What is an electrified home?

In its simplest form, an electrified home is one that has no reliance on natural gas – just electricity.  With gas prices rising, making the switch to all-electric appliances could help you save on electricity bills, make the most of solar (whether you already have rooftop solar panels or are thinking about it), and can reduce your home’s carbon footprint if you’re able to take advantage of electricity sourced from renewables. So, if your home’s stove, hot water system or heating runs on natural gas, it may be worth considering electric when your appliances reach the end of their life.

When is an ideal time to consider electrification?

Building or renovating is a prime time to consider all-electric systems and appliances. While energy-efficient electrical appliances may cost more upfront, over their lifetime they’ll have lower running costs than their natural gas or less energy-efficient counterparts. And if your new home has rooftop solar, the savings could be even greater, as the real benefit of solar comes from using the energy you’re generating first, rather than feeding it back into the grid.

Do I need solar to electrify my home?

Whilst rooftop solar is a great way to help increase the green credentials of your home, and help bring your energy bills down, it’s not a requirement when making the switch to electrification. Opting to use electricity as much as possible allows you to take advantage of energy-efficient appliances – helping to reduce your household emissions and running costs.  

How much will it cost to electrify my home?

Costs will vary depending on which natural gas appliances you currently have, as well as your style and personal goals. For example, let’s take a look in the kitchen. Many brands now offer induction cook-tops in a range of sizes, designs and price-points. The technology is fast, simple to control, safe – and easier to clean than gas cook-tops (a huge plus).

It’s important to remember that electrifying your home is an investment that will continue to provide benefits over the long term.

What if I rent?

If you’re a renter and your property has gas appliances, unfortunately the only option is to find electric alternatives. It may be worth considering a portable plug-in induction cook top for your kitchen and making the switch to an energy-efficient electric heater.

If you have a good relationship with your property manager and landlord, it may be worth floating the idea of electrifying the property. Energy efficiency upgrades may be subsidised (as well as tax deductible) and upgrades to the property can also help increase property value long term.

What are the perks of electrification if I have an EV?

If you own an EV, or are in the market for one, electrifying your home should be on your radar.  Whilst you may no longer have to pay for fuel, charging your EV still comes at a cost. If your home has rooftop solar charging your car during the day, whilst you’re generating power, is a great way to offset the electricity costs. If you prefer to charge at night, adding a battery to your setup is a great option, as it allows you to utilise the power you’ve generated as opposed to it being fed back into the grid. 

Solar technology has come a long way since the early days, with some states even offering rebates as an incentive.

How much could I save by going all-electric?

Sustainability Victoria estimates that, for a home with solar panels, making the switch to electricity could save you around $1,250 on your energy bills per year. This is in addition to approximately $950 of savings per year from an existing 6.6kW solar system. You can take your savings even further, by adding a medium-sized battery system, you could save an additional $520 per year.  
 
If you don’t have solar, there are still savings to be had by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. In fact, two of the biggest energy users are heating and cooling (41% of home energy usage) and hot water (21%). Upgrading appliances as they approach the end of their life, to energy-efficient electrical options, could result in savings on your energy bill – and allow you to take full advantage of your solar if/when you do invest in it.

Where to start

If you’re not in the process of building or renovating your home, the starting point is a little different. Upgrading major appliances, like hot water systems and heating, can be costly, so for many households the best time to consider electrification is when these appliances are reaching the end of their life. It’s a good idea to plan your electrification transition over a few years, allowing you to budget for the replacements and slowly transition off the natural gas network.  

Our step-by-step guide to going all-electric

• Identify which appliances currently use natural gas in your home and which are reaching the end of their life first. 
• Set a budget for the appliances in question and plan for when they’ll likely need replacing. 
• Research the appliances you need and ensure they work for you, for example, if you’re an avid home-cook, make sure you find an induction cook top that ticks all your culinary boxes. 
• Seek out quotes for both the product and installation so there are no surprises when it comes to budget.  
• Research whether there are any rebates available in your state that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.  
• Prior to installation, check in with your installer and discuss whether you’ll need to reach out to your energy provider to have your electricity meter updated. 
• Once you’ve moved all your appliances over to electric versions, reach out to your energy provider to disconnect your natural gas account. 
• Plan ahead – what does the next phase look like for your home beyond just replacing your appliances? Are there opportunities to further save on your energy bills and increase your green credentials through additions like EVs, rooftop solar and batteries?  

