Is your apartment building in Randwick undertaking energy-efficiency retrofits?

Randwick City Council are partners on a UNSW research project investigating how to encourage the uptake of energy-efficiency retrofits for apartment buildings. In the move to Net Zero in Australia, apartments have been largely left behind. The unique difficulties of retrofitting apartments mean that they have ended up in the ‘too hard’ basket when it comes to both policy and practice. This project brings together experts in apartment building governance with experts in renewable energy and strata law to develop resources to help property owners make a case for retrofits and evidence to support regulatory and behaviour change.

Be Part of the Solution - and the Spotlight

The research team is seeking expressions of interest from apartment buildings in Randwick to participate as case studies in this 3-year project. Participating buildings will be featured in published research and communications, offering a unique opportunity to:

• Showcase your building as a sustainability leader
• Collaborate directly with researchers to understand and improve energy performance
• Gain access to  monitoring technology for electricity, temperature, and humidity, as required
• Contribute to national policy and practice change

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify as a case study:

• Your apartment building is located within Randwick City Council
• Your building is a 3-4 storey ‘walk-up’
• Your owners corporation has committed to implementing energy-efficiency retrofits, including one or more of the following:
  • Building envelope upgrades
  • Building electrification
  • Solar installation
  • EV charging station installation
  • Upgrades to common property fittings and machinery

What Case Study Involvement Includes:

• Interviews with key stakeholders throughout the retrofit process
• Photography of the building and retrofit works
• Observation of meetings and review of project documentation
• Installation of electricity monitoring devices in the switchboard (by qualified electricians)
• Installation of temperature and humidity monitors in selected units

What’s Included (and not Included):

• The research team will provide information and contacts, but will not manage or deliver the retrofit works.
• Funding may be available for retrofits through Randwick Council's Sustainability Rebates program subject to approval post-installation.
• Monitoring equipment is provided.
• Data on electricity use, temperature, and humidity will be collected before and after the retrofit and shared with participating owners
• Buildings will be featured as case studies, potentially enhancing their reputation and market appeal

Learn More & Get Involved:

• Visit the project website: https://unsw.to/ApartmentRetrofit
• Visit Randwick's Sustainability Rebates page.

or

Julian Lee
Coordinator Sustainability, Randwick City Council 
julian.lee@randwick.nsw.gov.au