The first episode of Energy Matters hit our screens on Saturday, shining a light on how Australian communities are finding ways to live more sustainably. The episode explored the partnership between Momentum Energy and Nightingale Housing, showcasing how Nightingale is supporting the renewable energy transition. This collaboration is not just about providing electricity – it’s about creating a blueprint for a better way to power homes and businesses.
With rising energy costs and increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, Momentum Energy is stepping up to show how businesses can drive change through strategic partnerships. By working with Nightingale Housing, they are demonstrating that supporting renewable energy isn’t just an aspiration; it’s achievable, affordable, and beneficial for both residents and the environment.
Nightingale 1: Redefining sustainable housing
Located in Brunswick, Nightingale 1 is more than just an apartment building—it’s a groundbreaking model for sustainable urban living. Designed with environmental and social sustainability at its core, it moves away from traditional high-energy, high-cost housing models and focuses on affordability.
James Treble caught up with Toby Dean, Head of Community at Nightingale Housing, and Fairley Batch, Director of Architecture at Breathe. They discussed how Nightingale 1 incorporates passive design principles to maintain comfortable temperatures all year round, drastically reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. The building features shared spaces that foster a sense of community while materials are sourced responsibly to minimise environmental impact. In addition, the elimination of car parking encourages residents to adopt more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling and public transport.
Nightingale’s success has inspired further developments, proving that sustainable housing isn’t just an ideal – it’s a viable solution for urban expansion.
Toby explained the need to fill the gap where solar and sustainable practices are unable to meet the full energy demands of the building and its residents. Momentum Energy’s Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) ensures that Nightingale 1’s electricity use is matched with 100% renewable energy generation.
Momentum Energy’s Corporate Power Purchase Agreement driving change
At the heart of this project is Momentum Energy’s Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), ensuring that Nightingale 1’s electricity use is matched with 100% renewable energy generation. A CPPA is a contract between an energy retailer and a business or organisation, allowing them to buy renewable energy at a stable price. While the electricity used at Nightingale 1 comes from the grid like any other development, the CPPA ensures that an equivalent amount of renewable energy is fed into the grid. In the case of the energy generated to offset Nightingale 1’s usage, wind power from Granville Harbour Wind Farm is delivered to the grid. This allows Nightingale to direct their electricity money to a renewable generator, incentivising and supporting further generation of renewable energy.
A model for business-led sustainability
Cam Taylor from Momentum, gave us some insight into Nightingale’s partnership with Momentum Energy. The partnership highlights the power of corporate responsibility in the energy sector. By facilitating agreements like this, Momentum Energy is proving that businesses can play a leading role in driving Australia’s transition to renewables. Their commitment isn’t just about providing energy – it’s about enabling long-term sustainability and shielding residents from energy market fluctuations.
Momentum Energy’s involvement also underscores how CPPAs can encourage wider industry participation in renewable energy. As more businesses adopt these agreements, the demand for large-scale clean energy projects will increase, accelerating Australia’s shift towards a more sustainable energy grid.
For residents of Nightingale 1, it’s about being part of a movement towards a more sustainable and community-driven way of living. The episode of Energy Matters provided an in-depth look at how this partnership is making a tangible impact, offering a glimpse into what the future of urban energy consumption could look like.
If you missed the episode, be sure to catch up via encores on Sunday at 8am, Tuesday at 6:30am, and Thursday at 10:30am. Catch up today and see how Momentum Energy is helping power a better tomorrow. Read more about the Momentum Energy and Nightingale Housing segment.