Electrification at home is one of the ways Aussies can increase their energy efficiency, bring their energy bills down, and can help reduce carbon emissions when powered by renewables. 

There are also some simple, passive solutions to help make your energy at home work more efficiently like installing blinds, draught proofing, and planting trees to provide shade. Seasonal window shutters can also help to reduce or maximise sun exposure. And if you’re building or renovating, there’s bigger projects you can take on to improve energy efficiency — like upgrading insulation, installing double glazed windows, fitting insulated doors, creating zoned living spaces that can be sealed off to keep warmth or cool air in, and installing oversized eaves. 

As Australia transitions to more renewable energy, and big change is happening across our energy network — there are plenty of ways to get involved now and make an impact at home today. 

Thinking about solar?

We can help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post A guide to electrifying your home appeared first on The Origin Blog.

We’re committed

In 2015, Origin became the first energy company in the world to commit to the first seven We Mean Business Coalition’s commitments. The We Mean Business Coalition is a global non-profit coalition and outlines a framework to accelerate business climate action for a net zero, 1.5°C-aligned world. We report on our progress each year in our Sustainability Report. 

Our Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP)

Our Climate Transition Action Plan outlines our ambition to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions. It details the targets we’ve set to accelerate emissions reduction across our business. Importantly, our medium-term equity emissions intensity target and long-term net ambition to be net zero emissions across our full value chain by 2050, are consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Future-proofing our generation assets

With Eraring Power Station’s closure slated for August 2027, we’re future-proofing Australia’s largest power station. We’ve committed to the construction of a large-scale battery at Eraring. The first phase of the project consists of a 460 MW two-hour battery located adjacent to the power station, with an operational target date of late 2025. Construction of the second stage of the battery is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and come online in the first quarter of 2027, adding a further 240MW with a dispatch duration of four hours. 

As one of the most flexible power stations in the National Electricity Market (NEM), it’s playing an important role in supporting Australia’s transition to renewable energy sources, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable energy to our customers. 

Accelerating our investment in renewable energy

We’re developing a range of projects to expand our renewables portfolio and help lead the energy transition.

Solar energy

• We’re currently seeking development approval for Dapper Solar Farm, a 250-300MW solar development within NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone. 
• In February 2024, we acquired renewable energy developer Walcha Energy including their proposed 450MW Salisbury Solar Farm. 
• In August 2022, we acquired Yanco Solar Farm.  The 60MW project also includes a planning permit for a battery storage system. 
• In April 2022, we acquired Yarrabee Solar Farm. The first stage of the project is expected to include 450MW of solar generation (with the potential for up to 900MW). Once developed, Yarrabee will be one of the largest solar farms in NSW. Planning approval also allows for a 25MW battery storage system. 

Battery storage

• We’re seeking approval to construct a 500MW battery with a storage capacity of up to 2,000MWh beside our Darling Downs Power Station.  
• Construction is underway on a large-scale battery energy storage system at our Eraring Power Station. The approved battery has a peak output of 700 MW for up to four hours (or lesser loads for longer periods) meaning it will be able to meet the energy needs of approximately 150,000 homes for up to four hours. 
• Construction of a large-scale battery storage project adjacent to our gas-fired Mortlake Power Station commenced in mid 2024. The Mortlake battery  will use lithium-ion battery storage technology and have a peak generation output of 300MW and a storage capacity of 600 MWh and will be commissioned in late 2026.  
• We’re seeking approval to construct and operate a 200MW battery at Templers Creek with a storage capacity of up to 800 MWh. 

