Case study: Tip Top get future ready
This mid rise apartment building in Brunswick East was able to get in tip top shape to be future ready.
Adding to existing sustainability measures, including rainwater tanks, solar hot water, solar power, a grey water pump, and double glazing, the Owners Corporation undertook further measures to ensure The Tip Top building was comfortable, cost effective and resilient.
Achievements
Thanks to the enthusiasm of residents, fenced off vegetable gardens, featuring 12 plots with composting bins were established.
Fruit trees were also added to established herb gardens. Residents happily share fruit with local birds.
The Owners Corporation Committee accessed available government rebates that covered the upfront cost of LED lighting upgrades throughout the building, including emergency lighting. The lighting upgrades are anticipated to save over $240,000 over the next ten years.
Funding the upgrades
Alongside government grants for lighting, surplus funds in the admin and gardening, maintenance and improvement budgets were utilised to fund the garden upgrades.
“It is great to see that residents and owners are driven to improve their investment and homes. Being future ready is the aim of the game,” say Sebastian, the Sustainability/Projects Manager for Tip Top. “I feel these improvements have made a difference to the culture and image of the building and community. The LED lighting not only looks more modern but adds value and savings. Renters have been attracted with the vegetable garden being in a city development” he adds.
Advice to other Owners Corporations
Engine Property Group’s commitment to sustainable business practices meant they supported the Owners Corporation Committee with clear recommendations. This helped make the process easy and seamless.
Also key was listening to the residents wants and needs. Signage and rules may not help, so buy-in from residents who will help manage a garden is key to its success.
Edible fruiting trees can be easier to manage and maintain than vegetable plots.
