altogether insights & news
Altogether Group
A sustainable embedded energy & water utility servicing thousands of customers across Australia.
Welcome to our latest newsletter. This issue highlights the dynamic advancements in solar power, showcasing how new technologies are revolutionising energy efficiency and sustainability. Discover how innovations, like perovskite, could shape the future of solar energy and drive significant environmental benefits.
We also spotlight the Altogether Academy, where Sarah Price and her team are making energy management more accessible for property professionals. Plus, get practical advice on integrating water and energy-conscious practices into your development projects. Dive in to see how these updates can drive sustainable change in your projects and practices.
The future of solar power: Advancements driving long-term sustainability
Over the past couple of decades, integrating solar power into new developments has become a mainstream strategy for sustainable living. This shift is driven by significant advancements in solar technology, offering both environmental benefits and substantial long-term savings. Today, solar panel technology has reached new heights, positioning itself as a key solution in the fight against climate change.?
Efficiency breakthroughs in solar technology
With ongoing research and technological breakthroughs, modern solar panels now achieve conversion efficiencies exceeding 20 per cent, or even 25 per cent, according to a 2024 study by Greenlancer . This is a substantial improvement from previous efficiency rates of around 10 per cent. Essentially, today’s solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert approximately a quarter of the sunlight they receive into clean, renewable energy. These higher efficiencies make solar energy an increasingly attractive option for homeowners, businesses, and cities alike. The improved efficiency reduces the space needed for solar panels, enabling greater electricity production from the same amount of sunlight. Additionally, this progress has contributed to reduced costs, making solar power more accessible and driving its widespread adoption worldwide.?
The promise of perovskite
However, innovation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Researchers are exploring next-generation solar technologies that go beyond traditional silicon panels to enhance energy efficiency further. While silicon panels boast an average efficiency of 22 per cent, they are expensive and energy-intensive to produce. A promising alternative, perovskite—a synthetic semiconducting material—is gaining attention. According to a March 2024 study in Science Daily , ?perovskite offers the potential to convert more solar energy at a lower production cost. Unlike silicon, perovskite panels are thinner, lighter, and more flexible, making them suitable for a wider range of applications while capturing more light.
Currently, silicon panels dominate 95% of the market due to their reliability, but perovskite has only demonstrated its high efficiency in small-scale laboratory settings. Whether this success can be scaled up remains to be seen. Nonetheless, researchers have found that layering perovskite on top of traditional silicon panels, creating tandem solar cells, combines the advantages of both materials, leading to record-breaking efficiency. As of 2024, solar technology company LONGi achieved a tandem efficiency of 34.6 per cent, setting a new industry benchmark.
A sustainable energy revolution
Looking to the future, tandem solar cells hold immense potential. LONGi predicts these next-generation cells could reach a theoretical efficiency limit of up to? 43 per cent. Dr Michael McGehee, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado, refers to perovskite as a “game changer” for the solar industry. If challenges related to scalability and long-term durability can be overcome, McGehee suggests in the Science Daily article that silicon-perovskite panels “have the potential to dominate the market and become the next generation of solar cells”. This advancement could revolutionise the energy sector, offering more cost-effective and space-efficient solutions for both residential and commercial use.?
As solar power becomes increasingly reliable, accessible and vital in combating climate change, the industry is moving closer to a more sustainable future where clean energy becomes the norm.
At Altogether, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We are excited to see how advancements in solar technology continue to progress and help shape long-term sustainability strategies. By embracing innovative solutions, we aim to play a key role in normalising sustainable energy and leading the charge towards a greener future.
Altogether Academy: Empowering strata communities with essential energy knowledge
The energy landscape can be complex and daunting for many property managers, particularly those working with embedded networks in strata-titled buildings. To help the community navigate these challenges, Altogether Group established the Altogether Academy, a dynamic initiative designed to break down energy complexities and empower industry professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions.
Led by Sarah Price , Altogether’s Government and Industry Manager, the Academy offers a range of educational courses that demystify the world of energy, focusing on embedded networks and renewable energy solutions. Sarah, who has been with Altogether for 3.5 years, has a deep passion for translating complicated energy issues into understandable terms. Her background in accounting and her own learning experiences in the energy sector have shaped her commitment to helping others grasp the intricacies of the industry.
