The Smart Communities Network is a US based "green building" site with an international outreach. They are "creating energy smart communities"
This site has typical good info on environmentally responsible building.
My favourite section is the green building success stories which is a large yet clear collection of international info and links to sucessful examples of the following:
() Integrated Green Building Techniques
() Affordable Green Building
() Green Residential Developments
() Green Renovation Projects
() Energy Efficiency
() Materials/Water Conservation
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
TIPS: Free water saving kit available for Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra
The NSW Government is offering a free 'Do It Yourself' (DIY) Water Saving Kit to every household in Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
The kits contain easy to install devices for kitchen taps, bathroom taps and showers, along with instructions to help residents install them.
Alternatively, you can have a licenced plumber attend your home for only $22 by registering in the Retrofit Program.
The devices save approximately 16,000 litres of water per household per year - allowing savings of up to $50 on combined water and energy bills a year.
go to water saving kit registration page
The kits contain easy to install devices for kitchen taps, bathroom taps and showers, along with instructions to help residents install them.
Alternatively, you can have a licenced plumber attend your home for only $22 by registering in the Retrofit Program.
The devices save approximately 16,000 litres of water per household per year - allowing savings of up to $50 on combined water and energy bills a year.
go to water saving kit registration page
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
TIPS: Water saving showerhead and 5 fluro lightglobes only $5
I recently went to the Organic Food and Wine expo in Sydney. It was delicious! At the fair was a stall run by neco, an eco hardware store.They have an agreement with the government which means they can virtually give away stuff to help save energy in the home.
For $5 you get 5 fluro light globes and a water saving showerhead.
I don't know how good the showerhead is because I only got the globes. The globes are the best fluros I have ever found, as they are 2700K compared to the usual 5000-7000K. This is the light color measurement, 2700 is the closest to daylight, so you get more of a white/yellow light, rather than the usual green light from a fluro.
The delivery charge is $5 for 20kg so you might like to add something to your order. They sell soaps suitable for grey water systems, really good eco shower roses (I recommend delux diamond)and fun shower timers to help you keep your shower short.
For $5 you get 5 fluro light globes and a water saving showerhead.
I don't know how good the showerhead is because I only got the globes. The globes are the best fluros I have ever found, as they are 2700K compared to the usual 5000-7000K. This is the light color measurement, 2700 is the closest to daylight, so you get more of a white/yellow light, rather than the usual green light from a fluro.
The delivery charge is $5 for 20kg so you might like to add something to your order. They sell soaps suitable for grey water systems, really good eco shower roses (I recommend delux diamond)and fun shower timers to help you keep your shower short.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
TIPS: How I benefited from insulating the HWS
You may recall my TIP from July to"insulate your hot water service"
We recieved our gas bill today for May, June, July.
Compared to the last bill, on this bill we had one extra flatmate who is a persistant showerer; the gas rate has been increased ; and the hot water service(HWS) has been insulated for only one of those months, yet our GAS BILL HAS GONE DOWN ! By $10 mind you, so I look forward to posting the results for next quarters bill which will ALL be delivered by the insulated HWS!
Monday, August 08, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: Your Home
This is a great all-rounder of a site for Australians interested in greening their homes. As the site says:
"Your Home is a suite of consumer and technical guide materials and tools developed to encourage the design, construction or renovation of homes to be comfortable, healthy and more environmentally sustainable."
It covers just about everything, and most of the information is quite detailed.It is very nicely presented and you can also order a CD and/ or reference manual.
www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/
"Your Home is a suite of consumer and technical guide materials and tools developed to encourage the design, construction or renovation of homes to be comfortable, healthy and more environmentally sustainable."
It covers just about everything, and most of the information is quite detailed.It is very nicely presented and you can also order a CD and/ or reference manual.
www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: Square 1
Square 1 is the best website I have ever met for understanding and practicing passive solar design.
It is run by the University of Cardiff in Wales,UK.
The information can be used globally... just remember that Northern Hemisphere countries worship Southern Sun where as in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the Northerly Sun we desire.
The site offers free on-line education in passive solar design, and free use of heaps f great tools including the wonderful "solar tool" ( under software/other tools/the solar tool). This downloadable program easily creates a 3D model of any window you wish to test for solar access. You can try out all sorts of shading options, watch the sun cast shadows on it any time of the day, any day of the year, and then get a list of the monthly shading co-efficients. Fantastic!
It is run by the University of Cardiff in Wales,UK.
The information can be used globally... just remember that Northern Hemisphere countries worship Southern Sun where as in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the Northerly Sun we desire.
