.

“That means there are great opportunities for improving the environmental performance of Bondi Junction’s building stock and for positive outcomes on sustainability and lower carbon emissions.

“Waverley Council is in a prime position to support local building owners in their goals for more carbon-friendly and budget-friendly buildings, especially where related incentives for apartment buildings fall short,” he said.

Council is itself working to reduce its carbon footprint by embedding sustainability into its own business practices and making sustainability ‘second nature’ in the community.

Already completed are energy efficiency upgrades, installation of solar and raingardens for Council’s own facilities.

“We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change, to improving sustainable waste management and recycling, and to cutting our water consumption and protecting local biodiversity,” Mayor Wakefield said.

These initiatives are outlined in Council’s Draft Environmental Action Plan, www.haveyoursaywaverley.com.au/wcsp/documents, which is part of Council’s Draft Community Strategic Plan. Send your feedback to haveyoursaywaverley.com.au by 5pm Thursday 24 May.

For more information on Building Futures: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/buildingfutures