Supporting Your Owners Corporation in Meeting Sustainability Obligations

Under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), Owners Corporations are required to consider sustainability and environmental initiatives each year at their Annual General Meeting. This guide provides an overview of common “green” initiatives, their potential benefits, and how to begin the process of exploring feasibility for your building.

Examples of Green Initiatives

Solar Power Systems

• What it is:Installation of rooftop solar panels to generate renewable electricity for common areas or embedded networks.
• Benefits: Reduces common electricity bills lowers carbon emissions, and may increase property value.
• Considerations: Roof space, sun exposure, and building structure must be assessed.

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Battery Storage

• What it is: On-site battery systems that store excess solar energy for later use.
• Benefits: Maximises solar usage, provides backup power, and improves energy independence.
• Considerations: Works best when paired with solar; requires technical assessment and safety compliance review.

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LED Lighting Upgrades

• What it is: Replacement of traditional lighting with LED alternatives in common areas.
• Benefits: Immediate energy cost savings (up to 70%) longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance.
• Considerations: Simple, low-cost initiative suitable for all buildings.

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Heat Pumps for Hot Water

• What it is: Highly efficient electric systems that heat water using ambient air.
• Benefits: Reduces reliance on gas, cuts emissions and may qualify for government energy rebates.
• Considerations: Requires suitable installation space and integration with existing plumbing.

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Smart Energy Monitoring

• What it is: Systems that track energy consumption in real-time.
• Benefits: Identifies inefficiencies and supports data-driven decisions for energy reduction.
• Considerations: Often used as part of broader energy audits or sustainability reports.

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Water Efficiency Upgrades

• What it is: Installation of smart irrigation, low-flow fixtures, or leak detection systems.
• Benefits: Reduces water bills and supports sustainable water use.
• Considerations: Particularly beneficial for larger or landscaped strata schemes.

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Sustainability projects don’t have to be complex. Many strata schemes start small — such as upgrading lighting or booking an online sustainability session — and progressively move toward larger energy-saving measures like solar and EV infrastructure

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Sustainability Service Provider

Netstrata can help coordinate quotations, liaise with providers and guide your Owners Corporation through every step of the sustainability process. If your scheme chooses to explore any green initiative, the pathway is straightforward.

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1. Obtain a feasibility quote after the AGM
   Once the Owners Corporation notes a sustainability item at the AGM, we can arrange a quotation for a feasibility study or sustainability report tailored to your building.
2. Review the findings
   After the report is completed, your strata manager will walk you through the results so the committee understands the benefits, costs and legislative considerations.
3. Approve the project at a General Meeting
   Any upgrade or capital works require formal approval at a separate General Meeting. This ensures transparency, proper budgeting and compliance with NSW strata legislation.

If you’re considering sustainability upgrades or want to understand which options make the biggest impact for your building, reach out to your strata manager. They’ll point you in the right direction and help keep the process simple.