The site offers free on-line education in passive solar design, and free use of heaps f great tools including the wonderful "solar tool" ( under software/other tools/the solar tool). This downloadable program easily creates a 3D model of any window you wish to test for solar access. You can try out all sorts of shading options, watch the sun cast shadows on it any time of the day, any day of the year, and then get a list of the monthly shading co-efficients. Fantastic!
NEWS: Take survey to help green power research
Reserchers at Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Macquarie University, Sydney are researching why people choose Green Power or not.
They have a quick on-line survey here
It's a nice little survey so help them get lots of feedback by contributing your answers!
They have a quick on-line survey here
It's a nice little survey so help them get lots of feedback by contributing your answers!
Monday, August 01, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: Redefining Progress
redefiningprogress.org
This is a well packed not-for-profit website from the US currently covering 3 main areas-
() Common Assets
() Sustainability Indicators
() Sustainable Economics
Each area is dicussed in well presented format with downloads for further in-depth reading and bibliographies.
The site also contains a nice ecological footprint calculator
As well as having clear, relevant information, this site offers ideas and actions which can be taken for a more sustainable future.
This is a well packed not-for-profit website from the US currently covering 3 main areas-
() Common Assets
() Sustainability Indicators
() Sustainable Economics
Each area is dicussed in well presented format with downloads for further in-depth reading and bibliographies.
The site also contains a nice ecological footprint calculator
As well as having clear, relevant information, this site offers ideas and actions which can be taken for a more sustainable future.
Friday, July 29, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: One Stop Timber Shop
The One Stop Timber Shop is an Australian website which aims to help you chose the most environmentally responsible timber for your building works.
It is run from The Wilderness Society, so you can be assured this information is genuine. Indeed, the stance is a firm one. Lucky that one of the people who set up this site, Andrew Walker-Morrison, also is involved in ecospecifier.
The information is all relevant to the realities of building and design.
It is also easily navigable.
The site offers:
() information and advice on every kind of timber building product
() examples of buildings made with good timbers,
() suppliers and installers in your local area
() news items
() environmental information
() expert advice... where you can email in your questions to be answered by professionals.
Bookmark this one for sure!
It is run from The Wilderness Society, so you can be assured this information is genuine. Indeed, the stance is a firm one. Lucky that one of the people who set up this site, Andrew Walker-Morrison, also is involved in ecospecifier.
The information is all relevant to the realities of building and design.
It is also easily navigable.
The site offers:
() information and advice on every kind of timber building product
() examples of buildings made with good timbers,
() suppliers and installers in your local area
() news items
() environmental information
() expert advice... where you can email in your questions to be answered by professionals.
Bookmark this one for sure!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: Design and detailing for deconstruction
Design for Deconstruction is a very chockers and useful sustinable building link from the UK...
"a wonderfully produced substantial guide for detailing of buildings for easy deconstruction. It clearly illustrates and discusses the detailing of five typical costruction systems, showing and contrasting details for both normal and design-for-deconstruction approaches. Its discussion is quite practice focussed and includes commentary on costs, defects liability, and insurance issues. The whole is a 2.5MB pdf but also downloadable in a number of parts." Matt Fisher ABSA
Detailing for the Deconstruction of Buildings, a guide developed at the University of Dundee, Scotland, encourages designers and builders to use materials and methods that would enable the bulk of buildings to be reused or recycled once they have reached the end of their useful lives. Methods can involve a variety of measures, from using lime mortars and renders instead of cement—allowing bricks and blocks to be more easily separated—to exploring different types of insulation and more durable materials such as reusable ceiling tiles. “The guide’s alternative details are designed for maximum “applicability” rather than ultimate greenness,” says Fiona Stevenson, chair of the Scottish Ecological Design Association. http://www.seda2.org/dfd/index.htm
"a wonderfully produced substantial guide for detailing of buildings for easy deconstruction. It clearly illustrates and discusses the detailing of five typical costruction systems, showing and contrasting details for both normal and design-for-deconstruction approaches. Its discussion is quite practice focussed and includes commentary on costs, defects liability, and insurance issues. The whole is a 2.5MB pdf but also downloadable in a number of parts." Matt Fisher ABSA
Detailing for the Deconstruction of Buildings, a guide developed at the University of Dundee, Scotland, encourages designers and builders to use materials and methods that would enable the bulk of buildings to be reused or recycled once they have reached the end of their useful lives. Methods can involve a variety of measures, from using lime mortars and renders instead of cement—allowing bricks and blocks to be more easily separated—to exploring different types of insulation and more durable materials such as reusable ceiling tiles. “The guide’s alternative details are designed for maximum “applicability” rather than ultimate greenness,” says Fiona Stevenson, chair of the Scottish Ecological Design Association. http://www.seda2.org/dfd/index.htm
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
NEWS: Sustinable living at home workshops
On Saturday 13th August 11am-1pm I will be running a FREE workshop with Mim Woodlands on Passive solar & Water Sensitive design. Mim will be doing the water and I will cover Passive solar design. It will be held at the EcoHome, Hobart Rd, Lambton, NSW (Just near West's Leagues Club). I will be covering:
() Site analysis for solar access etc.
