Applications are open for a second round of the City of Sydney’s smart green apartments grants – a free program helping high rise apartment buildings reduce emissions and save on power bills.
In the first round, City staff worked with 20 high rise apartment buildings, providing tailored advice that has seen them cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent and save an average of $57,624 in annual energy costs.
The buildings ranged in age from 5 to 51 years old, and in size from 81 to 653 apartments, and took part in the program starting in November 2016.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the program would prove even more beneficial when energy bill increases of up to 40 per cent take effect this financial year.
“We’re looking for the next 20 buildings to take part in this program, which has already provided such significant environmental and financial benefits to our city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We know 70 per cent of all emissions produced in our city come from buildings and that’s why we’ve had such a strong focus on tackling the many inefficiencies in high-rise apartments.
“Our commitment to slashing emissions doesn’t just help the environment – with electricity prices set to rise even higher, it makes great financial sense for people living in apartments and paying the bills.
One of the buildings featured in the program was the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, where overall savings of more than $136,612 per year were identified.
The landmark building is one of four that McCormack’s Strata Management have put through the smart green apartments program.
McCormacks Strata Management Director Hugh McCormack said building performance and efficiency was big consideration for prospective owners or occupiers of apartments.
“Across our portfolio, we’re set to save more than $500,000 per annum as a result of energy efficiency savings we’ve identified with support from the City of Sydney. Apart from the savings, it’s a fantastic community engagement tool for our residents and owners, leading to a real sense of pride in the building,” Mr McCormack said.
“Not only do the savings add up, but the value of the property increases as purchasers increasingly seek out sustainable, low cost living.”
Applications for the second round of smart green apartments close on Friday 15 September 2017. To apply, visit smartgreenapartments.com.au