Energy costs and accumulated emissions are arguably top of mind for every property owners – from residential to large-scale commercial. With some help from the industry, these factors are set to become more manageable.
Property Council of Australia, together with Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), recently released a guide that can quickly cut energy costs and reduce emissions. Entitled Distributed Energy in the Property Sector – Today’s Opportunities, the manual assesses the nine most common distributed energy options for houses, apartments, commercial, retail and industrial property.
In need of direction regarding the kind of technology to install in a property? The guide lists a broad range of proven technologies – from solar PV and batteries to heat pumps, off-site renewables and demand management systems – and indicates which are best suited for different property types.
Moreover, it provides owners and managers helpful insights into the likely benefits and payback periods by scrutinizing the business case for investment.
By citing the $3 million drop in annual electricity charges for Townsville’s James Cook University following the installation of thermal storage, among others, investors are expected to learn from the situation and replicate the best practices.
CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth also emphasised the importance of attaining net zero emissions in the near future.
“Together with the Property Council, we want to make smarter, cleaner energy the standard when it comes to Australia’s built environment. We’re confident that with more renewable energy and better energy efficiency measures, the property sector can achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with the potential to capture very significant energy savings in the process,” he said.
Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Ken Morrison, on the other hand, noted how higher wholesale energy costs and uncertainty regarding policy and market settings have led to unmatched cost pressures for households and businesses.
“Our industry leaders have shown they can deliver rapid improvements in the quality and performance of buildings and have taken action to mitigate against rising electricity prices and reduce emissions by investing in clean energy technology.”
The guide is available to download from CEFC’s website.