() Thermal Mass
() Insulation
() Windows
If you would like to come please bring along a rough floorplan of your home and garden.
Bookings are essential so please call 4974 2847.
Click the comments link below if you have any questions.
For other great free workshops Newcastle City Council is running, go to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/go/sustainableliving
() Site analysis for solar access etc.
() Thermal Mass
() Insulation
() Windows
If you would like to come please bring along a rough floorplan of your home and garden.
Bookings are essential so please call 4974 2847.
Click the comments link below if you have any questions.
For other great free workshops Newcastle City Council is running, go to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/go/sustainableliving
Monday, July 25, 2005
TIPS: Basix solar absorbtance for roofs
Trying to figure out the solar absorbtance range for your colorbond roof?
You can thank me for getting Bluescope Steel to put it on-line. :)
Click this link:bluescopesteel.com.au
You can thank me for getting Bluescope Steel to put it on-line. :)
Click this link:bluescopesteel.com.au
Thursday, July 21, 2005
NEWS: BASIX Alts and Ads implementation date extended
I quote directly from the basix e-newsletter some news many will be glad to hear...
1. BASIX Alterations and Additons to commence on 1 July 2006
The Hon. Craig Knowles, MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, announced a revised timeline for BASIX Alterations and Additions at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) "Building on BASIX" forum, Wednesday, 20 July 2005.
BASIX will now apply to alterations and additions in New South Wales from 1 July 2006.
The new timeline will allow for more extensive consultation with all stakeholders such as industry, local government and homeowners. It will also allow more time for developing practicable and cost effective greenhouse and water reductions for the broad range of household renovation scenarios, including first floor additions, new kitchens, new bathrooms and swimming pools. An extended exhibition period will now be possible to ensure far-reaching public participation and feedback from across the State.
The Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) welcomes feedback on the best possible approach for the new BASIX Alterations and Additions tool. Relevant information will be provided on the BASIX website, www.basix.nsw.gov.au, and via future BASIX e-newsletters.
1. BASIX Alterations and Additons to commence on 1 July 2006
The Hon. Craig Knowles, MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, announced a revised timeline for BASIX Alterations and Additions at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) "Building on BASIX" forum, Wednesday, 20 July 2005.
BASIX will now apply to alterations and additions in New South Wales from 1 July 2006.
The new timeline will allow for more extensive consultation with all stakeholders such as industry, local government and homeowners. It will also allow more time for developing practicable and cost effective greenhouse and water reductions for the broad range of household renovation scenarios, including first floor additions, new kitchens, new bathrooms and swimming pools. An extended exhibition period will now be possible to ensure far-reaching public participation and feedback from across the State.
The Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) welcomes feedback on the best possible approach for the new BASIX Alterations and Additions tool. Relevant information will be provided on the BASIX website, www.basix.nsw.gov.au, and via future BASIX e-newsletters.
Monday, July 11, 2005
NEWS: Rainbow Warrior in Australia to build Clean Energy Revolution
Rainbow Warrior sails to build the Clean Energy Revolution
JOIN US ON BOARD THE RAINBOW WARRIOR
The Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior sails into Australia at the
end of July and will be open for visitors.
The Rainbow Warrior will be visiting Australia to help tackle climate
change by building the Clean Energy Revolution. We would like to invite
you, your family and friends to tour the boat.
FREE OPEN DAY
When:
Sydney – Saturday 23rd July
Newcastle - Saturday 30th July No. 1 Throsby Wharf
Melbourne - Saturday 13th August
Adelaide - Saturday 27th August
Time:
10am to 4pm each day
Please note: Venues are to be advised and as the Warrior may be called
into action at any time dates may change. For venues and confirmation of
dates please check greenpeace.org.au/events or call 1300 797
978.
JOIN US ON BOARD THE RAINBOW WARRIOR
The Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior sails into Australia at the
end of July and will be open for visitors.
The Rainbow Warrior will be visiting Australia to help tackle climate
change by building the Clean Energy Revolution. We would like to invite
you, your family and friends to tour the boat.
