Homes are:

2. Homes are: • Bathed in free energy from the sun Are brushed by • Many cooling breezes And • Drenched by free rainwater Yet • Rarely do houses make use of that available energy and water...... But... All the energy and water required for housing can be gained from a regular housing site at modest cost If... • the home and occupants are efficient with the use of the harvested resources.

3. It will- Cost less to run Be more comfortable Minimiseenergy needs  Minimise water needs. Also Potentially cost nothing to run Motivated people with knowledge stand to enjoy great benefits.   By making your house more efficient......

4. Global perspective • Planets needed to support us….. • We would need 4 planets if everyone consumed at levels Australians currently do....  • 3 more than we have, if wecontinue with 'business as usual'.  credit:infografik.com

5. Humanity depends entirely on the natural world The natural world nowdepends entirely on humanity. A massively expanding population is consuming and polluting way beyond sustainable levels. Is change is necessary?

6. Energy awareness Energy efficiency is cheaper than energy production. - it reduces the need for more power stations.  Buildings consume 20% of energy produced in Australia.  Large changes to energy costs and carbon pollution can be made if we understand- • the relationship of buildings and energy use • appliances and energy use .....and energy an understanding of energy itself

7. Understanding Energy. KwH?     KwH/Day?     MJ? A KwH, Kilowatt/hour is the standard electrical unit of  energy measurement. A Megajoule is the standard unit of combustion fuels-  ie gas, oil and wood.  1 KWh = 3.6 MJ   How is household energy measured? A traditional analogue meter A new digital smartmeter

8. A kilowatt hour is the energy used by- This size electric heater over 1 hour. (1000 watts for 1 hour) or this gas heater for 10 minutes -(Heater rated at 21 MJ (or 6 KW) or  this light bulb for 55 hours (18 watts ) Examples of how fast energy is used

9. Electrical in KwH Metering and Billing Prioritise energy saving strategies by looking at energy use patterns.   • Gas bills in MJ or megajoules

10. The main problems with houses? • Most of the 8.7 million existing residences were built without considering the local climate or site.  • Energy has to date been so cheap, that it has been possible to rely on switching on appliances to create comfortable interiors.  • not any more... Major issues include: • Poorly insulated • Windows facing wrong ways • Ineffective window coverings • Dark coloured roofs  • Poorly designed downlighting • Lack of eaves • Lack of trees • Unfavourableorientation credit: Nearmap.com

11. Cost Free Low cost Relatively high cost What can householders do? ... to maintain or improve comfort levels while reducing the cost of living.  The way the house and appliances are used has a large impact upon energy saving and the cost of living. • Actions • Behavioural -ie opening & shutting windows & curtains. • Low- techie installation of pelmets, low flow showers • High tech installation of Solar hardware   • Effects • reduce bills, increase comfort • reduce bills, increase comfort  • large long term savings

12. Renovating or extending is the perfect time to make substantial improvements to energy and water conservation.  Other ideas will apply to specific house types.  Some options for saving energy and water.  • Some ideas will apply  to almost all houses • Good design costs no more than poor design - -just theright people, with the right ideas.

13. keep the sun off your house walls in summer. let the sun flood through your windows in winter passive solar design Huge savings can be made by landscaping and adopting simple principles. • Ensure all northern windows have eaves credit:yourhome.gov.au

14. Conserve energy Not much point buying energy when it is leaking from your house! Stop the heat leaking from your house! Curtains and pelmets Block all holes -halogens,  -fans -door cracks Insulation  If doing renovations, ensure correct insulation goes in all walls!  Priorities for Winter 1 credit: ves energy store radiation through windows radiation through wall from fireplace

15. Window areas are responsible for a large amount of heat loss.  The most effective window dressings by far are: Thermal curtains and pelmets  or Cellular Blinds- recessed into window frames Both options need to be close fitting, eliminating  air gaps at sides, tops  and bottoms. Priorities for Winter- 2 credit: energy.sa gov.au credit: hunter douglass

