19 July 2013

Body corporates want in on enviro rebates

| johnboy
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Word has come in from Strata Community Australia (ACT) and the Owners Corporation Network of the Australian Capital Territory:

Strata Community Australia (ACT) and the Owners Corporation Network of the Australian Capital
Territory have called on the ACT Government to prove its green credentials by reinstating the ACTSmart Business Energy and Water program for body corporates.

“When this program was first introduced, body corporates were eligible for the available rebates,” SCA (ACT) Vice-President, Erik Adriaanse explained. “However, the Government has decided to make changes to this initiative and since 1 July 2013 body corporates have effectively been excluded.”

SCA (ACT) members and owners of apartments have written to the Chief Minister urging the Government to reconsider its decision.

“Research released in May by Energy Smart Strata, shows that multi-unit dwellings can significantly reduce energy consumption by undertaking relatively minor improvements,” Mr Adriaanse said.

This study found “energy savings of 48% could be easily achieved by standard energy saving measures such as upgrading lighting and ventilation systems”.

Mr Adriaanse added, “It is vitally important to do all we can to encourage energy savings in strata buildings, because it is estimated high rise apartments use around 25 per cent more energy per person than free-standing homes.

… Or the gubbmint could jack up the carbon price and the property owners could do their own improvements for their own benefit…

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