Zero-Emission, Co-Living Project in Morningside, Brisbane
The zero-emission co-living project, located in Morningside, just 7 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, is a trailblazing residential development that redefines urban living through sustainability, innovation and community engagement.
This 86 unit co-living development strategically combines cutting-edge energy solutions and sustainable resource management, offering a unique lifestyle that appeals to young singles and couples.
With proximity to transport, shops and schools, and plans for innovative features like thermal windows/glass for energy efficiency and temperature control utilising large buffer tanks, the project is positioned as a flagship model for zero-emission living in Australia.
Client: Highlife Generation
Location: Morningside, Brisbane, Australia
Services: SodiumSafe Energy
Safe, Sustainable Energy Storage
The Project faced the ambitious challenge of creating a sustainable urban living model that not only reduces carbon emissions to zero but also serves as a blueprint for future developments. The goal was to integrate cutting-edge energy solutions, optimise resource management and promote a community-centric approach to housing. Achieving these objectives required addressing issues like dependency on fossil fuels, high energy costs and inefficient energy storage systems that often hinder urban sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the project needed to align with Brisbane’s broader vision for sustainable urban growth while meeting the needs of a diverse community.
At the heart of the challenge was the need for an advanced energy storage solution to ensure efficient and reliable energy usage across the development. Traditional battery technologies like lithium-ion, while effective, posed concerns about environmental sustainability, safety, supply chain constraints and lifecycle costs. These limitations called for an innovative approach that could align with the project’s zero-emission goals while supporting its emphasis on regional economic development and environmental stewardship.
Can we meet the demand for electricity & protecting our climate?
- Safety, reliability and performance
- Long lifecycle
- Environmental stewardship
Sodium-ion Batteries
The cornerstone of the project’s recommendations was the adoption of sodium-ion technology as the primary energy storage solution. Sodium-ion batteries offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, leveraging abundant and locally available resources like sodium. This choice not only reduced the environmental impact of resource extraction but also ensured a stable and resilient supply chain, crucial for large-scale urban projects. Sodium-ion technology’s superior thermal stability and broader operating temperature range made it ideal for Brisbane’s climate, ensuring efficient energy use throughout the year.
Additionally, the project recommended forming strategic partnerships with institutions like QUT to foster innovation and leverage local expertise. Collaborations with local councils and community organisations were also emphasised to align the project with regional goals and secure community buy-in. Integrated smart systems were proposed to optimise energy consumption and storage, ensuring that every kilowatt of solar power generated was utilised effectively. These combined measures aimed to position the development as a flagship model for sustainable urban living while driving local job creation and economic growth.
Suitable for residential, commercial and industrial projects, our SodiumSafe batteries are safe, long lasting and sustainable. For detailed specifications, consult our SodiumSafe Division.
Technology transformation
The integration of SodiumSafe technology into the Zero-Emission Co-Living Project proved transformative. By replacing conventional lithium-ion batteries with sodium-ion systems, the project significantly reduced its carbon footprint and reliance on scarce minerals like lithium and cobalt. The enhanced durability and efficiency of sodium-ion batteries allowed the development to maximise the use of solar energy, reducing energy costs and contributing to the broader sustainability goals of Brisbane’s urban initiatives. The project will set a benchmark for resource efficient energy storage in sustainable housing developments.
Beyond the technological advancements, the project’s collaborative approach is set to yield remarkable social and economic benefits. Partnerships with QUT and local council facilitated innovation and brought cutting-edge research to practical application, creating a ripple effect of regional knowledge-sharing and workforce development. Community engagement initiatives foster a sense of ownership and collaboration among stakeholders, strengthening the project’s long-term viability. Ultimately, the Zero-Emission Co-Living Project stands as a pioneering example of how sustainable energy technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries, can drive impactful and scalable urban transformation.