Wind development

• In February 2024, we confirmed the acquisition of renewable developer Walcha Energy including their proposed Ruby Hills Wind Farm. 
• In July 2023, we purchased the 7,586 hectare ‘Warrane’ property (now also known as the Northern Tablelands Wind Farm).  
• Acquired in April 2024, the Yanco Delta project comprises a 1.5GW wind farm and an 800 MWh battery. The project has received both New South Wales Government development approval (December 2023) and EPBC approval (February 2024) making it one of the largest and most advanced wind and energy storage projects in New South Wales.   
• In July, the Origin x RES Joint Venture secured a feasibility license to develop the Navigator North offshore wind project off the Gippsland coast in Victoria. The Navigator North project has the potential to deliver 1.5 GW of total installed capacity to the NEM. 

The power of community

Community battery trials

We’re currently involved in several community battery trial programs with energy networks in Queensland and New South Wales. As Australia continues to transition towards renewable energy solutions, more and more of these batteries are being installed – from Bondi, to Bowral, to Bungarribee.  

A community battery stores excess solar generated by rooftop panels, then shares it back with the community – helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It’s why we believe community batteries have an important role to play in Australia’s energy transition.   

City of Melbourne

We’ve partnered with City of Melbourne to deliver three battery energy storage systems as part of its Power Melbourne project. Part of the project’s pilot stage, the batteries are set to be installed in 2024, helping support the city’s transition to renewable energy.

Creating change through partnerships

Our sports partnerships are about more than just a logo on a shirt, they’re about making small, but good changes for a better future – and giving sports fans the information they need to do the same. 

In Sydney, we’ve assisted with the installation of EV charging solutions at the new Sydney Swans HQ, which recently received a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. For the past two years at Swans home games at the SCG, we’ve hosted fans in a VIP game day space. The ‘Home of the Fans’ space gives fans the chance to have a great match day experience, whilst also giving us the chance to showcase some great renewable solutions for homes, including solar and battery products, and information on how our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) works. 

Melbourne City FC also recently opened its new facility, City Football Academy Melbourne, at Casey Fields. We supported the club by installing a 40kW rooftop solar system and 13.5kW battery, to help reduce its carbon footprint 

We’re also the naming rights partners of the world champion Origin Australian Diamonds – and last year helped install four EV chargers for Netball Queensland at Nissan Arena.

Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP), allows customers to be part of a smart, connected energy network, and contribute to a cleaner energy future.  

It connects energy assets to work together like a mini power station to manage supply and demand. Our VPP currently has over 300,000 connected assets, with a total capacity of 1.4GW under management. 

When energy demand is high, our VPP can send renewable energy stored in home batteries into the grid – helping boost energy supply across the network. It can also help preheat hot water storage systems during the day, when there’s extra renewable energy flowing through the grid. 

More than 105,000 Aussie homes participate in SpikeHours – our energy-saving rewards program – through the VPP, encouraging people to reduce their energy use during peak times through gamification and rewards. 

Supporting big business

Our dedicated Origin Zero team, helps large businesses across Australia accelerate their energy transition towards net-zero through a range of personalised energy solutions. From  accelerating renewable energy adoption, helping reduce onsite greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, right through to transitioning to electric-powered assets, and offsetting carbon emissions. 
 
We’ve partnered with businesses like Coles and JB HiFi right through to the iconic Aussie theme park Dreamworld to help reduce their carbon emissions (and even power roller-coasters) with renewable energy solutions.

Driving change

We’re helping make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) easier for Aussies, with a range of residential and business EV solutions. 

Our EV team can help you make the switch through salary packaging, business subscription and fleet services. You might also be able to level up your charging game with EV Power Up.  

We can even help with business and commercial charging solutions. Whatever your EV needs, we’re all about driving good change for Aussies. 

Want to delve deeper?

The post How we’re helping accelerate Australia’s energy transition  appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Get an action plan

We understand that small business owners have many responsibilities, and focusing on the sustainability of their business operations may feel time-consuming. That’s why we’ve partnered with Greener for Business, a cleantech startup dedicated to helping businesses on their decarbonisation journey. Greener’s solution offers a straightforward plan to help small and medium sized business get going on their journey to net-zero.

