Powerful options in sustainable strata development

Article supplied by SCAQ GOLD Partners, Humenergy.

Sustainability in design is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity to achieve the highest returns on capital investment.

It makes sense to forge powerful partnerships from the very early stages of design to ensure new developments have seamlessly integrated, easily expandable technology across all infrastructure.

For electricity that could mean solar generation, battery storage and EV charging capabilities integrated into the building.

Not only are they highly desirable to strata managers and tenants, with the right planning they are also now commercially sensible.

When implemented thoughtfully and early in the design phase, embedded networks can support cleaner, more efficient and more cost-effective buildings.

What is an Embedded Network and why does it matter

In a standard apartment building, each household purchases electricity individually from a retail provider. An embedded network flips this arrangement: the building purchases energy in bulk and distributes it internally, with individual residents or tenants still receiving bills and metering but under a single, coordinated framework.

This collective approach offers several advantages:

·       Better Use of Solar and New Technology

o   Embedded networks make it easier to integrate large-scale rooftop solar, battery storage, and smart metering. Because the building acts as one coordinated energy customer, solar power can be shared across apartments rather than being constrained by fragmented individual systems.

·       Lower and More Predictable Energy Costs

o   Bulk purchasing typically delivers cost efficiencies, which can translate into lower and more stable energy charges for residents. Centralised hot water systems, where used, can also improve efficiency and reduce running costs.

·       A Practical Foundation for EV Charging

o   Retrofitting EV infrastructure in completed buildings is often complex and expensive. Embedded networks allow for planned, scalable EV charging capacity from day one—an increasingly important feature as electric vehicles become mainstream.

·       Streamlined Support and Simplified Operations

o   Residents receive centralised billing and a single point of contact, which can remove much of the administrative burden associated with dealing with traditional retailers. For building managers, consolidated metering and centralised infrastructure improve oversight and compliance.

While residents often focus on costs and convenience, embedded networks can also deliver long-term benefits for developers and owners’ corporations.

Improved Project Economics

The ability to coordinate solar, metering, hot water systems, and EV infrastructure across a whole building often leads to more efficient use of capital.

Future-Proofing the Building

Energy systems that are designed at the outset, rather than tacked on later, make it easier to integrate advancements such as battery expansion, demand-response capability, or grid-interactive systems. This can support future compliance requirements and help maintain asset competitiveness.

Appeal to the Market

Buyers are increasingly evaluating both running costs and environmental credentials when assessing apartments. Developments that demonstrate thoughtful integration of solar, EV readiness, and efficient services often present a stronger long-term value proposition.

Case Study: The Manning, Brisbane

A recent example illustrating the potential of early integration is The Manning, a 22-level residential tower comprising 113 apartments in Brisbane. Developers Mosaic partnered with Humenergy early to build its embedded network into the design process.

Key Features Include:

·       Large-scale rooftop solar designed to maximise the available space and feed shared building loads.

·       Centralised hot water systems, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance.

·       EV charging infrastructure installed prior to occupancy and configured to scale with resident uptake.

·       Advanced metering and data capabilities, enabling transparent billing and better energy management.

What distinguishes projects like The Manning is not just the chosen technologies but the timing of key decisions. By involving Humenergy during planning, rather than post-construction, the project team was able to design around energy-intensive features, anticipate future regulation, and optimise solar generation.

Why Timing Shapes Outcomes

Across the industry, one of the clearest lessons emerging from successful embedded network projects is that early collaboration delivers the best results.

Bringing energy expertise into the design phase allows teams to:

·       Maximise useable solar area by integrating equipment layouts early.

·       Align services—including electrical risers, switchboards, and metering—with long-term sustainability goals.

·       Plan for demand response and other grid-supportive technologies that may become mandatory in the future.

·       Reduce the cost and complexity of future upgrades.

A Scalable Approach for Multi-Site Developers

For developers delivering multiple projects, establishing a consistent embedded network model creates opportunities for continuous improvement. Standardising the approach across a portfolio means each new development can benefit from lessons learned in previous ones—whether through better solar design, more efficient hot water systems, or improved resident support.

This portfolio mindset is becoming more common as developers look to balance commercial performance with environmental obligations and rising resident expectations.

 

Looking Ahead

Embedded networks are not a universal solution, nor are they without regulatory considerations. But when planned well, they offer a pathway for strata communities to reduce emissions, increase resilience, and provide more predictable and efficient services to residents.

Perhaps most importantly, they represent a shift in how multi-residential buildings can be designed: as coordinated energy ecosystems rather than a collection of individual units.

For developers and strata managers, early planning delivers substantial long-term benefits.