Smarter Communities’ Victorian team has been recognised for its work in the strata sustainability space. Victoria Body Corporate Service (VBCS) is a finalist in the 2024 SCA (VIC) Strata Community Pillar Awards for Excellence in the environmental, social & community impact category.
Owners corporations have long found it difficult to access solar for strata buildings, missing out on energy savings and the ability to reduce their carbon footprint.
VBCS is changing that. The team has been busy helping customers in Victoria make their buildings future ready with a range of tailored energy solutions.
Sustainability support for customers
VBCS assists owners corporations through the end-to-end process of researching and implementing energy solutions, which can be complex to navigate given the legislative requirements of strata.
These include:
- Community solar systems for residents.
- Solar to reduce common area costs.
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.
- Upgrades of electrical infrastructure to allow for removal of gas appliances and installation of induction cooktops and split systems.
- Network tenders for large embedded networks.
- Independent consulting services.
VBCS has also secured more than $2.5 million in government solar grants for customers in Victoria.
According to Dan Thompson, National Manager of Sustainability for Smarter Communities, the goal is to find the right solution for the customer.
“There are three important things our customers need – technical expertise, strata know-how and financial solutions. We put the three together in a turnkey solution that solves customer problems,” he says.
“We provide sustainable solutions that would be difficult for them to source on their own. Then we walk them through the process, right through from feasibility study to deployment.”
With the right guidance, owners corporations can make smart decisions with optimum benefits over the medium and longer term.
This targeted support – with clear results – is the basis of the award nomination, demonstrating the success of the team’s approach.
Counting up the energy savings
Smarter Communities’ strong national network also gives customers access to substantial cost savings on their energy prices.
“We pass savings on to all our valued customers. This means small schemes can enjoy the same financial benefits as large schemes on their electricity rates, as well as solar, electrification systems and infrastructure projects,” Dan says.
For example, Smarter Communities has achieved more than $1.7 million in energy savings for its customers nationally.
An industry-first dedicated team
More and more strata communities are discovering the power of moving from petrol cars to EVs, gas to electric, grid to solar.
Smarter Communities is very proud to have been the first company to recognise the need for a dedicated team to help owners corporations manage the move to a more sustainable future.
“We prepare strata communities to reap the environmental, social and financial benefits of electrifying their buildings and finding more energy efficient solutions,” Dan says.
“It’s our proactive approach that sets us apart. Our goal? To demonstrate the potential of sustainable solutions that have a genuine impact on environmental issues in Victoria.”
The 2024 SCA (VIC) Strata Community Pillar Awards for Excellence will be presented at a gala dinner on November 29.
“We’re very pleased with the Victorian team’s nomination as a finalist in the awards. To us, it’s proof that what we’re doing in the strata sustainability space is working!” Dan says.
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