Simply sign up, answer a questionnaire and get your step-by-step action plan as well as unlocking expert advice and exclusive offers.

Choose an energy plan with GreenPower

One of the easiest ways to start your decarbonisation journey is by switching to 100% GreenPower.  This means the equivalent amount of electricity from GreenPower-accredited renewable sources is sourced to match 100% of your electricity usage, which will go back into the energy grid. When you join Greener for Business, you’ll unlock an exclusive electricity offer which includes 100% GreenPower at no added cost*.

Consider solar power

We know how important it is for small to medium business owners to make financial decisions that are smart and efficient. Investing in solar allows you to reduce your electricity bills by harnessing energy from the sun during the day, which is when many businesses are typically using the most electricity. And with the development of alternate payment options, businesses now have more flexibility when it comes to purchasing a solar system. 

Beyond reducing your overheads, solar is a great way to help your business reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and reach your decarbonisation goals. 

You might also be eligible for the Small Business Incentive program. From 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024, eligible small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million can receive a bonus 20% tax deduction for assets that support electrification and the more efficient use of energy. 

Add a battery to your solar setup

If you really want to boost your cleaner energy credentials, and reduce your businesses reliance on the energy grid, it may be worthwhile adding a battery to your solar setup. Batteries capture and store unused energy generated by your solar panels for you to use when the sun isn’t shining – like during the evening. Our Solar Experts can help tailor a solar package to your business’s needs – handling the process end to end.

Electrify your fleet

If your business has a fleet of vehicles, electrifying it is another way you can reduce your emissions and start to decarbonise your business. And with an increasing selection of car models, charging options and financial incentives – now’s a great time to consider EVs for your business.

Origin 360 EV Fleet is the first full-service electric vehicle (EV) fleet management program of its kind in Australia. Discover how our team can help your business save on fleet operation costs, recue emissions and contribute to your organisation’s carbon reduction strategy.  

*Disclaimer: Go to Greener for Business to find out more. Terms and conditions apply. Not available all areas or property types. For Victorian customers, fact sheets are available on request or at originenergy.com.au/pricing.  For clear advice on the right plan for you contact us on 13 24 61.  For other states: Basic Plan Information Documents are available on request or at originenergy.com.au/pricing.

The post How to start your business’s decarbonisation journey appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Whether onshore or offshore, wind farms hold immense promise as renewable energy sources. However, to unlock this potential, accurate wind resource assessments during the development phase are crucial. That’s why careful planning and preparation are vital before these farms can take shape. 

Evaluating a site for a wind farm requires a thorough feasibility study to assess its potential for harnessing wind energy effectively for electricity generation. Part of this process involves installing meteorological masts, also known as ‘met’ masts. These masts gather crucial data by monitoring wind and weather conditions at different heights above the ground. This data is vital for wind farm developers to accurately determine wind speeds, direction, and other weather parameters at the site, which can be challenging to predict. Wind data sets, recorded over a year or two, are essential for these projects to reliably estimate the expected energy output.

Met masts key to planning Northern Tablelands Wind Farm

In planning for a proposed Northern Tablelands Wind Farm site in regional NSW, we recently installed two meteorological masts to assess the site’s wind potential. This project site spans 7,586 hectares across the Warrane property, located 18 km northwest of Armidale within the NSW New England Renewable Energy Zone, with the site boasting a high-quality wind resource — and offering several grid connection options — making it very appealing for a wind energy development. 

Each of the meteorological masts installed at Warrane stand at 110 meters tall and are spaced 3.5 kilometres apart. These lattice structures are strategically positioned to collect data from the site, ensuring thorough assessment of wind and other weather conditions across the entire potential wind farm area. Equipped with instruments at different heights, they gather comprehensive data crucial for understanding wind patterns and variability.  

Monitoring wind at different heights gives us a wind profile that helps estimate wind speeds higher than those measured directly at the mast. Monitoring wind direction is equally crucial as it guides turbine placement and spacing across the project area. 
 
