— Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
Home Retrofit for Comfort, Climate and Community
As part of our Zero Net Emissions (ZNET) strategy, we are committed to retrofitting older homes in the shire to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and improve occupant health.
To achieve the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group’s ZNET target by 2030, it is essential to upgrade the region’s ageing housing stock to low-emission standards. Our approach prioritises transitioning households away from gas, which could save approximately $350 per year per household.
Housing Stock Assessment
We have identified suitable homes for retrofitting using data from:
– DELWP Scorecard (Central Victoria)
– REMPLAN community census
– MASG-commissioned Renew Survey
– Sustainability Victoria’s Energy Efficiency Retrofits study
– Mount Alexander Shire Development Services
Consultation with sector experts has informed our strategy. Upgrading poorly performing homes to a NatHERS 6 Star rating, combined with solar PV and battery installation, can bring them close to ZNET standards. Studies show pre-2005 homes average a NatHERS rating of 1.81, and pre-1991 homes average 1.57. Approximately 80% of the shire’s homes were built before 2005. Our initial target is 510 homes, each currently producing around 7.6 tonnes of CO₂-e annually. Achieving this would reduce emissions by approximately 3,876 tonnes per year.
Benefits
The MASG retrofit programme offers:
– Lower energy bills
– Improved thermal comfort and safety
– Health benefits, particularly for low-income households
– Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
– Lower peak electricity demand
– Economic stimulus through local investment
– Reduced reliance on gas
Building shell upgrades have been shown to deliver a 7.1-year payback through reduced medical costs, as evidenced by UK research. Electrification will further enhance this.
Pilot Project
A $331,000 pilot, supported by Common Equity Housing Limited and the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation, validated the retrofit process across 10 local homes. Activities included legal review, energy assessments, contractor selection, installation, and post-project analysis. The pilot, completed in 2023, demonstrated the programme’s effectiveness and highlighted the impact of new battery rebates.
Retrofit Scope and Financing
A typical comprehensive retrofit costs around $25,000 and may include:
– Draught proofing
– Window treatments and shading
– Heat pump hot water system
– Reverse cycle air conditioning
– Ceiling and subfloor insulation
– Induction cooktop
– Solar PV (≥6kW) and battery (≥20kWh)
A management fee of $2,400 applies for project assessment and oversight. Financing options include mortgage extensions and green loans, with expected annual savings of $3,000 per household. Most loans are projected to be repaid within 10 years, after which households benefit from ongoing energy savings. Flexibility will be shown where houses only require a partial upgrade
Register your interest
We are seeking a minimum of 40 participants to commence the retrofit project. If you would like to receive an assessment or register for a managed retrofit, please use the form below. Your participation will help us resource and deliver this initiative effectively.