DSE Home > Conservation and Environment > Document Links

Sustainability at home

There are lots of simple ways that households can reduce their impact on the environment, and cut costs at the same time.

Sustainables Household Challenge

Rebates

Information on rebates can be found on the Our Water Our Future and Sustainability Victoria websites.

Smarter water use
  • The average shower uses 20 litres of water a minute, so try and make yours shorter
  • Install grey water diverters so that ‘waste’ water from your washing machine or sinks can be recycled into the garden
  • Outside, favour plants that belong in our climate rather than ones intended for mulch wetter places. Your local plant nursery can advise you
  • Put mulch around plants to help retain water and reduce the need to water. The State Government is also offering rebates on buying mulch, or you can simply use your grass clippings.
Photo: Bathroom

Smarter waste management
  • Divide your rubbish into glass, paper and PET plastics that can be recycled, organic material that you can compost and use to feed the garden and true waste that can only go to landfill.
  • Contact your local council about recycling services in your area.
Photo: Solar Power

Smarter energy use
  • Every electrical appliance contributes to greenhouse gas emissions – switch off any you’re not using.
  • Turn appliance off at the switch, not just to ‘standby’, to cut your greenhouse gas emissions by around 5 percent.
  • Use the star rating system to choose the most energy efficient appliances.
  • Install energy efficient light globes, particularly in parts of your house where the lights are on most often.
  • Choose to buy power generated from renewable sources by talking to your electricity retailer.
  • Install a solar hot water system and claim a $1500 rebate from the State Government.
For more tips on reducing your household’s greenhouse gas emissions, visit www.climatechange.vic.gov.au
Photo: Houses

Smarter travel
  • Exercise your transport options – use public transport, cycle or walk to your destination instead of always resorting to the car
  • If choosing a new car, compare the different fuel consumption rates
  • Carpool.
Photo: Solar Panels

Greenhouse emissions at your place

From 2004, your household electricity bill will show how many tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions your electricity consumption represents. Victoria is the first Australian State or Territory to encourage people to realise the link between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.


Making a difference

Since water restrictions were introduced in Melbourne, water consumption has dropped by about 10%.

The percentage of waste Victoria recycles rose from just 26% in 1994 to 47% in 2002.
Photo: Housing


5 Star Homes

New homes in Victoria have been required to meet a 5 star standard since 2005. The 5 star standard has been important for ensuring that Victoria continues to develop in a way that is sensitive to our natural environment and utilises our resources efficiently.

Victoria was the first state to implement a 5 star standard for new homes, and over 100,000 homes have been built to standard. Without the 5 star standard, new homes built since 2005 would be emitting 33% more greenhouse gases overall.
Photo: 5 Star House energy rating


Sustainability Home | Background to sustainability | Sustainability in business | Sustainability at home | Sustainability projects | Measuring our progress | Leading by example


printer friendly version