A recent project in a 27-unit apartment building within the City of Perth is showing how simple energy upgrades can deliver real results.
A recent project in a 27-unit apartment building within the City of Perth is showing how simple energy upgrades can deliver real results.
What they did:
Supported through the City's Residential Energy Upgrade (REU) Grant, the Council of Owners replaced outdated fluorescent lighting in common areas with high-efficiency LED lighting throughout and lighting activated by motion sensors in the hallways and car parks.
Results:
The outcome was a 45% reduction in electricity use across shared spaces. Daily energy consumption dropped from 58.05 kWh to 31.78 kWh, while the building's monthly electricity bill reduced from almost $500 to under $300, saving residents close to $200 in a single month.
Beyond the cost savings, the project also improved lighting quality, visibility and comfort throughout the building. It demonstrates how relatively straightforward upgrades can make apartment buildings more efficient, lower ongoing running costs and reduce emissions associated with electricity use.
Projects like this can also support the broader transition toward building electrification and renewable energy. Improving energy efficiency first helps buildings get more value from future upgrades, whether that involves electric systems, battery storage or solar integration. Lighting is often one of the easiest and most cost-effective places to begin.
Quote from building Council of Owners:
"We are proud of our efforts to improve energy efficiency and help reduce costs for our building. We are continuing to explore additional efficiencies and technologies that could benefit the building, including obtaining a NABERS Energy Rating and investigating opportunities to provide EV charging for residents. We are grateful for the support provided by the City of Perth."
For residents and strata groups considering similar improvements, this project highlights what can be achieved with the right support. The City's Residential Energy Upgrade Grant is designed to help apartment buildings identify opportunities to reduce energy use and improve long-term sustainability outcomes for both residents and the wider community. If you are interested in applying for a grant, check out our Grants & Sponsorship page and sign up to receive updates, here.
