This Media Release about the CHU SCA (WA) Strata Community Awards For Excellence has been provided by Strata Community Association (WA).
Not all steps towards a greener strata scheme have to be big or expensive.
Some environment-friendly initiatives just require community spirit and a touch of enterprise.
Strata schemes come in all shapes and sizes from small complexes to city apartment towers, consider what works best for your property.
So, what are some of the low-cost ways strata communities can make caring for the environment part of everyday life?
Here are some ideas from Strata Community Association (WA).
Change to LED Lighting
Swap fluorescent tubes and globes in common areas such as carparks, pool areas and stairwells for LED lights which will do the job with lower electricity bills.
LEDs are better value for money than incandescent and halogen bulbs and can be used in most existing fittings, according to the federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
They also use about 75 percent less energy than halogen bulbs and last five to 10 times longer, reducing replacement costs and the number of bulbs ending up in landfill, the department says.
It estimates the up-front cost of LEDs generally has a payback time of less than one year.
Also consider using motion or other sensors in low- traffic common areas. Sensors can turn off lighting when a room is empty or when there is enough daylight.
Some LEDs automatically adjust according to the amount of sunlight entering a room.
Native Plant Verges and Balconies
If your strata property has a green verge, many local councils will help you turn it into a water-wise garden bed with rebates for native verges, free or discounted plants and workshops on how to get started.
The City of Vincent, for example, has an Adopt a Verge program to increase local biodiversity and provide nature corridors for native birds and animals to move through. The council will perform the earthworks and supply the mulch. It’s up to owners to plant and maintain it.
The city also provides a voucher for 20 native tube stock plants which can be redeemed at its biannual native plant sales.
There are many other local councils with verge schemes and planting incentives including Cockburn, Bayswater, Cottesloe and Stirling. Check with your council — and the time of year incentives are available.
Some require a letter of support from the strata company.
Carpark C02 Sensors
Does your strata complex have an enclosed carpark?
Carpark ventilation systems can consume a lot of energy, particularly if large fans are operating at full power around-the-clock.
Lower energy consumption by installing carbon monoxide sensors on ventilation motors and improving the efficiency of exhaust fans.
Current generation C02 monitoring and control systems with variable speed drive technology start and stop ventilation systems when required, saving power.
Veggie Patches and Worm Farms
Community herb and vegetable gardens create useful green space.
Start small in a spare patch of earth, but don’t forget to get permission from the Strata Company.
Talk to like-minded neighbours, discuss it at your next annual general meeting and see if it is something your complex would like to do.
Likewise, worm farms are moving out of suburban backyards.
Some apartment communities on the East coast have been experimenting with worm farms as a way to turn food scraps into fertiliser which can be used on garden beds and balcony pot plants.
In WA, the City of Stirling will host a free workshop on worm farming, composting and bokashi for its residents on June 18. The City of Vincent subsidises the cost of composting and worm farm equipment.
Recycling
Turn your strata community’s collective minds to reducing waste.
Add a textile recycling bin to your complex bin room for old clothing and fabric. Other tubs can be used for everything from discarded mobile phones to batteries and printer cartridges.
Not for profit Planet Ark has an online resource of recycling services by suburb.
Seasonal Sprinklers
Adjusting irrigation on common gardens throughout the year can save water.
The Water Corporation says most irrigation controllers have a seasonal adjustment setting, which alters the set watering times.
Water Corp recommends setting the seasonal adjustment at 100 percent for January and February only, then gradually decreasing the percentage in the cooler months.
From June to August it is mandatory to switch off sprinklers for all scheme and bore water in Perth, Mandurah and some parts of the South-West and Great Southern.
Also monitor general water use.
Bigger Steps
Once you’ve started down the path to an eco-friendlier complex, your Strata Company may want to allocate more money to green projects.
These could include vertical and roof top gardens or solar panels.
For the building itself, the federal government has a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) to measure and compare the environmental performance of buildings, including apartment complexes.
Star ratings — similar to what you may find on your fridge — are awarded to buildings based on the findings of independent assessors who look at performance in areas such as energy and water use.
Apartment buildings with at least four apartments on at least two floors are eligible for rating.
Talk to your Strata Manager
Approach your strata manager about placing your ideas on the agenda for your property’s next annual general meeting.
Strata managers accredited with SCA (WA) are across sector trends and have a wealth of contacts at their fingertips.
Put your ideas in writing and send them in with any information you have collected so the other owners can consider your ideas ahead of the meeting.
Be prepared to elaborate in the meeting and volunteer to take the lead on any projects that might be endorsed.
Strata Community Association (WA) E: admin.wa@strata.community P: 08 9381 7084
This post appears in the June 2022 edition of The WA Strata Magazine.
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