Wind turbine manufacturers can develop different models and classes suited to different weather conditions. In areas with lower wind speeds, turbines have larger blades to capture maximum energy across the aerodynamic surface. Conversely, sites with higher wind-speeds typically require smaller blades for greater efficiency in harnessing strong, steady winds. Therefore, the data collected from the met masts guides the selection of turbines and blades best suited to the site’s wind characteristics.

Met masts are kept in place for at least 18 months, sometimes up to 60 months, to collect solid data, reduce uncertainties, ensure project feasibility, and account for weather, seasonal changes, and maintenance. However, they’re not the sole method used for wind resource assessment. We’re also employing Lidar technology – an optical wind measurement technique. Lidar, short for ‘light detection and ranging,’ uses laser pulses to remotely detect wind conditions, offering broader coverage and flexibility compared to fixed met masts. Unlike met masts, Lidar units are portable and can be moved around the project area to gather data, which helps even more in figuring out the overall feasibility of the project. 

Each method – Lidar and met masts – can be used in tandem to provide a comprehensive understanding of the wind conditions at a wind farm site. Given the substantial investment required for wind-energy projects, how we measure wind resources can significantly impact the success of these projects. Combining modern tools like Lidar with traditional meteorological masts ensures we get a thorough and accurate assessment. This approach not only boosts energy production by developing a wind farm suited to specific weather and site conditions, but also makes renewable energy investments more sustainable and reliable in the long run.

Did you know? Meteorological masts aren’t just for wind farms. They’re also key at airports and for general weather forecasting, climate research, and studying tough-to-reach places. They give us crucial data that helps make flights safer, improves weather predictions, and supports all sorts of meteorological work.

The post What are met masts and how do they work? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Assess your energy provider

Chat to your energy supplier about their commitment to renewables and consider joining one that’s investing in this space. At Origin, our ambition is to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions. As part of our Climate Transition Action Plan, we’ve set a range of sustainability targets and are evolving our energy portfolio to include more renewable energy sources like wind, solar and batteries.

We’re also helping everyday Aussies make the switch to a lower-emission future with access to GreenPower – a government led program that’s all about putting more renewable energy into the grid. When you sign up you can choose to add either 25%, 50% or 100% GreenPower to your energy plan. Whichever option you choose, the equivalent percentage of your electricity consumption is annually matched with renewable energy back into the grid. 

2. Use the three Rs

The three Rs are reduce, reuse and recycle. The concept is fairly straightforward: it’s all about curbing the amount of waste your household sends to landfill. 

Reducing involves minimising the overall waste you put out. It could mean phasing out single-use items like plastic bags, bottles and packaged goods like pantry staples (such as rice) or cleaning products, and replacing them with refillable, or reusable, alternatives.

Reusing is finding new functions for items you no longer use. Old clothes, homewares, appliances and toys can be donated, sold or given away, or even repurposed into something else.

Lastly, recycling doesn’t just apply to the items you throw in your kerbside bin. You may find recycling options in your local area for all kinds of household goods, including electrical items, batteries, white goods, mattresses, clothing and furniture.

3. Switch out energy and water-sapping fittings

They may seem like small fry, but fittings such as light bulbs and shower heads require a lot of energy and water. In fact, lighting alone makes up 10% of the average Aussie home’s electricity budget.

To significantly cut your energy use, replace all your light bulbs with LEDs. These bulbs use around 75% less energy than traditional halogen varieties, and they last up to 10 times longer.

As far as your shower head goes, consider installing a low-flow solution. Don’t let the name fool you – low-flow shower heads use up to 60% less water but often deliver the same level of pressure by mixing the water with air. Just make sure you keep the old shower head in case you need to reinstall it when you move out.

4. Look to the outdoors

Even if you’re renting, it’s entirely possible to set up a greener garden or balcony (at least, as far as the environment is concerned). Purchase a compost bin where you can place discarded items like fruit and vegetable scraps, bread and cereals, coffee grounds, used tea leaves and garden waste. Just avoid animal products like meats, fats and dairy. You can then use the compost as fertiliser on your indoor or outdoor plants.

