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Homeowners save money, environment

05 Feb 2010

MAKING simple energy efficiency changes to your home will mean both savings in energy and less to spend when the next electricity bill arrives, and the new look The Meeting Place can show you how.
 
In a jointly-funded project between the City of Fremantle and the State Government’s Office of Energy, Fremantle-based adult community education centre The Meeting Place has been retrofitted as a sustainable house.
 
While the property continues to be an adult learning centre, homeowners will enjoy the benefits of learning how simple changes can net them lower power bills, a more comfortable home and one that has a lower impact on the environment.
 
The new-look property will be launched by Fremantle Mayor Dr Brad Pettitt to the public on Saturday, February 13 at 10.30am. Those wishing to attend need simply phone The Meeting Place on 9335 3394 to book.
 
City of Fremantle sustainability officer Alex Hyndman said that as the port city was full of beautiful, established homes, the City wished to encourage people to retrofit their homes so that they ran in a more sustainable way.
 
“The Meeting Place now shows people what they can do to make their existing home greener,” Mr Hyndman said.
 
“The Sustainable House has some great ideas and equipment in it – from ultra-modern daylight dimming lights, through to the dirty worm farm there are heaps of great ideas from which people can learn.”
 
The retrofitting process of this heritage building has included the installation of a 7000-litre rainwater tank, a 2kW solar power system, a 300-litre solar hot water system, skylights, insulating blinds and much more.
 
A full education program has been built around the retrofit which will include: site tours; free, personal consultations with ecological architect Gerard Siero to discuss sustainable renovation for residents’ houses; sustainable retrofit courses; and sustainable gardening courses.
 
Fifty six lucky people will secure the chance to have an hour-long, free session with architect Mr Siero to get specific information on how to make their home more sustainable. Just call The Meeting Place to find out how.
 
 

 
 
For more information, phone:
Merryn McLean | Media and Public Relations Officer 
T9432 9827 M 0405 307 141