16. Bulk insulation - ie batts, cellulose fibre, etc. in walls, ceiling and floor. where possible. ( R3.6 - R4 ) Early model skylights are a major source of heat loss- install extra layer of glazing  at ceiling level.  Exhaust fans can leak large amounts of heat from a house.  -Fit with a self closer, or replace with a self closing unit Priorities for Winter 3

17. -ie for every 2 square meters of window, the sunlight brings in the same heat as this heater, but for free.   "passive solar heating" Priorities for winter -4Let the sun shine in! Winter sun radiates 500 watts / sq M.

18. Plant trees and shrubs to prevent morning and afternoon sun getting onto  or into your house to the east and west. Suburbs and towns, & regions have been shown to be 2-4 degrees cooler  in summer, if well vegetated Summer priorities-1 • keep northern roof space in the sun in case you want to install solar hot water, or solar electric.  

19. Install reflective foil under the iron, tiles or rafters. install eaves over northern windows insulate and line the verandah shade east and west windows from the exterior Summer sun radiates 1000 watts sq / m    Summer priorities-2

20. Breezes- free Summer priorities- Keeping cool Average modern reverse cycle A/C  (2.6 Kw) -about 50 cents-$1.04/hour Ceiling fans, or pedestal fans- about 1 cent/ hour credit: yourhome -Requires thoughtful planning but  great rewards

21. Summer-  Different approaches

22. Issues with down-lights • There is a continuous heat loss during winter through the ceiling around the light fitting, as insulation must be kept clear.  • heat gain in summer 

23. Star rating is relative efficiency. The number gives the actual energy consumed per year (average use) It is easy to calculate how much an appliance will costto run. Multiply Kwh/ year (on sticker) x current unit cost of electricity. (Efficiency standards are improved every few years, last done April 2010.  Appliances and energy ratings

24. Quality low-flow shower-head- 5 -7.5 litres / min. 4 star dual flush toilets  connect toilets to rainwater  consider a composting toilet (no water, no smells, good compost) rebates are available for most water saving and rainwater tanks.  Get the largest tank feasible tank specialist or 'enviro plumber' Priorities for water

25. HOME POWER SAVINGS PROGRAM Free help for pensioners and families on a low income to save up to 20% off their power use

26. Who is eligible? Contribute to the energy bills for the property Be an energy utility hardship customer OR have one of the following: Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card Department of Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health Card (White or Gold) This program is open to both renters and owner occupiers

27. Get cash back to green your home The NSW Government’s $170 million Home Saver Rebates include: $300 for solar, heat pump and gas hot water systems replacing electric systems $35 for removal of old working second fridge (Central Coast only) Up to $1,500 for rainwater tanks that are connected to a washing machine and toilet $200 for a 4 star dual flush toilet suite to replace   a single flush toilet $150 for installing a hot water circulator for instantaneous gas hot water. • $1000 Federal Government rebate for solar hot water  HEAVY DISCOUNTS for shower head, toilet and plumbing in Hunter Water supply region and includes Port Stephens, Dungog, Cessnock, Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and part of the Singleton shire. 1300657657

28. Carbon tax -  Encourage energy efficiency Provide an incentive for developers, home-owners and landlords to make houses more efficient. Put pressure on appliance manufacturers to make them more efficient target the root problem (Avoid tax by minimising energy use) Energy ratings for houses and units. This will- Provide potential purchasers or tenants a clear indication of likely  operational costs. Provide incentive to improve the thermal performance of houses Future developments relating to household energy. 

29. Thank you. Solar energy options.  Heat pump evacuated tube - 'split system' flat panel thermo-syphon evacuated tube- thermo-syphon solar electric (PV) Ensure solar companies are CEC certified (CleanEnergyCouncil.org.au)

30. Currently the only abundant source of renewable,  sustainable energy thank you