Another way to make your outdoor area more eco-friendly is to collect rainwater. Don’t worry, there’s no need to ask your landlord to install a rainwater tank. Simply place a large barrel in your garden or on your balcony to harvest water, then use it to irrigate your plants.

5. Smarten up your devices

Smart devices are incredibly handy tools – not least because they can help you monitor and curb your home’s energy consumption. Products like smart thermostats and smart energy meters can be tricky to install if you’re renting (because they can involve some finicky hard wiring) but there are several other options that don’t require any electrical work.

Smart plugs with in-built energy monitoring are a great example; they sit between your wall and appliance to turn any device into a smart one. You can then check how much energy it’s using and operate it remotely via your smartphone or tablet.

You’re probably also familiar with the dreaded ‘vampire power‘. This is when appliances are turned off but still consuming energy in standby mode, which is estimated to contribute up to 10% of your energy bill.

Forget spending ages each night switching everything off at the wall. Using a smart power board, you can plug in multiple devices and schedule individual ones to turn on and off (completely) when you want. Alternatively, invest in a few smart plugs and you can set timers to automatically turn off appliances like TVs, computers and lamps.

How do Aussie’s feel about energy-efficient features?

In partnership with the REA Group, we’ve launched the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, analysing the motivations and challenges for Aussies to adopt energy-efficient initiatives at home. The report aims to help understand the sentiment of all Australians, whether they rent or own, towards energy efficiency. 

This article was originally published as 5 easy hacks for renters to ensure your home is environmentally friendly.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

The post 5 eco-friendly hacks for renters appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Two thirds of Aussie homes with solar have plans to install a battery within the next five years_[i] to help reduce their reliance on grid energy – signifying a growing appetite for more self-sufficient and sustainable homes. However, the process of disconnecting from the grid is still out of reach for the majority of Aussies – at least without significant up-front costs and a tolerance for occasional disruptions to power supply.

So, what does going off-grid actually mean for your home and your hip-pocket? We’ve put together some quick info on becoming a self-sufficient household, and why staying connected to the grid is a good safety net.

What are the benefits of battery storage for going off the grid?

Home batteries allow you to bank excess solar energy generated during the day so you can use it later, reducing your reliance on grid energy and helping to bring your energy bills down. For homes without battery storage, excess energy generated by their solar system is sent back to the grid – which means they’re not unlocking the full potential of their solar system.

Home batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall and the LG Resu10 store excess solar energy generated throughout the day, providing power at night, on cloudy days, or when there’s a spike in energy use at home.

What’s required to go completely off the grid?

Going off-grid means completely disconnecting your home from the national energy grid, and relying solely on the energy generated from your household solar and battery storage system. To power a typical Aussie home, you’d need to install battery storage and back-up generators to ensure your home has enough power when the sun goes down.

Why should I stay connected to the grid?

The national energy grid provides a reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy when batteries are depleted, or when solar systems aren’t generating enough energy from the sun – like on consecutive cloudy days. So, staying connected to the grid provides peace of mind (especially on colder days when heating and warm showers are a must).

In some situations, it’s possible to completely remove yourself from the national energy grid by investing in the right technology. However, a more reliable option is to choose a home battery and enjoy the reassurance of grid-power when needed.

At Origin, we make going solar easy

Choosing which company will install your solar system is important. We’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar? 

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post What does it mean to go off-grid? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Build a financial case

Businesses often express concerns about the costs associated with transitioning their fleets to EVs, however the financial landscape for EV adoption is becoming increasingly favourable.  

This change is driven by the availability of incentives and more affordable EV models. There was a time when the initial purchase price of EVs was significantly higher than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but with the introduction of more than 27 brands to choose from at various price points, the upfront costs for EVs are now starting to now be comparable to ICE vehicles. What hasn’t changed though is the reduced running costs, which strengthens the case for transitioning to an electric fleet. 

A key policy designed to help facilitate this shift is the Electric Car Discount Bill (2022), which eliminates the fringe benefits tax (FBT) for eligible EVs within fleets. Removing FBT represents potentially considerable cost savings for eligible EV owners, particularly for take-home vehicles, and makes the economic argument for integrating EVs into fleets stronger. 

