The Dreyfus Files - The Age
Sometimes, in the face of the enormity of the problem of climate change, it is easy to get despondent about what an individual can do. This Sunday is the perfect time to put any such doubts behind us as Sustainable House Day is held for the 10th time.
The average Australian household produces about 14 tonnes of carbon pollution a year and Australian households overall are responsible for about 21 per cent of our annual carbon pollution.
When you think about that volume of carbon pollution, it is easy to see that every little bit of action can mean a big difference to Australia's emissions. And it is simple improvements to the way we do things around the home that yield substantial results.
Sustainable House Day sees about 250 homes across the country open their doors to showcase environmentally sustainable and innovative measures, designed to reduce a household's carbon footprint.
The day provides a unique opportunity to meet with home owners who have already improved the efficiency of their homes through best practice measures. This weekend you will have the chance to talk to people in your local area ask them questions about how they made their home more sustainable and get advice about how to do it yourself.
Most of the measures showcased in Sustainable House Day are simple changes that any home owner can make to take action against climate change. Some are easy and quick changes that don't cost any money but can lead to considerable savings for a household. Others require more of an investment up front but can have a huge impact on power bills and the environment.
A measure as simple as using a clothesline instead of an electric dryer once a week can save a household about $55 per year. Switching off appliances at the wall, rather than allowing them to idle in standby power, can save up to $100 per year. Washing clothes in cold rather than hot water can save you about $90 each year.
A solar hot water system replacing an electric system could save more than $400 per year. Fitting a low-flow showerhead and taking shorter showers can save another $550 per year, depending on the size of your household.
I am a proud supporter of Sustainable House Day and hope it will provide an inspiration to individuals looking to cut their energy use and save money on household bills. At the same time, the Labor government is providing concrete support for households looking to make these changes.
Just one example of available support is the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate, which offers financial assistance to help replace electric hot water systems with clean energy systems. Assistance is $1000 for a solar system or $600 for a heat pump. At the same time, hot water systems, solar panels and other forms of renewable energy can attract assistance through the Small Technology Certificates.
We have set ambitious targets for reducing Australia's carbon pollution. Individual efforts for greater energy efficiency and sustainability contribute to reaching those targets. The transformation of our whole economy to a low pollution future requires a price on carbon, investment in renewable energy, and energy efficiency, which are at the core of the government's Clean Energy Future plan.
You can see how energy efficiency fits into the Government's plans for a clean energy future by visiting this site. You can also find information about available assistance as well as state and territory programs and general advice by visiting the LivingGreener website.
I encourage everyone to get out on Sunday and see a sustainable house in your local area and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn more about making your home more sustainable. A list of open houses is available here.
