Wodonga Council — Sustainability in the home

Sustainability in the home

The choices we make in our daily lives all have an impact on our natural resources, effecting the health of natural environment, our quality of life and that of future generations.

We can take action, big and small, in all areas of our lives. It can start with refusing single-use plastics such as disposable coffee cups through to designing an eco-friendly home.

Making more sustainable choices in and around the home, like reducing energy use and improving the thermal comfort of our homes, can also save you money and improve your wellbeing.

Energy efficiency

40 per cent of the world’s energy resources are used in buildings, both residential and commercial. Here are some no-cost or low-cost ways to reduce energy use and improve the comfort of your home or office.

- Heating and cooling systems use 40 per cent of the average home’s total energy. If you are installing or upgrading a system, star rating labels will help you choose the most energy-efficient and cost-saving option. An evaporative cooling system is one of the most economical and efficient in our climate.

- External shading of the home, and windows in particular, can be up to five times more effective than internal shading (i.e. curtains and blinds) in blocking summer heat. Examples of effective external shading include shutters, window awnings, landscaping, and roof eaves. If you are installing shading, make sure it will allow winter sun in, to help you reduce heating bills.

- If you can’t make external modifications, installing thick drapery (i.e. curtains) and closing them to block summer sun will make a difference, these can also help to keep heat inside during winter.

- Filling in gaps and blocking drafts around older homes (under doors and around windows) is a cheap and easy way to improve comfort and efficiency, particularly during winter.

- Use energy efficient LED lighting and controls such as sensors to minimise electricity use

- When looking for an electrical appliance check the Energy rating - appliances | energy.gov.au Different appliances can be compared Home | Energy Rating

- See our Energy efficiency factsheet for more energy saving tips.

Water efficiency

Fresh water is the essential for our way of life and a healthy natural environment. The Murray River and its tributaries are waterways of national significance, and the source of our drinking water. Therefore, we need to ensure we use water in a sustainable way. Typically, almost half of household water use is from outdoor uses.

- Wash your car on the lawn using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle and bucket.

- Use efficient watering systems such as drip irrigation or sprinkler systems with timers rather than using hoses.

- Avoid the loss of moisture through evaporation by using mulch and avoid watering in the heat of day.

- If you have a pool, use a cover or add shading to limit evaporation loss. Check for leaks regularly.

- See our Water efficiency factsheet for more water saving tips.

Building a New Home?

Incorporating Environmentally Sustainable Design principles in the early stages of home design provides long-term benefits to home owners, the community and the environment. If applied suitably, well-established design principles can achieve long-term reduction in household energy consumption (reducing the cost of living), comfort levels and environmental benefits through reduced resource consumption.

To design a home that suits the climatic conditions of Wodonga, please make reference to the fact sheets included below.

Your Home website

Visit yourhome.gov.au for detailed information on all aspects of sustainable homes.

Sustainability Victoria

Sustainability Victoria supports Victorians to transition to a circular, climate-resilient economy. Learn more on their website.