RETROFIT PATHWAYS
Exploring retrofit options for performance
An overview of typical steps that can support performance improvements and help prepare your asset for the future.
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
RETROFIT OPTIONS
Efficient Lighting
Efficient Lighting
Energy efficient lighting such as LEDs can be an accessible energy saving measure.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a low-cost form of cooling that may be used alone or in combination with air conditioning to improve impact.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Double glazing / Window treatments
Double glazing / Window treatments
Double glazing and other window treatments such as sealing or reflective film can help to reduce heat transfer.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Insulation
Insulation
Improving thermal efficiency through insulation in ceilings, walls and floors can reduce the demand on heating and cooling systems — lowering energy use and improving comfort.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Sensors & automatic switches
Sensors & automatic switches
Automatically turning off lights or other equipment when not in use to help reduce energy costs.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Building management system
Building management system
Building Management Systems (BMS) provide centralised control of HVAC, lighting and energy use — helping reduce waste, improve performance tracking, and optimise comfort across the building.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
HVAC upgrade
HVAC upgrade
Upgrading HVAC systems to more efficient, electric systems (such as heat pumps) may reduce the operational energy costs of commercial buildings. Additional measures like efficient mechanical ventilation and ceiling fans may be effective in some buildings.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Solar
Solar
Some commercial buildings may be well suited to onsite solar or battery storage. Consider your arrangements with tenants and whether solar electricity will be used for shared spaces.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Green Power
Green Power
Purchasing certified renewable energy through your retailer does not require physical upgrades at the building level.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Batteries / Storage
Batteries / Storage
Some commercial buildings may be well suited to onsite solar or battery storage. Consider your arrangements with tenants and whether solar electricity will be used for shared spaces.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
EV charging
EV charging
The expected growth of electric vehicles means that charging infrastructure (or making provisions for its installation) may be an attractive feature.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Heat pump domestic hot water system
Heat pump domestic hot water system
Heat pump hot water systems offer a more efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Electrified Cooking
Electrified Cooking
Switching from gas to electric cooktops can improve energy efficiency and may also support indoor air quality and safety — particularly in enclosed commercial kitchens.
Difficulty
Upfront Cost
$$$
Saving/Benefit
Tap to flip the cards
There are a range of measures building owners can take to reduce energy use — from low-cost improvements like adjusting HVAC schedules, lighting timers, and adding occupancy sensors, to more comprehensive upgrades such as replacing outdated systems with high-efficiency electric alternatives. While these upgrades may reduce energy costs over time, they generally involve upfront costs and temporary disruptions. Planning ahead is key.
The Role of Assessments
An assessment from a professional adviser or consultant (such as a NABERS Energy assessment) can give you a building energy rating along with insights into opportunities for improvement.
Planning for Energy Upgrades
Understand the costs, savings and benefits and plan for the right opportunity.
Energy upgrades can often be integrated into maintenance, capital spending decisions, or other operational changes.
Tenant Considerations
Tenants are key stakeholders who can benefit from improved energy performance. While building owners often fund capital upgrades, tenants typically bear ongoing operating costs – though this can vary depending on lease arrangements. As a result, split incentive funding models and potential tenancy impacts may need to be considered.
Every building is different. Professional advice may assist in identifying appropriate strategies to manage or mitigate costs or practical barriers. If the measures you are planning are challenging or not feasible, alternative steps to improve energy performance may be available.
Let us know
what you think.
Email our team:
futureready@westpac.com.au