Our sustainability program
In an effort to dramatically reduce our operating costs around Linley Cove, along with our carbon footprint, the Executive Committee has signed up for the Lane Cove Sustainable Apartments Pilot Program; an initiative of the Lane Cove Council.
Effectively, the program involves a comprehensive environmental audit of the common areas of the complex - which was conducted last year by KMH Environmental and was fully paid for by the Council.
Now that the findings are in, we have a raft of measures that we are looking at which will save us a considerable amount of money in the long-term. In fact, some of these recommendations have already been implemented and are already paying off. A summary of the recommendations we are looking at is below.
Energy
Lighting:
It is recommended that we replace existing lighting in the car parks, stairwells, gardens, bunker lights and streets with more efficient bulbs/tubes. This includes a combination of T5 fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lights and LED replacements (with a similar lumen output to the existing lighting). The report has also suggested installing motion sensors in the garage areas - which we are already in the process of doing for the whole complex.
Electricity saving: Approximately 19,840 kWh/year
Potential cost saving: Approximately $2,778/year
Cost: Approximately $1,671 (with NSW Gov. Energy Saving Certificate discount)
Carbon pollution reduction: 21 tonnes Co2 /year
Renewable energy:
The opportunity to install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels was also assessed by KMH. In short, solar PV panels can contribute to the energy needs of Linley Cove's common areas and even feed excess energy back into the grid to help reduce our bills. There are three blocks that would provide suitable positions for the panels and there are three types of panels we can choose from - all of which vary in output efficiency and cost per unit. Also, the cost of purchasing and installing the panels can be reduced by thousands through financial assistance from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) - as long as the producers and installers are Government approved.
System size: 1.5kW (all three options)
System output: 1,900kWh - 2,114kWh / year (depending on option)
Cost: $2,636 (for each option with Small-scale Technology Certificates. ie: Federal Government financial assistance)
Income / Offset costs: $266 - $296 / year (depending on option)
Indoor pool heat pump:
A replacement of our heat pump is greatly reducing our energy consumption.
Energy supply:
KMH recommended that 'power factor correction' is investigated by our energy retailer. This will help us to better understand how we are using our electricity and how we can increase its overall efficiency on the site. The Executive Committee will also try to negotiate a lower metering per day price from our energy retailer.
Energy Saving Certificates:
These are awarded by the NSW Government as an incentive to switch to more efficient modes of energy - such as the lighting options discussed. In short, the certificates can save us a substantial amount of money on the purchase of accredited products.
Water
KMH have recommended that we replace all common area showers with reduced flow shower heads to help conserve water. They also suggested installing water displacement devices in the common area toilets and fitting trigger nozzles on all common area hoses.
Buildings
Insulation and double glazing of the windows around the indoor pool was highlighted as a way of reducing heat loss during winter. KMH also suggested that we check to ensure our garage areas comply with Australian Standards for ventilation. This is to prevent dangerous levels of carbon monoxide from building-up.
Waste
To help improve our waste management, the Executive Committee is looking into new disposal bins and signage. We will also be looking at new ways of preventing illegal dumping between council cleanups.
Gardens
The KMH report identified the importance of mulching our garden beds to reduce moisture loss and subsequent plant loss during dry spells. We have already started a mulching program and will be continuing with it - especially since it helps to support the insect and (consequent) bird life around the complex. KMH also recommended installing nesting boxes in some of the trees to encourage the native wild life around Linley Cove - along with joining the Council's Backyard Habitat Program. We're pleased to say that we can already tick that one off as well.
Sustainability opportunities
Some other items identified in the KMH report include a secure bike rack for people who like to cycle to work and don't have a lot of room in their garage; plus a car share scheme for residents who don't want to own a car. GoGet and GreenShareCar currently operate in the Lane Cove area and allow individuals and businesses to sign up for 24/7 access to a car when needed. For more information about car sharing, take a look at www.goget.com.au or www.greensharecar.com.au If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Rachel Gleeson with your thoughts.
Around your own home
If you are interested, there is a raft of measures you can also take around your home to reduce your energy consumption and ecological footprint:
Useful links
If you want further information on living sustainably in an apartment environment, take a look at the links below:
Effectively, the program involves a comprehensive environmental audit of the common areas of the complex - which was conducted last year by KMH Environmental and was fully paid for by the Council.
Now that the findings are in, we have a raft of measures that we are looking at which will save us a considerable amount of money in the long-term. In fact, some of these recommendations have already been implemented and are already paying off. A summary of the recommendations we are looking at is below.
Energy
Lighting:
It is recommended that we replace existing lighting in the car parks, stairwells, gardens, bunker lights and streets with more efficient bulbs/tubes. This includes a combination of T5 fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lights and LED replacements (with a similar lumen output to the existing lighting). The report has also suggested installing motion sensors in the garage areas - which we are already in the process of doing for the whole complex.
