Energy Efficient Homes
Energy Efficient Homes in The Borough of Queenscliffe
Delivering in-home audits and recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the Borough
Point Lonsdale energy audit case study
Jenny and David wanted to transform the energy consumption in their Point Lonsdale home. So they consulted a professional energy efficiency assessor.
“We already had some ideas, but we wanted to know what else could be done” says Jenny. “We wanted to make significant financial savings and reduce our carbon emissions.”
Using the Community’s Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP), the assessor helped them devise a transformation program.
They replaced and up-sized their roof top solar panels and added a battery system. They then gleefully disconnected the gas supply.
They installed new roof insulation, double-glazed their windows, installed thermal efficient blinds, replaced their gas hot water and heating systems with electric systems, and then they installed energy-efficient LED lights.
In the garden they removed the stone and concrete elements and set up a mulched native garden with increased tree canopy. They installed productive ‘wicking’ beds where vegetables thrive using less water than conventional spray systems.
The changes took about six months from assessment to commissioning.
All these efforts have contributed to the battle against climate change through energy efficiency and significantly reduced emissions.
Jenny and David’s gas consumption used to cost well over double their electricity costs. Today, gas costs them nothing because they don’t use it at all. And electricity from the grid is down by more than 30%. They have reduced greenhouse gases by 90%. On top of that, they are exporting green energy to the grid.
“It's a very happy story”, says Jenny. “We want everyone to know how much difference they can make.”
Energy efficient homes program overview
The Queenscliffe Energy Efficient Homes Program was an initiative of Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) delivered by Geelong Sustainability and supported by the Borough of Queenscliffe. The program concluded in July 2024.
The aim of the program was to provide residents of the Borough of Queenscliffe with expert advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce their energy consumption and emissions. It represents a key action under the Sustainable Buildings pillar of our Climate Emergency Response Plan.
The offering
This program offered borough residents a detailed energy efficiency audit of their home at a subsidised rate. Audits were conducted by a professional, accredited energy assessor from Geelong Sustainability and helped residents to:
make informed, cost-effective improvements to their home to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills
Make their homes more comfortable, especially during the winter and summer months
Make their home more economically and environmentally sustainable
Contribute to the goals of our Borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan.
The program offered audits at only $100 each for the first 90 residents, thanks to a subsidy provided by the Borough of Queenscliffe and volunteer support from QCAN.
The results of our Energy Efficient Homes program
Between August 2023 and July 2024, we delivered 54 audits to residents of the Borough.
We tallied over 250 volunteer hours, which went toward onsite assessments, report writing, planning and logistics.
Thank you to all our volunteers who supported the program, to the residents who participated, and to our partners at Council and Geelong Sustainability.
This program was a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together for a more sustainable future. We look forward to continuing our efforts to help residents reduce their energy consumption and contribute to a healthier planet.
“We booked a home assessment with Cal and Pauline & found the report extremely useful in planning our mini upgrades to keep us warm and save money. Thank you QCAN for the service.”
Although the program has officially concluded, there are still ways we can support you in understanding and improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Please contact us to discuss ways we can help.
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