PANEL: Renewable Energy Retrofits – Savvy Solutions for Strata Living

Apartment residents are increasingly seeking access to clean energy solutions — from rooftop solar and battery storage to EV charging and backup power. While these technologies are already delivering benefits to stand-alone homes, strata buildings face unique challenges.

This panel will examine how apartment buildings can be retrofitted to participate in the energy transition. Our speakers will share practical approaches and case studies highlighting what’s working now and what’s on the horizon.

Topics include:

Retrofitting for rooftop solar and batteries in strata
Enabling EV charging infrastructure
Improving energy resilience and reducing common area costs
Navigating governance, technical, and financial hurdles

Whether you’re part of a body corporate, a sustainability professional, or simply interested in the future of strata living, this session will offer clear insights into the opportunities and realities of electrification for multi-residential buildings.

SPEAKERS

Judy McLennan (Moderator)

Judy McLennan is a Gold Coast–based community organiser, climate advocate and retired executive coach who is passionate about acting locally to accelerate the clean energy transition. She is a co-founder of Electrify Gold Coast, a volunteer-driven community initiative to help households transition to clean energy. As part of Electrify Gold Coast’s Strata Solutions working group, she and other volunteers are working to identify practical retrofit pathways to ensure that those living in multi-resident buildings are not left behind in the energy transition.

Brent Clark

Brent Clark is CEO and founder of strata energy consultancy, Wattblock. Wattblock has assisted apartment buildings housing over 100,000 residents with solar, batteries, EV charging and efficiency in Greater Sydney and SE Queensland. He has 20 years experience as a strata committee member including as Chairperson and Secretary. Brent has worked with 15 local councils, seven universities including Griffith Uni, and three state/territory governments including Queensland under an Advance Queensland Knowledge Transfer Partnership grant. Most recently he has led the Electrify Strata project which has mapped 60,000 apartment buildings and their electrification progress across NSW and Gold Coast 4220. He has degrees in science, law, an MBA and is an accredited NABERS for apartment buildings assessor.

Ben Humphreys

Ben Humphreys is a passionate energy leader and founder of Hum Energy, driven by a vision to create smarter, cleaner, and fairer energy solutions for communities and businesses. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer with a Master of Science in Renewable Energy, Ben brings nearly 20 years of expertise in renewables, embedded networks, commercial solar and the entire energy supply chain. Since launching Hum Energy in 2014, he has led the company’s expansion with purpose—specialising in microgrids and community-focused energy systems of the future, empowering strata communities, councils, and developers to unlock long-term value while contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Andrew Latimer

As National Business Development Manager – Commercial, Andrew drives market expansion for Nectr’s Commercial Solar and Battery division saving businesses $100,000’s each year on energy costs. He is passionate about delivering renewable energy solutions that deliver excellent financial outcomes for end users while driving the green evolution of the industry. With over 10 years’ experience in the Australian energy industry, Andrew’s grasp of the complex energy market and problem solving results in the delivery of market leading renewable solutions. An advocate for Australia’s clean tech sector, Andrew guides businesses through energy market changes, regulatory frameworks, and emerging green tech making him a pivotal resource for organisations seeking smart, sustainable energy transitions.

Gold Coast Open House 2025 Speaker Series

Happening on Sunday 28 September, the Gold Coast Open House 2025 Speaker Series brings together architects, designers, urban planners, engineers, and creatives for a day of inspiring talks. From urban sketching and clean energy retrofits to circular design and multi-generational living, the series explores how we shape cities that are more sustainable, connected, and inclusive. Whether you’re a design professional or simply curious about the future of the Gold Coast, there’s something here for you. Held in partnership with Griffith University, the series highlights leading voices in design, sustainability, and urban innovation.