Electricity saving: Approximately 19,840 kWh/year
Potential cost saving: Approximately $2,778/year
Cost: Approximately $1,671 (with NSW Gov. Energy Saving Certificate discount)
Carbon pollution reduction: 21 tonnes Co2 /year
Renewable energy:
The opportunity to install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels was also assessed by KMH. In short, solar PV panels can contribute to the energy needs of Linley Cove's common areas and even feed excess energy back into the grid to help reduce our bills. There are three blocks that would provide suitable positions for the panels and there are three types of panels we can choose from - all of which vary in output efficiency and cost per unit. Also, the cost of purchasing and installing the panels can be reduced by thousands through financial assistance from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) - as long as the producers and installers are Government approved.
System size: 1.5kW (all three options)
System output: 1,900kWh - 2,114kWh / year (depending on option)
Cost: $2,636 (for each option with Small-scale Technology Certificates. ie: Federal Government financial assistance)
Income / Offset costs: $266 - $296 / year (depending on option)
Indoor pool heat pump:
A replacement of our heat pump is greatly reducing our energy consumption.
Energy supply:
KMH recommended that 'power factor correction' is investigated by our energy retailer. This will help us to better understand how we are using our electricity and how we can increase its overall efficiency on the site. The Executive Committee will also try to negotiate a lower metering per day price from our energy retailer.
Energy Saving Certificates:
These are awarded by the NSW Government as an incentive to switch to more efficient modes of energy - such as the lighting options discussed. In short, the certificates can save us a substantial amount of money on the purchase of accredited products.
Water
KMH have recommended that we replace all common area showers with reduced flow shower heads to help conserve water. They also suggested installing water displacement devices in the common area toilets and fitting trigger nozzles on all common area hoses.
Buildings
Insulation and double glazing of the windows around the indoor pool was highlighted as a way of reducing heat loss during winter. KMH also suggested that we check to ensure our garage areas comply with Australian Standards for ventilation. This is to prevent dangerous levels of carbon monoxide from building-up.
Waste
To help improve our waste management, the Executive Committee is looking into new disposal bins and signage. We will also be looking at new ways of preventing illegal dumping between council cleanups.
Gardens
The KMH report identified the importance of mulching our garden beds to reduce moisture loss and subsequent plant loss during dry spells. We have already started a mulching program and will be continuing with it - especially since it helps to support the insect and (consequent) bird life around the complex. KMH also recommended installing nesting boxes in some of the trees to encourage the native wild life around Linley Cove - along with joining the Council's Backyard Habitat Program. We're pleased to say that we can already tick that one off as well.
Sustainability opportunities
Some other items identified in the KMH report include a secure bike rack for people who like to cycle to work and don't have a lot of room in their garage; plus a car share scheme for residents who don't want to own a car. GoGet and GreenShareCar currently operate in the Lane Cove area and allow individuals and businesses to sign up for 24/7 access to a car when needed. For more information about car sharing, take a look at www.goget.com.au or www.greensharecar.com.au If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Rachel Gleeson with your thoughts.
Around your own home
If you are interested, there is a raft of measures you can also take around your home to reduce your energy consumption and ecological footprint:
- You can work out your own energy and water efficiency by completing an online residential NABERS rating.
- Look at the energy efficiency and water consumption ratings on any new appliances you buy - such as TV's, washing machines, hot water systems and washing refrigerators. The higher their star rating, the more efficient the product.
- Update your top load washing machine with a front-loader. These significantly reduce water consumption. Using non-phosphorous soap powders will also reduce the toxic effects on our waterways.
- Selecting cold water during your washing cycle can help bring down your energy bills dramatically. As too does waiting until you have a full load of washing, rather than doing lots of small washes. Ensuring you select the right level of water for your wash load (if you have a top loader) can also reduce water waste.
- Sydney Water's Waterfix Program also offers a range of products and services that can help save you water - and at discounted prices. These include: Tap and toilet leak repairs; installation of Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) 3-star showerheads; installation of WELS 4-star dual flush toilets; installation of flow regulating aerators or in-body flow regulators; and single flush toilet adjustments.
- Download the Nature Conservation Council's Sustainable Renting Guide for tips to reduce the cost of living and create a more comfortable home.
- Only wash cars with non-phosphorous detergents - as our water run-off goes straight into the harbour where phosphates kill the marine eco system.
- Visit the Environment section on Lane Cove Council's website for information about sustainability, workshops and to subscribe to their sustainability e-newsletters.
Useful links
If you want further information on living sustainably in an apartment environment, take a look at the links below:
- Green Strata: www.greenstrata.com.au/information
- The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS for energy and water): www.nabers.com.au/home.aspx
- Australian Government - Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme: www.environment.gov.au/wels_public/productSearch.do
- Sydney Water - Water efficiency information and Waterfix program: www.sydneywater.com.au/water4life/inyourhome
- Climate Cleaver Shop, for quality discounted environmental products: www.climateclevershop.com.au
- Owners Corporation Network: www.ocn.org.au
- Lane Cove Council: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au
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