Case study: Antias Building solar, lighting & EV
The Antias building, with 43 apartments and part of the Jackson’s Landing precinct in Pyrmont, has undertaken significant efforts to enhance its environmental sustainability since its completion in June 2012.
Already hosting features like crossflow ventilation, rainwater flushing for toilets and smart meters monitoring utilities, the owners corporation was eager to take further steps for sustainability.
Antias undertook an energy audit in 2013 and secured 2 Green Building grants from the City of Sydney in 2022 and 2023 for NABERS energy and water ratings, a costed energy action plan, and a solar feasibility study.
What was done:
Antias upgraded its solar power system in 2022, increasing from 38 to 90 solar panels in a 39.6kW system, with an estimated return on investment of around 4 years. The upgraded solar now covers all of Antias’ common property electricity use
Upgraded all common property lighting to LED
Installed motion sensors in the car park and fire stairs
The results
The Antias building’s NABERS energy rating improved from 4 to 5 stars, showcasing a commitment to ongoing efficiency improvements.
Embracing electric vehicles
A fully subsidised NSW State Government Electric Vehicle (EV) technical feasibility study in November 2021 confirmed the building’s capacity for electric vehicle charging in all car park spaces.
This resulted in the installation of a readiness board, enabling 5 residents to install 3.6kW EV chargers in their parking spaces.
Learnings
The Antias owners corporation underscores the importance of a holistic and dynamic approach to sustainability. The lessons learned include a combination of financial prudence, community engagement, strategic grant utilisation, and a commitment to embracing emerging technologies and standards for long-term environmental benefits.
“We would not have pursued these important ratings had it not been for the City of Sydney grants and the invaluable assistance that was provided.
I believe all Antias apartment owners are supportive of the initiatives undertaken by the Antias strata committee and would recommend all strata committees join the Owners Corporation Network (OCN), Look Up Strata and obtain the latest information about City of Sydney sustainability programs which may be appropriate for their buildings.”
- Neville Monk, Antias strata committee member.
