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Ohmie GO has become the first electric-mobility and technology start-up to become a member of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), the peak body for sustainable buildings and communities.

The GBCA is a member-based organisation and its purpose is to lead the sustainable transformation of the built environment. GBCA provides guidance and education on sustainable developments, building and designs and rates the sustainability of buildings, fit-outs and communities through Australia’s largest national, voluntary, holistic rating system – Green Star.

Ohmie GO Founder and CEO Kyle Bolto says the GBCA were a “natural fit” for their business, which is disrupting the transport and property industry, by changing the relationship between buildings and mobility. Ohmie GO are installing electric-mobility hubs in developments across Australia, providing tenant-only access to EVs, micro-mobility and EV charging, all in one seamless app.

“Joining the GBCA is a perfect brand alignment for us, as we’re truly passionate about transforming the way we move around our cities, providing greater access to sustainable mobility so no one gets left behind,” - said Kyle

GBCA CEO Davina Rooney said it made sense for businesses to “walk the path of decarbonisation together”.

“Our expectations of the built environment have grown alongside the current health and climate challenges and businesses are increasingly seeking places that are healthy for people and the planet. Electric-mobility and building infrastructure that supports it are part of that future,” - said Davina Rooney

As the leading authority on building sustainability, GBCA has also founded its own Green Star rating system used by developers across Australia as an internationally-recognised sustainability rating and certification system.

“We work with some of Australia’s biggest and most well-known developers who have been awarded Green Star ratings from GBCA, and have Ohmie GO e-mobility vehicles in their buildings, as a part of their sustainability targets,” - said Kyle

“It’s wonderful to be part of the GBCA member portfolio now, as we’ve been committed to this mission for quite some time,” - said Kyle

The GBCA is comprised of approximately 650 member companies which include over 400 small-to-medium enterprises, 81 companies with annual turnover of more than $100 million and 33 companies now listed in the ASX200.

Likewise, its membership base includes major developers, professional services firms, banks, superannuation funds, product manufacturers, retailers, utilities, suppliers, educational institutions, local government and, now, an e-mobility and technology company.

“Ohmie GO is helping investors and businesses meet community expectations and ESG ambitions and GBCA is delighted to engage with diverse members, like Ohmie GO, to drive a healthier, more sustainable future forward,” - said Davina

“If our industries are going to eliminate fossil fuels, tackle climate change, and ensure a healthy Australia for future generations, the decade of decarbonisation - for buildings, mobility and beyond – is now, and collaboration is key to making that happen,” - said Kyle

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^{ABOUT OHMIE GO}

^{Ohmie GO is Australia’s first, and leading, electric mobility platform for buildings, which was founded in 2018. Ohmie GO is building the future of electric mobility and transport in partnership with Australia's most innovative and sustainable players in the property industry, changing the relationship between buildings and mobility.}

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^{Media contact: press@ohmiego.com}

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The end of the fuel excise discount on October 1 signals an immediate need for the re-examination of car ownership and petrol vehicles. With prices set to increase significantly, in line with those seen prior to the excise discount, many are concerned at the rising costs of living. 

Despite this, the Albanese government’s reintroduction of the full excise presents Australians with an opportunity to reassess private vehicle ownership and its cost economically and environmentally. ‍

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Car ownership as a concept

Traditional car ownership is undergoing radical transformation at present, with mobility solutions and community e-vehicle startups disrupting the car market. Consumers are slowly turning to EVs and ownership models which save on maintenance, petrol and insurance costs whilst also reducing emissions. However, the transition is not fast enough. 

Despite the fallout of the Ukraine war surrounding fuel supplies and prices, the use of petrol cars remains the dominant choice for consumers. ABS data shows that Australia has over 20M registered vehicles on the road, with over 92 percent of households owning a car. 

Petrol vehicles were the largest group by fuel type, representing over 71 percent of vehicles, and electric vehicles accounted for just 1.57 percent.  Furthermore, an 2021 analysis of car ownership by insight’s agency ID, has revealed that 53 percent of households in Australia have access to two or more motor vehicles. However, most of these vehicles typically sit idle for 95 percent of the day and cost the average Australian family $22,000 per year.

And it isn’t just the economy which is impacted by car ownership, car pollution is one of the major causes of global warming, with the oil and gas industry representing 45% of anthropogenic GHG emissions. With the cost of living increasing, climate change worsening and petrol costs rising, why are we stuck on a model which is detrimental to the planet and our finances?  

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The future of shared e-mobility  

Petrol cars and household ownership cannot remain with the climate and global economic market as they are. In fact, the Electric Vehicle Council recently announced that Australia should follow suit with the UK and EU by banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Though this has been labelled extreme, widespread disruption to the petrol car market is not a question of ‘if’, but when. 

As urban environmental planners and developers move to greener and more sustainable models, greater options are arising surrounding car ownership. Businesses, such as ours, are pushing for more residential and commercial buildings to provide electric vehicles, scooters and bikes on demand, and for the concept of car ownership to change altogether. 

Mobility solutions and startups which provide electric vehicles on demand are, undoubtedly, the way of the future. However, innovation in this space needs greater support from businesses, governments and consumers. Likewise, regional communities must not be forgotten in the move towards e-mobility. 

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The excise discount ending in October signals the urgent need for petrol car ownership to end, in order for our cities and regions to exist in a more sustainable and economically viable way. 

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^{ABOUT OHMIE GO}

^{Ohmie GO is Australia’s first, and leading, electric mobility platform for buildings, which was founded in 2018. Ohmie GO is building the future of electric mobility and transport in partnership with Australia's most innovative and sustainable players in the property industry, changing the relationship between buildings and mobility.}

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^{Media contact: press@ohmiego.com}