Expressions of interest: FREE electrification assessments for eligible apartment buildings

Interest in apartment building electrification is growing, but understanding what electrification means for a particular building – the benefits, challenges and practical pathways – requires careful consideration.

Many apartment communities are already considering how to improve building energy performance, manage ageing infrastructure and prepare for future needs, such as EV charging facilities. Whether electrification forms part of that journey, and to what extent, is often less clear.

For many owners’ corporations (OCs), the challenge is not deciding whether electrification is good or bad, but determining whether, where and when it may be in the best interests of their building and owners.

The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Every apartment building is different. They vary in age, design, services infrastructure and ownership arrangements. Buildings were also constructed under different building codes and standards, which continue to influence the opportunities available today. Some operate embedded energy networks, while others have individual utility connections. What may be practical and cost-effective in one building may be unsuitable in another.

For OCs, this presents a critical governance challenge. OCs have a responsibility to act in the best interests of owners, but doing so requires reliable information and a clear understanding of the options available.

That is why building-specific advice is so valuable.

The Electrifying Apartment Buildings Program, a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne, is offering eligible apartment buildings the opportunity to better understand their energy performance and future options.

Selected buildings will receive professional assessments and reports valued at approximately $20,000, including:

• An electrification feasibility study
• A NABERS for Apartments energy rating
• An energy opportunity assessment

Together, these assessments provide a detailed picture of how your building currently performs and what future pathways may be available.

The electrification feasibility study examines a building’s infrastructure and identifies opportunities and constraints. The energy opportunity assessment highlights practical improvements that could enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs. The NABERS for Apartments rating provides an independent benchmark of energy performance, helping owners understand how their building compares and where improvements may deliver the greatest value.

Importantly, participation in the program does not commit a building to undertake any upgrades. Instead, it provides something many OCs currently lack: independent, expert advice tailored to their building.

Understanding a building’s unique circumstances is the essential first step towards making informed decisions about its future.

For OCs considering what is in the best interests of their owners, this program offers a valuable opportunity to access expert guidance and develop a clearer picture of what a transition pathway for their building could look like.

Expressions of Interest close on July 26, 2026. •