Unlocking the power of knowledge
The Academy was created in 2021 to provide clear, accessible training for strata managers, building managers, strata committees, developers, and other key stakeholders. Its core mission is to enhance transparency in the energy sector and build trust by equipping professionals with the tools to better manage energy needs, understand contracts and navigate renewable energy options, like solar installations.
?“At its heart, the Academy is about empowering building owners and strata managers with the right information so they can make informed decisions,” Sarah explains.
“We’re not just offering technical knowledge; we’re aiming to influence policy and push for greater transparency and trust within the industry.”
Tailored courses for a changing energy landscape
The Altogether Academy runs a variety of free courses and workshops to meet the needs of participants at different levels. Two key offerings are:?
?Other courses, including “Empowering Communities with Solar” and “Electric Vehicles in Strata”, offer insights into renewable energy options and the future of energy management in communal living environments.?
Driving the Academy’s vision forward
Looking ahead, Sarah aims to expand the Academy’s reach and ensure it remains at the forefront of energy education in the property management industry.
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“The future of the Academy lies in its ability to adapt and grow,” says Sarah.
She plans to develop a Future Energy Matters course focusing on emerging technologies like electric vehicles and smart energy solutions. Sarah is also interested in offering more courses that address sustainability, a growing concern for many building owners.?
Additionally, Sarah envisions the Academy becoming a central player in shaping policy by using insights gathered through training to advocate for more transparent and equitable energy management practices across the industry.
Empower your team now?
If you're a strata manager or involved in property management, the Altogether Academy offers invaluable opportunities to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.?
To learn more or sign up for upcoming courses, visit the Altogether Academy website or contact Sarah Pricedirectly for more information. Don’t miss out on the chance to become an energy expert and contribute to a more sustainable, transparent future for property management.
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Ways to be more water and energy-conscious on projects for developers
Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in development; it’s a fundamental aspect integrated from the earliest stages of any project. Developers who prioritise water and energy conservation from the design phase contribute to environmental stewardship and also realise long-term benefits for the community.
Here’s how you can incorporate these principles into your development plans.
Creating a water efficiency action plan
During the design stage, a key strategy is to develop a water efficiency action plan. This plan lays the groundwork for managing water use throughout your project, both during construction and in the finished building. It involves selecting water-efficient appliances and plumbing systems, along with incorporating strategies for water reuse. Landscaping and rainwater harvesting should also play a significant role in this plan. By considering these elements early on, you set the stage for a project that uses water responsibly and efficiently.
Preserving vegetation to conserve water
Retaining as much vegetation as possible during construction is another great way to conserve water. Vegetation naturally reduces evaporation and helps to maintain the integrity of soil and waterways. Minimising the disturbance of floodplains and soil also plays a vital role in protecting local ecosystems and reducing your project’s environmental impact.
Optimising water efficiency during construction
As construction progresses, it’s important to keep water efficiency in mind for the final stages of the project. One way to do this is by minimising the distance between hot water and the tap, resulting in both cost savings and increased efficiency. One simple method is to minimise the distance hot water travels to the tap, which results in both cost savings and increased efficiency. Additionally, planning for rainwater collection and reuse—whether through tanks, ponds, dams, swimming pools, or underground systems—ensures that water resources are optimised. Installing water-efficient irrigation systems further supports this goal by reducing water consumption for landscaping needs.
Cutting energy use on site?
Energy conservation is equally important. Connecting your construction site to the electrical grid early on reduces reliance on diesel-powered generators, cutting emissions and energy costs. Effective logistics planning also plays a key role, as coordinating material deliveries and site operations can significantly reduce truck and machinery idling time, leading to lower fuel consumption and a cleaner construction process. Implementing a comprehensive waste management plan that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials will help further minimise the environmental impact of your project.
By integrating these water and energy-conscious strategies into your development plans, you can create a project that is both sustainable and economically efficient. At Altogether, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact our customer service team to learn how we can assist you in making your development environmentally responsible from the ground up.?
Upcoming events
Interested in working more closely with us? View open positions at Altogether.
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