From the ground up – building sustainable communities
05 Jun 2025
As Australia continues to hone in on its net zero goals, a clear priority emerges. How we design and construct infrastructure using renewable energy solutions, is now a foundational consideration to the way we’re building our communities. For local governments, renewable infrastructure offers a powerful tool to meet emission targets, manage grid constraints, and build stronger, more liveable communities.
“Sustainable construction is no longer just about compliance” said Yurika’s General Manager Assets and Operations, Sam Bush.
“It’s about long-term value, resilience and community wellbeing” he said.
Councils are uniquely positioned to lead the energy transition, but they also face numerous challenges: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, pressure to grow sustainably, and increasing expectations from both residents and regulators. Add to this the growing demand for electric vehicles, and the complexity of planning for the future becomes clear.
Integrated renewable solutions can make a real difference when searching for answers to this complex equation.
Yurika partners with councils and developers across the country to deliver future-focussed infrastructure, combining an impressive and extensive mix of services that includes solar PV, battery energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging, and electrical balance of plant. These aren’t just isolated add-ons, they’re foundational elements that support construction of sustainable communities.
Added to this, advanced metering services, enable operators’ energy visibility and better demand management. It also allows participation in energy markets through embedded networks or virtual power plant solutions – these have the potential to turn what was once a traditional cost centre, into much more lucrative, economic opportunities.
“By planning renewables into developments from the beginning, councils can support growth without compromising environmental targets or overburdening local grids.”
Importantly, these solutions don’t just reduce carbon footprint, they also create long term economic value. For communities, this means lower energy bills, greater energy security, cleaner environments and future-ready homes. For councils, it means attracting investment, reducing infrastructure stress, and increasing community resilience.
As local governments and developers prepare for the next wave of growth, arguably already on our doorstep, a clear opportunity exists.
“In a time of rising energy prices and growing demand on the grid, integrating renewables early just makes sense – economically, environmentally, and socially,” said Sam.
“With the right partners and a proactive approach, sustainable growth is both achievable, and a competitive advantage. This shift to integrated renewable energy solutions is already being seen in forward-thinking precincts where renewable-first principles are part of the planning code”.
Yurika’s end-to-end experience ensures that these ambitions are not only realised, but also optimised, helping communities participate in the energy market while reducing their carbon footprint.
As Australia’s energy landscape evolves, the construction sector plays a crucial role. Considering renewable infrastructure options now sets the stage for healthier, more resilient communities and ensures we don’t just build them, but that we create a sustainable legacy.
