Indi advances sustainable BTR living with SUPA Solutions
Indi, Investa’s Build to Rent (BTR) platform, is shaping Melbourne’s rental landscape with unified essential services provider Smart Urban Properties Australia (SUPA).
As Australia’s BTR sector gains momentum, sustainable living has become a defining factor in its success. The demand for sustainable rental housing is growing, driven by two key factors: a more environmentally conscious generation of renters seeking homes that align with their values and the rising cost of living, which is pushing tenants to prioritise energy-efficient properties.
Following this trend, developers are recognising that integrating sustainability into their projects enhances asset value by strengthening ESG credentials and ensuring future regulatory compliance.
Indi is already ahead of the curve as it enters the Melbourne BTR market, with its electric buildings targeting 5 Star Green Star Building v1 rating and forming a partnership with SUPA to leverage sustainable energy solutions across two projects at Indi Footscray (currently under construction) and Indi Southbank (now leasing). With a total of 1,136 apartments across both locations, that will soon be home to over 2,000 residents, SUPA will be delivering embedded electricity networks, hot water solutions and solar PV systems to both properties, Residents at Indi Footscray will also benefit from EV charging facilities, further supporting sustainable living across both communities.
Leading the Way in Sustainable BTR
As the largest property in the Indi BTR portfolio, Indi Footscray is setting a precedent for environmentally responsible urban living with 702 apartments. Working alongside developer and investment manager Investa, owner Oxford Properties Group and Construction Manager Icon, SUPA is providing a fully integrated energy infrastructure to support the project, which is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
Indi Southbank, built by PDG Corporation and Head Contractor Hamilton Marino and featuring a similar suite of SUPA-provided energy solutions, was recently completed. The 42-storey tower features 434 apartments, including approximately 10% affordable rental homes.
Smarter, More Efficient Energy Infrastructure
SUPA’s energy solutions are designed to optimise efficiency and lower carbon impact and provide long-term benefits for both residents and developers. The key services SUPA is delivering to the Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray BTR developments include:
- Embedded Electricity Networks – A streamlined energy distribution model that enhances efficiency and reduces operational complexity, contributing to a more sustainable living environment. All building common areas benefit from renewable electricity, contributing to a more sustainable living environment.
- Solar PV Systems – Helping offset grid energy usage by harnessing renewable power and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Centralised and Instantaneous Hot Water – Indi Southbank will feature an instantaneous hot water system, providing energy-efficient, on-demand hot water to residents, reducing energy waste and ensuring a reliable supply. At Indi Footscray, a centralised hot water system will be implemented to optimise efficiency and support the development’s sustainability objectives.
- EV Charging Infrastructure – EV charging solutions enable residents to charge their EVs at home using the building’s renewable electricity. This supports a more sustainable lifestyle while reducing reliance on external charging stations, as well as future-proofing the building.
A Sustainable Future for Residents and Developers
Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray have achieved sustainability ratings, including a 7-Star NatHERS Energy rating, and both buildings are targeting 5-Star Green Star Building v1 ratings. These developments will be fully electric, with all common areas powered by renewable electricity.
For residents, this means an energy-efficient living experience. Developers also benefit from integrating sustainable energy infrastructure early, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental standards and enhancing the long-term value of their assets.
Sam Davey, SUPA’s Group Head of New Developments, emphasises the shift towards sustainability in the BTR sector: “Sustainability in BTR is no longer optional – it’s essential. By partnering with forward-thinking developers such as Investa at Indi Footscray and Indi Southbank, we’re demonstrating how innovative energy infrastructure can drive down costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof buildings for generations to come.”
Alana Donoghue, Senior Development Manager at Investa, highlights the strategic impact of working with SUPA: “Investa’s collaboration with SUPA has been instrumental in enhancing the sustainability of the Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray developments. These sustainable energy solutions not only align with our ESG Strategy, Transform Tomorrow, providing long-term benefits for our residents, investors and the environment.”
Setting the Standard for BTR Sustainability
By integrating advanced energy solutions for Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray, these projects will reduce environmental impact and contribute to long-term value.
As Australia’s rental market continues to evolve, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of living environments.
To learn more about how Indi is ‘renting built around you’, visit https://www.indi.com.au/.
For more on SUPA’s role in delivering sustainable energy solutions to the BTR sector, visit https://smarturbanproperties.com.au/build-to-rent/.