This grant program supports building owners in the residential apartment building and accommodation sector to undertake environmental ratings, certifications and assessments for existing buildings to be resource efficient and achieve net zero emissions by 2035.

Examples of what funding can support:

Residential apartment buildings

• building electrification feasibility assessments
  • upgrades of domestic gas hot water systems to heat pump systems
  • full building electrification including common areas, in apartments and electric vehicle charging
• renewable energy feasibility assessments
  • onsite solar, especially shared solar that gives renters access to renewable energy
• energy, water, and waste assessments
  • identification of no/low-cost efficiency opportunities
  • identification of larger projects that future-proof buildings
• establishment of local resource recovery hubs (non-capital works)
• multiyear NABERS energy and water ratings
  • initial rating year and action plan, second year rating and evaluation plan for implemented upgrades, final rating year with measured saving outcomes.

Applicants should demonstrate intent to implement feasible solutions, as indicated in the assessments, and sufficient budget in the building's capital works fund to do so.

Accommodation buildings, including hotels, hostels and serviced apartments

• electrification feasibility assessment for gas dependent boiler, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and kitchen system
• multiyear NABERS energy and water ratings, and waste verification supported with an action plan
  • initial rating year and action plan, second year rating and evaluation plan for implemented upgrades, final year rating with measured saving and outcomes
• Green Star Performance rating
• EarthCheck certification
• Ecotourism certification
• energy, water and waste assessments
• renewables feasibility assessments
• net zero action plan.

Eligibility

The owners corporation of a residential building or owner of a building in the accommodation sector in the City of Sydney’s local area can apply.
These organisations can apply:

• Owners Corporation
• Eligible Not For Profit Organisation
• Incorporated Association
• Corporation
• Co-operative
• Trustee of a Trust

Not eligible for funding

Funding is not available for:

• Capital expenditure or capital works
• Sole traders and government departments and agencies
• New buildings
• Commercial office or entertainment building types
• For-profit organisations that don’t match cash funding for the project
• A NABERS rating mandated by government including under the commercial building disclosure
• scheme at point of sale or lease.

• Phone: 02 9265 9333
• Email: communitygrants@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au