Sustainable apartments

Sustainable Apartments Program

Apartment buildings face unique challenges when it comes to reducing energy use and electrification. The process of navigating shared infrastructure, strata governance, and split incentives can be confusing.

To support our apartment communities with electrification, we're piloting a new Sustainable Apartments Program. This program is designed specifically for apartment living, providing tailored and practical advice that supports your building in making informed decisions to reduce energy costs, cut emissions, and plan a transition to an all‑electric future.

Insights from participating buildings will be used to create resources to support other apartment communities across the City of Port Phillip.

Selected apartments will receive professional, independent support at no cost, including:
- on‑site energy assessment by specialist, technical experts
- a clear, building specific plan outlining upgrade options and indicative costs
- electric vehicle (EV) charging feasibility assessment
- clear, practical next steps for owners and residents
- guidance on relevant rebates, programs and incentives where available.
Expressions of interest are invited from a diverse mix of apartment buildings across the City of Port Phillip, including:
- older and newer buildings
- small and large complexes
- buildings with renters, owner‑occupiers or a mix of both.
To be suitable, apartment buildings must have:
- a local champion willing to be the main point of contact (a key contact who can coordinate between the committee, Owners Corporation manager, and project team)
- general interest or support among owners and residents
- willingness to allow a site visit and share basic building information.
There is no financial contribution required from participating apartments, and participation does not commit the building to undertaking upgrades.

To apply for this program, please complete the online Expression of Interest form.

Expressions of interest are open until Sunday 31 May 2026.

An aerial photo of Port Phillip, showing high rise apartment buildings and smaller multi-unit dwellings. Lots of trees are visible between buildings.

Rebates from Solar Victoria

Join the thousands of apartment residents across Port Phillip and slash your power bills by installing solar panels on your apartment rooftop. An average household in a multi-unit development can save up to $500 a year on their energy bills.

Solar Victoria has rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment (up to $140,000 per property) are available until 30 June 2027, or until all rebates are exhausted. Rebates are applied by your chosen retailer as a discount on your invoice, reducing your upfront costs.

Learn more, check your eligibility, and apply online through Solar Victoria's Solar for Apartments.

Electrification with Solar Savers

We have partnered with Solar Savers, a local government initiative that has already done the research, supporting you to electrify your home or business by facilitating access to quality and affordable products.

The Solar Savers program offers a wide range of industry-leading products and services including:

solar panels and batteries
hot water heat pump systems
split system heating & cooling
induction cooktops, insulation
insulation and draughtproofing
home energy assessments

To get started or learn more, register through Solar Savers or call 1300 548 598.

A photo of a medium-rise apartment building, surrounded by green trees and shrubs.

Further resources for apartments

Contact us

If you’re interested in exploring clean energy or sustainable options for your apartment building, townhouse, or unit, contact us via My Port Phillip or call 03 9209 6777 during business hours.