OP Properties’ apartment building development, Montreal Commons, is a 39-apartment building in Fremantle, Western Australia which will be one of the first ever carbon neutral (in operation) apartment buildings globally. Residents ‘get paid to live low carbon’ through the use of solar panels, battery storage and Powerledger’s innovative internal power trading technology that delivers a 50% offset to the building strata levies. On 5 August 2022, Montreal Commons was acknowledged by Bioregional Australia as delivering a One Planet Living® project of international standing.

Obtaining 100 percent sustainably sourced power will mean that Montreal Commons will produce about 240 tonnes less carbon emissions a year, or about 6 tonnes per apartment. Luke Parker, Director, OP Properties, says the Commons is exceptional in that it not only delivers ‘green’ living, but owners reap a financial benefit rather than a cost from their sustainable lifestyle. That benefit is a 50 percent offset on their strata levies, meaning owners effectively receive an annual dividend for owning a carbon neutral apartment.

“The last two years  have provided the opportunity for innovative new thinking around the way we live and work, with a strong focus on access to quality amenity, fresh air, sunlight and green spaces as well as the opportunity for working and exercising close to home. Montreal Commons helps set new benchmarks in sustainability and liveability.” Luke Parker – Director – OP Properties 

“OP Properties and Powerledger have worked together to create a model that makes residents better off over a long period of time from investing in renewables from the outset. 

"The project will use 75 kW solar rooftop PVs with residents within Montreal Commons able to sell any excess solar electricity they generate back to an existing 670 kWh on-site battery using Powerledger’s energy trading platform. During times of peak demand they can then buy back electricity from the on-site battery at an agreed price. This not only incentivises households in the take up of renewable energy but creates an environment where they become “prosumers”: both consumers and producers of clean electricity." Dr Jemma Green Co founder and Chairman of Powerledger 

Learn more about Powerledger’s platform here