Sustainable Strata

Because of their size, the impact that strata properties can have on the environment is much greater than that of a single-family residence. By taking steps to make these buildings more sustainable, we can make a significant impact in reducing our environmental footprint.

What does Sustainability in Strata mean for me?

Most people want to do their part to help save our planet, but individual efforts can feel insignificant. As a strata owner, you can implement changes to your property that will have a larger impact as it covers multiple homes.

Making your property more environmentally conscious improves the desirability of the property. Property values and rent have been proven to increase.

Engaged and active strata committees find that tenant value increases and negative behaviour is reduced. When care and attention are given to the building, it increases residents’ respect for it and the other residents. 

Importantly, sustainability positively impacts our levies and budget demands. Investing in energy-efficient upgrades and other sustainable building practices can lower maintenance costs in the long run. 

How does my Strata get Sustainable?

It starts with you, lots of strata owners would like to see improvements in their building and cost reduction undertaken by the strata company, but if you want to see change, you need to get involved in making it happen. 

Many council groups are looking for more owners to help out and bring ideas to the table. While you might not be able to join the council until the next general meeting, you can still get to know the current members and offer to help with a project that interests you. 

Already a council member? Great, then it is straight to finding out what the priorities are of the other members and how you can build these changes into the budget. If you come across resistance and reluctance from the other owners, don’t give up, look at promoting what the benefits will be, particularly cost-saving opportunities. Once you have made a small successful change you will often find people more interested in what else they can achieve. 

Having Redstone Lane managing your strata company also gives you access to a sustainability specialist who can help to develop your ideas and let you know the pathway to make your idea a reality. 

Got any ideas?

There are many ways in which a Strata Company can make sustainability upgrades and changes to the benefit of all residents and the environment:

Small Ideas

1. Encourage energy conservation by providing education and incentives for residents to reduce energy usage.

2. Encourage carpooling, bike-sharing and public transportation, by providing dedicated parking spots, locker rooms, and showers for bike commuters.

3. Implementing recycling and composting programs, to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills (take advantage of the Containers for Change program)

Bigger ideas

1. Creating a “green fund” to finance energy-efficient upgrades and other sustainability projects. This can include things like upgrading heating and cooling systems, installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and incorporating green technologies such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

2. Installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels, which can help to reduce the strata property’s dependence on fossil fuels and lower energy costs.

3. Implement a water-saving program, by installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and promoting water conservation among residents.

4. Encourage green roofs and green walls, that help to reduce the urban heat island effect, lower energy costs and improve air quality.

These ideas can help reduce the strata property's environmental impact, create a more sustainable living for residents and reduce the cost of living and levies for owners and residents.