A program offering energy efficiency advice is delivering cost savings and reducing the carbon footprint for strata units in Mosman.
The Mosman Apartment and Strata Savings Program, offered by Mosman Council in partnership with consultant Wattblock, offers free independent advice to eligible residential apartment buildings to help improve sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut expenses.
Residents of the Braebrook building on Military Road, through their strata committee, have increased the focus on sustainability in common property areas to reduce running costs and achieve a lower carbon footprint.
A program review made recommendations on lighting, water and electricity supply, which the Braebrook committee acted on over an 18-month period, most recently installing solar panels on the building's roof in March.
Jono Burke, from the solar installation company Jusaso Group, said a 22-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system was installed to offset the common meter electricity demand.
Other projects at Braebrook have included upgrading lights in common areas of the building from fluorescent to LED systems and installing motion sensors.
"Due to the lighting upgrade, our common property areas felt more modern with these lights and electricity expenditure was reduced by over 35 per cent, not to mention our electricity bill," strata committee member Deanna Osborne said.
"Greenhouse emissions went down from 9.3 tonnes to 4.6 tonnes."
Carbon monoxide sensors were fitted to the building's car park fan, to run when required rather than 24 hours a day by default. This has saved many hours of electricity consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
"Following the installation of solar panels, the committee will continue to enhance our building by working on sustainability initiatives in the future such as getting electrical vehicle ready and potentially adding more solar panels or batteries in the future," Ms Osborne said.
Wattblock chief executive officer Brent Clark said apartment buildings offered numerous opportunities in common areas.
"Often owners don't realise how much energy and money is being wasted in the hidden areas and equipment of buildings," he said.
