A report tabled in the Victorian Parliament today has outlined how improving governance within apartment buildings is critical to increasing the uptake of renewable energy technologies, electrification and energy efficiency upgrades.
The Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee has tabled its report into expanding renewable and affordable energy for apartments and other multi-unit dwellings, outlining a roadmap to help ensure all Victorians can benefit from the state’s clean energy transition.
The report includes 52 findings and 25 recommendations.
To increase uptake of sustainability upgrades, the Committee has recommended that laws be amended to require apartment owners to consider sustainability regularly at their annual general meetings and to lower the voting threshold for solar installations from 75% owner agreement to 50%.
Committee Chair, Juliana Addison said the inquiry found that governance barriers, technical challenges and outdated regulatory settings were preventing many apartment communities from pursuing renewable energy and sustainability upgrades.
“Victoria’s clean energy transition must be inclusive,” she said.
“More Victorians are choosing apartment living, yet many apartment residents are missing out on opportunities to reduce their energy bills and improve their access to renewable energy.”
The inquiry found that while Victoria has experienced strong growth in rooftop solar uptake, apartment residents remain significantly less likely to access the benefits of renewable energy than those living in freestanding homes.
The Committee has also recommended the creation of a comprehensive online strata hub to serve as a central resource for owners corporations and apartment residents.
The hub would include a registry of building and owners corporation records, practical guidance materials and tools to support sustainability upgrades, and a central platform for communication and resource sharing across the sector.
The inquiry also identified opportunities to improve access to renewable and affordable energy through emerging technologies, including building-integrated photovoltaics, virtual power plants, virtual energy networks and plug-in solar systems.
The Committee’s report is available to view on the Parliament of Victoria website.
