Energy Efficiency In Social Housing Program

As a key delivery partner for the Victorian Government’s Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program, Egan Brothers scoped and upgraded thousands of public housing properties across Victoria — replacing inefficient systems with high-efficiency reverse-cycle units to improve comfort, reduce emissions, and cut energy costs.

Project Details

Client

Victorian State Government (via Freedom FM)

Delivered By

Egan Brothers Facility Specialists

Project Type

Phase 1 – Single Upgrade Delivery (Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning & Draft Sealing)

Program Duration

9 Months

Properties Scoped

3,950+

Installations Completed

2,987 Air Conditioning Units

Maintained Properties

0 K+

Years Collective Experience

0 +

Safety Compliance Checks

0 K+

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Project Overview

As part of Phase 1 of the Victorian Government’s Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program, Egan Brothers Facility Specialists were engaged as a key installation partner for the rollout of single upgrades to eligible public housing properties. The aim of the program is to improve household comfort, reduce emissions, and lower energy costs by replacing inefficient appliances with modern, energy-efficient solutions.

Working under the guidance of Homes Victoria, our company successfully delivered the first phase of the program by scoping and installing upgrades across thousands of properties throughout Victoria.

Over a condensed 9-month period, we scoped more than 3,950 homes and completed the installation of 2,987 high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioning units, while removing outdated gas appliances and addressing draught-related inefficiencies.

Scope Of Work

Renter Communication & Access Coordination:
Contacted renters directly to explain the program, confirm access, and build trust prior to attending site.
Onsite Eligibility Assessment:
Attended each property to determine eligibility for the Phase 1 upgrade, in line with program guidelines.
Scoping for Upgrade Feasibility:
Conducted on-site scoping of each property for installation of reverse-cycle air conditioning and potential draft sealing.
Data Submission to Client:
Compiled and submitted all relevant scoping data—including site photos, unit locations, and upgrade notes—via client reporting platforms.
Installation of Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning:
Installed new reverse-cycle split system units to provide year-round comfort in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way.
Gas Heater Disconnection & Removal:
Safely disconnected and removed existing gas wall heaters as part of the transition away from gas-based heating systems.
Wall Surface Restoration:
Patched and painted all wall surfaces impacted by gas heater removal to ensure a clean, renter-ready finish.

Challenges and Solutions

High Volume Delivery in Compressed Timeframe

With nearly 3,000 installations required within 9 months, we deployed specialised project teams and leveraged internal job management systems to ensure efficient, coordinated field delivery.

Tenant Sensitivity & Access Challenges

Many properties were tenanted by elderly or vulnerable residents. We implemented clear, compassionate communication protocols to ensure tenants felt safe and well-informed throughout the upgrade process.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

All works were completed in accordance with VBA standards and energy efficiency specifications, with consistent quality assurance audits yielding full compliance.

Project Outcomes

Improved Living Conditions:
Renters now enjoy safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes, particularly during extreme seasonal temperatures.
Environmental & Financial Benefits:
The shift from gas to electric reverse-cycle units significantly reduced carbon emissions and lowered energy costs for residents.
Phase 1 Delivered On Time & To Specification:
Egan Brothers Facility Specialists played a vital role in delivering the first stage of the program, establishing a benchmark for professionalism, responsiveness, and technical performance.

Conclusion

Egan Brothers Facility Specialists are proud to have successfully delivered the Phase 1 rollout of single upgrades under the Energy Efficiency in Social Housing Program, reinforcing our capability to execute high-volume, government-led initiatives with a strong focus on tenant care, technical precision, and environmental outcomes.

To learn more about the program, visit:
https://www.homes.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-social-housing-program