The Smarter Communities team in Victoria is celebrating after winning at the 2024 SCA (VIC) Strata Community Pillar Awards for Excellence! Victoria Body Corporate Services (VBCS) claimed first place in the Environmental, Social & Community Impact category at the gala dinner on November 29.
It’s rich reward for the team’s hard work and investment in the strata sustainability space over the last three years.
The award is also acknowledgement of VBCS’s groundbreaking work in solar and electrification solutions for strata communities. These include everything from community and common area solar systems to EV chargers and upgrades of electrical infrastructure to allow for the switch off of gas.
As the only strata management company in Victoria with a dedicated sustainability consulting team, VBCS is streets ahead in terms of three critical elements – technical expertise, strata knowledge and financial options.
Combined, these deliver an effective turnkey service for customers in an age of ever-growing complexity.
What gave the VBCS team the edge?
According to Victorian State Manager Jared Jones, the VBCS team’s ability to cut through the confusion and provide tailored customer solutions has been recognised in the SCA award.
“In a constantly changing landscape, customers are often confused about government rebates, solar technology, EVs and new technology options,” he says.
“Navigating the complexity is where the team excels.”
The company’s strongly proactive approach includes:
- Researching available options.
- Informing customers of the opportunities.
- Guiding them step-by-step through the process.
- Navigating challenges as they emerge.
He says the team has excelled in:
- Securing more than $2.5 million in government solar grants in Victoria.
- Helping strata customers navigate their electrification challenges.
- Having laser focus on finding the best sustainable solutions for customers.
“Electrification is still a relatively new concept. For customers who’ve been using gas for decades, it can be hard to make the switch,” he says.
“Rather than leaving customers to work it out for themselves, and risk mistakes, we assist them along the way by providing options, information and support at every stage of the journey.”
Focus on the future
The award has given the VBCS team an extra layer of confidence. It’s validation of the team’s ability to achieve best sustainability outcomes for customers.
Yet the goal is constant refinement of the service offering. Team members will leverage the award going forward, while striving to improve the options, ease out pain points and streamline the process.
According to Smarter Communities Managing Director Marc Nauer, smarter and more sustainable communities go hand in hand. It’s hard to have one without the other.!
“We’ve only started to scratch the surface of the opportunity in front of us. The electrification of strata apartments has really just begun. We have a n amazing journey ahead, and we’re genuinely excited about the positive impacts this can have on our strata communities.
“We’re committed to more sustainable living for apartment residents, and proud to help our customers future-proof their properties and protect their valuable investments.”
With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Smarter Communities are poised to transform strata living, ensuring that communities are not only smarter but also more sustainable. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and VBCS is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it, driving positive change for their customers and the environment alike.
To learn more about future-proofing your property, contact the Smarter Communities sustainability team here. To discuss your property’s strata management needs or receive a FREE management proposal contact our friendly team. We also offer more helpful resources and community living news in our FREE newsletter.