The importance of starting today

With the financial barriers to EV adoption being mitigated, fleet managers can now focus on planning and executing their fleets’ transition to EVs. Starting this process sooner rather than later is crucial when aiming to stay ahead in the move towards electrification. Starting now will ensure fleets are well-prepared for the inevitable shift towards an EV future. 

While it may not be feasible for some businesses to transition their entire fleet at once, it’s worthwhile to get started on the journey – even if it’s just one EV at a time. An EV pilot program enables businesses to get familiar with the EV landscape and figure out what vehicles suit their needs. 

The more proactive businesses are today, the better prepared they will be for legislative changes such as the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), that could impact the cost to run or reduce the future value of an ICE fleet.   

Reducing fleet carbon emissions

Transport is currently Australia’s third largest source of emissions, with 60 per cent of Australia’s CO2 emissions generated through ICE passenger vehicles and light trucks. Companies making the shift to EVs demonstrate leadership and will be contributing to a cleaner future. 

What steps do you need to take to get started?

1. Evaluate your current fleet

Identifying EV opportunities begins with a deep understanding of fleet operational requirements and needs. Conducting a review can generate insights to inform an EV transition strategy, such as: 

• How employees adapt to the new technology 
• Bespoke charging strategies to meet operational requirements 
• Charging behaviours — how, when and where drivers will charge their vehicles 
• Ongoing power and maintenance costs 
• Which EV models best suit your business needs 

2. Choose the right electric vehicle for your fleet

EVs represent a rapidly expanding market and are a platform to showcase new technology. With a variety of models available, businesses have greater flexibility to test and swap vehicles, making it easier to find the right fit. 

3. Determine the best charging solution

There are several charging solutions available for EVs – including standard wall socket, AC single phase and 3 phase smart chargers and dedicated DC fast EV charging stations, available for both public and private charging. The right solution would be dependent on the operational requirements of the vehicle and business needs. 

4. Bring stakeholders on the journey

Adapting to EVs is a journey for all involved and requires a strategic approach. Hosting educational sessions and implementing processes and systems for all stakeholders will help them successfully transition. 

5. Consider a fleet management program

Origin 360 EV Fleet offers end-to-end support to electrify your fleet from developing a strategic plan, to identifying the right EVs and charging infrastructure, to setting up the first trial. Businesses looking to experience a range of EVs can register for a future Drive Day or webinar, or ask us about the Origin 360 EV Flex Plan – our all-inclusive monthly EV subscription plan for businesses.  

Origin 360 EV is dedicated to helping Australians make the switch to EVs. We offer a range of products and services, from EV ready buildings, home charging solutions to business leasing, subscriptions and car sharing.  

Want to learn more?

Download our guide ‘A roadmap to electrifying your fleet‘ today.

The post How to electrify your fleet appeared first on The Origin Blog.

The 40 kW rooftop solar system is expected to generate approximately 50 MWh of electricity annually, while a 13.5 kW battery has also been installed to store energy and help power the facility at night. 

This initiative represents a substantial stride towards reducing the club’s carbon footprint at its state-of-the-art home. 

Now in our third year as a Major Partner of Melbourne City FC, we’re committed to continuing to drive good change in Australian sport. 

These renewable energy solutions will help power the club’s football and administration operations – helping contribute to a more sustainable future. 

“We are thrilled to officially unveil the City Football Academy Melbourne at Casey Fields,” Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse, said. 

“This state-of-the-art facility, powered by Origin’s renewable energy solutions, will be the new home to our Men’s, Women’s, Academy, and Administration teams, and will allow us to come together under the one roof to train, share ideas and challenge each other every single day. 

“This facility sets new standards for football in this country and lays the foundations for sustainable growth, on and off the pitch. 

“We pride ourselves on being an innovative club, and a club that has a positive impact on our local community, and in Origin, we’re lucky to have a partner that shares these same values.” 