FREE OPEN DAY
When:
Sydney – Saturday 23rd July
Newcastle - Saturday 30th July No. 1 Throsby Wharf
Melbourne - Saturday 13th August
Adelaide - Saturday 27th August
Time:
10am to 4pm each day
Please note: Venues are to be advised and as the Warrior may be called
into action at any time dates may change. For venues and confirmation of
dates please check greenpeace.org.au/events or call 1300 797
978.
Friday, July 08, 2005
TIPS: insulate your hot water service!
I tried out a tip from the AMIEF website(see links on right). I wrapped some R1.0 recycled polyester insulation blanket around my hot water storage tank. I also 'lagged' the pipe which takes the hot water out of the unit and to the hot water taps. I just used some old blanket which I cut into a long strip and wrapped it carefully around the copper pipe.
The tank heated up right away! Hot water started making puddles on the floor...yikes I thought I had destroyed it until I checked the overflow outlet which goes out into the backyard. It was blocked by the watering can so I cleared the area away.
I have turned the thremostat down from where it was on HOT down to the LOWEST warm setting. Any lower and we'd be in the 'vacation' setting.
The water coming out of the shower(the furthest taps from the HWS) is deliciouly hot.
My conclucion is: what a great technique for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the gas bill!
The tank heated up right away! Hot water started making puddles on the floor...yikes I thought I had destroyed it until I checked the overflow outlet which goes out into the backyard. It was blocked by the watering can so I cleared the area away.
I have turned the thremostat down from where it was on HOT down to the LOWEST warm setting. Any lower and we'd be in the 'vacation' setting.
The water coming out of the shower(the furthest taps from the HWS) is deliciouly hot.
My conclucion is: what a great technique for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the gas bill!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
WEBSITE REVIEW: Rocky Mountain Institute
http://rmi.org
As they say:
"Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. We do this by inspiring business, civil society, and government to design integrative solutions that create true wealth.
Our staff shows businesses, communities, individuals, and governments how to create more wealth and employment, protect and enhance natural and human capital, increase profit and competitive advantage, and enjoy many other benefits—largely by doing what they do far more efficiently.
Our work is independent, nonadversarial, and transideological, with a strong emphasis on market-based solutions."
This site is from the US so some of this site is not valid for Australia. However it is full of very practical and clever knowledge on creating change in many spheres including: energy, buildings and land, businesses, communities, climate, transportation and water.
Some great features you may like to take advantage of are in the "resource section"
+free access to their download library, with many relevant texts and books in .pdf
+Discussion groups with ongoing conversations on many topics
As they say:
"Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. We do this by inspiring business, civil society, and government to design integrative solutions that create true wealth.
Our staff shows businesses, communities, individuals, and governments how to create more wealth and employment, protect and enhance natural and human capital, increase profit and competitive advantage, and enjoy many other benefits—largely by doing what they do far more efficiently.
Our work is independent, nonadversarial, and transideological, with a strong emphasis on market-based solutions."
This site is from the US so some of this site is not valid for Australia. However it is full of very practical and clever knowledge on creating change in many spheres including: energy, buildings and land, businesses, communities, climate, transportation and water.
Some great features you may like to take advantage of are in the "resource section"
+free access to their download library, with many relevant texts and books in .pdf
+Discussion groups with ongoing conversations on many topics
WEBSITE REVIEW : AMIEF
http://www.ncc.nsw.gov.au/services/environment/ameif/project.cfm
The Australian Municipal Energy Improvement Facility (AMIEF) was created by Newcastle City Council to assist local governments throughout Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions profitably.
So says the site, and it's true. What is so great about AMIEF is how clever they are at
reducing greenhouse gas emissions for Newcastle.
Their motto is
"if we can't measure it we can't manage it"
and that is why you can click on the Climate Cam link to look at up to date environmental emissions from Newcastle. The Climate Cam looks at our city's water, waste, transport, electricity and gas usage over time.
The site also showcases other Actions which have been taken by Newcastle Council and community, and actions underway right now.
Have a look at the site and let everyone know what you think by clicking the "comments" link below.
The Australian Municipal Energy Improvement Facility (AMIEF) was created by Newcastle City Council to assist local governments throughout Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions profitably.
So says the site, and it's true. What is so great about AMIEF is how clever they are at
reducing greenhouse gas emissions for Newcastle.
Their motto is
"if we can't measure it we can't manage it"
and that is why you can click on the Climate Cam link to look at up to date environmental emissions from Newcastle. The Climate Cam looks at our city's water, waste, transport, electricity and gas usage over time.
The site also showcases other Actions which have been taken by Newcastle Council and community, and actions underway right now.
Have a look at the site and let everyone know what you think by clicking the "comments" link below.
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