At Engine, we highly consider the importance of being conscious of our own and our customer’s carbon footprint. We feel we must be able to activate thought, guide & demonstrate, in order to apply realistic, achievable ways for our buildings to be future-ready to reduce their environmental impact and costs.
We consider ourselves to be progressive forward thinkers, which has underpinned the appointment of Sebastian Golotta as Engine’s Operations & Sustainability Manager. Following an in-depth review, Sebastian has identified areas within our field where impactful change can occur in an expedited, realistic timeframe.
The following outlines Engine’s commitment to sustainability and some initiatives we’ve identified to ensure the developments we manage are more environmentally and financially sustainable.
- EV Charging
EV charging is currently a “hot” topic of conversation with our Owners Corporations. We are already witnessing 5-10% of residents having electric vehicles or desire to purchase an electric vehicle. We urge that all future developments have EV charging infrastructure onsite, while main switchboards should be equipped to take on the extra loads required for the future and to sustain usage.
- Onsite Renewable Power Generation
Rising power costs, instability in the energy market, and inflation are all factors affecting Owners Corporations budgets and affordability.
We recommend to our Owners the installation of an upgradeable 20kw solar power system with at least one battery for storage. This provides Owners Corporations with the options to extend the solar power systems and “add on” if these systems have been installed as upgradable and battery compatible.
- Non-renewable Fossil Fuels
Gas is proving to no longer be a renewable energy. Consumption cost is now rising. The sustainability of gas in the future is unknown in terms of supply and affordability. Therefore, we recommend all future developments progress towards using electricity-based power generation infrastructures. This includes electric cooktops in apartments, electric heat pumps for water heating, and electric heat exchangers for communal amenities such as swimming pools.
- Embedded Network Review
In recent times embedded networks have gone through an in-depth government review. If the current recommendations to the Victorian Government are adopted, all embedded networks within multi-tenanted buildings in the state must source at least 50% of the power used from onsite renewable sources from January 1, 2023.
Whilst the above ruling is subject to review with final determination due near the end of 2022, it is wise for Owners Corporation’s to communicate with their embedded network provider on this topic, as buildings may be left with huge equipment replacement and upgrade costs should the ruling not be overturned.
- Green Spaces and Trees
The benefits of green spaces within and around buildings are well documented. They are aesthetically pleasing, create a calming environment for residents to retreat to, and generate a cool temperature in extreme heat. Green spaces are also known for precipitation, moisture and oxygen release, reducing carbon and encouraging rain for a healthier space and environment. Another option to consider is planting edible gardens, which encourages community development within a building.
- Water Collection
The conservation and management of water have always been important for Owners Corporations. Water retention within multi-tenanted buildings can improve significantly by installing overflow tanks or rainwater tanks. This conserved water can then be used for cleaning, and the maintenance of communal gardens.
- Lighting and Lighting Controls
The most common use of lighting is now LED lighting, sensors on timers. Energy management systems are leading the way in energy efficiency. Owners Corporations can also access Government subsidies/ grants to replace old redundant power-consuming lighting with new LED efficient lighting.
These are just some ways in which we can positively influence the degree of service to our owners. We continue to improve and evolve to meet the needs of our clients and the demands of the wider community.
Engine will continue to expand on our sustainability recommendations and elaborate on other issues pertinent to our industry. If you would like to know more about how to implement sustainable practices within the building/s you manage, get in touch with us today here.
