Sustainability for residents

Residential Sustainability Assessment Grants support owners of existing residential buildings within the City of Perth to undertake assessments to determine environmental performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Types of projects supported include:

Feasibility
Electrification / Renewables / Electric Vehicles / Urban Greening
A feasibility study provides initial research to determine the viability of a project that will improve environmental outcomes. It includes comprehensive technical and financial analysis, identifies potential issues, and provides significant recommendations for next stages of project planning.

Audit
Energy / Water / Waste / Thermal
An audit provides analysis of existing environmental performance.

Rating
NABERS Energy / Water
A NABERS Rating provides a measure of existing environmental performance in a nationally recognised star rating.

Information session
A post-assessment information session to educate building residents on the findings of their completed sustainability assessment.

The Residential Energy Upgrade Grants supports upgrades that improve environmental performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance climate resilience.

Types of projects supported include:

Energy efficiency
Upgrades to lighting, hot water system, pumps and motors, lifts, air conditioning and ventilation, and including building tuning.

Electrification
Replacement of gas hot water systems, space heating and cooking appliances with an energy efficient electric alternative; electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Renewables
Installation of solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage.

Quick wins to reduce energy use and costs

• Choose appliances with high energy star ratings when replacing items.
• Look for the WELS water efficiency label on taps, showerheads and appliances.
• Use blinds and curtains to reduce heat during warmer months.
• Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs at end of life.
• Use draft stoppers, timers and low-flow showerheads where possible.
• Understand your energy use by reviewing your electricity bill to check average daily usage.
• Be mindful that off-peak electricity usage could help you save money.
• Explore renewable energy options, including solar.

Take action in your community

Interested in your personal footprint and how you can take action? There are many ways to get involved, learn more and be part of a more sustainable Perth.

Get involved with community and climate organisations that are making a difference in Perth, such as local sustainability groups, volunteering opportunities and urban greening initiatives.

1. Join an event or workshop on electrification, composting, circular economy or whatever may interest you.
2. Head to a local Repair It café. You may be able to fix clothing, electronics, furniture and more.
3. Borrow the Energy Audit kit from your local library.
4. Learn more about sustainability using the UN short courses.
5. Apply for a grant for a sustainability project at your apartment residence.
6. Consider active or public transport.
7. Have the Council of Owners consider a NABERS rating for your building as part of its long term planning..
8. Check out the Clean Energy Council’s fact sheets and guides.
9. Get in touch with the City of Perth sustainability team for ideas, support and guidance on where to start.

Sustainable properties can be more comfortable to live in, cheaper to run and more attractive to tenants and buyers.

• Its time to get off gas! Consider replacing gas appliances and heating systems with electric alternatives at end of life, such as heat pumps and induction cooktops.
• Have your own power! Investing in solar can help manage rising electricity prices. Excess power can be exported back to the grid, or you can use a battery to store energy for evening use.
• Think long term value: Electrified, energy efficient and future proofed properties are increasingly attractive in the market and can sell at a premium. [Link domain]
• If you wish to carry out sustainability upgrades for your building / common area, consider if our grant program can help your strata fund the cost.

Resources can be found here.

Protect your garden during a heatwave.

Borrow the Energy Audit kit from your local library.

Hear from the experts on how to save water in your home 

What is a NABERS rating?

Waste and recycling information

Understand energy rating labels

Understanding water rating labels

Saving energy with blinds and curtains 

Synergy energy plans

Find out how your bill compares within your suburb.

Solar consumer guide

Guides to help strata buildings become more EV ready

Find out what appliance is costing you the most to use, here.

Community organisations:

• Perth City Farm Volunteering
• Electrify Everything WA
• Our community groups
• ReWild Perth