Murundaka’s energy freedom project

We're working with the Murundaka co-operative in Heidelberg Heights on a huge project to completely overhaul their fossil fuel powered systems and become fully powered by renewable energy.

Some of the upgrades we're assisting them to make include:

• installing induction cooktops, decommissioning the gas stoves - along with the electrical upgrades needed

• installing reverse cycle split system for heating and cooling

• upgrading their solar system from 17kW to a system large enough to run every building off solar

• replacing the three gas hot water tanks with a commercial heat pump hot water system

Although the initial outlay is expensive, the long-term benefits from the vastly reduced energy bills will be worth it. We've been able to secure some rebates that have helped to make the project more affordable, including:

• $1,500 per apartment as part of the Banyule City Council's energy efficiency upgrade program

• $1,000 per apartment from Solar Victoria's Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program for the reverse cycle split systems

Through these energy efficiency improvements and the solar system, Murundaka has seen fantastic success. The community now:

• uses 25% less energy

• reduced their bills by about 50%

• use solar for 100% of their electricity needs