“We’re proud to partner with Melbourne City FC to help power their new home base, the City Football Academy Melbourne, with cleaner energy,” Origin’s Executive General Manager Retail, Jon Briskin, said. 

“Installing renewable energy solutions at this facility, in the form of solar power and battery storage, will be important in helping lower emissions from the club’s day-to-day operations. 

“At Origin, our ambition is to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy solutions and working with our partners, like Melbourne City FC, we can help drive good change in sport together.” 
 
Together, Melbourne City FC and Origin are showing that integrating lower carbon energy solutions is the winning game plan. 

The post Future proofing Melbourne City FC’s City Football Academy   appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Director Jamie Sormann says the inspiration for Haines Street was to convert a small residential block into a family home that not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared for the future. “The expansion of cities like Melbourne often leads to urban sprawl. However, for those choosing inner-city living, densification is key,” Jamie explains. 

“Inner-city blocks, while not always suitable for multiple dwellings, are perfect for tall family homes. Our Haines Street project exemplifies this, turning an older home into a modern, sustainable space.”

Foomann Architects’ approach to the Haines Street renovation is deeply rooted in sustainability while being careful not to favour form over function. Being a family home, Sormann says every design element needed to also enhance the comfort and livability of the building. 

“There’s a lot you can do with those older homes to bring them up to spec from a sustainability perspective” Jamie says. “All the external walls are a double concrete block, we installed blow-in insulation into the cavity  and we’re training deciduous vines to run across the concrete block because that provides a layer of shade when you need it through the warmer months, and it drops the leaves during the winter.”

The renovation is also a masterclass in utilising space and light. 

The living room, with its steel joinery up high and an acoustic ceiling between floors, is a fine example. Previously, there was a partition through the centre with the kitchen on one side and the dining room on the other. “Now being one space, it has more light and it’s nicer to occupy, but it’s also a much bigger, more functional kitchen.”

The home blends original 70s charm with contemporary elements which is very much by design, with every detail carefully considered to ensure a seamless transition from the original structure to the modern additions.

One striking feature of the Haines Street renovation is the blend of privacy and openness. The parent’s bedroom, in the top floor extension, basks in light from the south, while the adjoining bathroom, a few steps up due to the split levels, opens onto a sun-drenched rooftop deck, integrating the home with the outdoors.

This, Jamie says, is a beautiful, functional oasis that brings in natural light and connects the home to the outdoors.

The understated simplicity is achieved through the use of thermally modified timber cladding, which gives the space a minimalist look with clean lines while creating a calming, sanctuary that is blanketed by the stars while also remaining hidden from public view. “You’ll see that we’ve got a bath here on the roof, and the kids use this bath all the time” he says. “It’s also a very beautiful space for us.”

The project’s focus extends beyond architectural aesthetics to long-term environmental impact, with Jamie emphasising how sustainability is about more than just materials; it’s about the longevity and efficiency of the home. “The running costs of a home are the most critical over its lifecycle,” he says.

“The less fluctuation you have in heat and cool, that’s going to improve your comfort levels within the home – and it speaks to quality. “There’s very little drawback to that aspect of design.”

The Haines Street project goes beyond just sustainable innovation, combining sustainability, efficient use of space, and innovative design to transform an old home into a modern, environmentally conscious living space. 

This renovation is not just about today. It’s about setting a standard for future inner-city living. “By mitigating our energy use through good design, and then putting in what is a modest solar array, those two things mean that we’re now in a very fuel efficient, energy efficient home.”

In the evolving urban landscape, projects like this are essential, paving the way for a new era of residential architecture and design that is in tune with the demands of tomorrow’s city living.

How do Aussies feel about energy-efficient features?

In partnership with the REA Group, we’ve launched the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, analysing the motivations and challenges for Aussies to adopt energy-efficient initiatives at home. The report aims to help understand the sentiment of all Australians, whether they rent or own, towards energy efficiency. 

This article was originally published as Australia is having an environmental awakening – and Earthship homes are taking off.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

Images courtesy of Willem Dirk du Toit & Foomann Architects.

The post Renovating for the future appeared first on The Origin Blog.