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A new EcoLiving Centre in the western suburbs of Melbourne last week will demonstrate the benefits of sustainable living techniques and home improvements that can save homeowners money on their power bill.
Albion Community House is a 1920s bungalow which has been retrofitted with a range of products designed to improve water and energy efficiency as well as to reduce waste.
It was officially opened on Friday (June 14) by minister for environment and climate change Ryan Smith, who said that the centre would be an example for local residents of practical ways that they could incorporate sustainable living features into their households.
"Features of the house include reflective roofing, new gutters and rain water pipes to improve rain water collection, water wise plants, compost bins and double glazed windows - all practical measures that can be taken in any household," said Mr Smith in a statement.
The facility came about as a result of a partnership between Victoria University and Brimbank City Council, as well as a $300,000 grant from the Victorian government's sustainability fund.
The former will provide a one day course for those interested in learning how they could make their home more environmentally - and power bill - friendly.
Participants will learn how to install window coverings and treatments, permanently seal draught points, stop leaks, perform basic plumbing work, install ceiling insulation and replace light bulbs with more energy efficient options.
This work has already been done on the centre by apprentices and pre-apprentices from Victoria University's Trades College.
Acting vice-chancellor professor Duncan Bentley said that students had gained valuable skills while retrofitting the centre, giving them a sense of what to expect in their chosen trade.
Now that the EcoLiving Centre is open, community members will be able to see what is possible for those looking for ways to boost the sustainability of their household.
"Ultimately this house will serve as a practical demonstration of what can be achieved in terms of upgrading the performance of existing housing stock, similar to many houses in the area," said professor Bentley.
Home improvement projects can come in many shapes and sizes, from those that take place on a small scale to those that involve drawing up a whole new blueprint for what defines your home.
The good news for those that wish to lower their energy use is that with smart upgrades they can make a big impact with relatively little work.
Things like investing in energy efficient appliances, improving insulation or installing a rainwater tank can all make a big difference when those utility bills come in at the end of the month.
Not only that, they can also make your home stand out if you choose to put it on the market - environmentally friendly is buyer friendly as well!
