With ACT new climate change initiative, you can make changes to your home that will help save on bills and also save the environment.
The world is starting to really pay attention to climate change and Australian business' are adjusting for the planet's need to go green. The ACT has released an initiative that gives wonderful incentives to not only business owners but home owners.
The Initiative
The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Simon Corbell, released a reductions target for the ACT for 2020 in which 15 out of the 18 proposed actions have already been completed.
Between 2012 and 2016, over 400 small businesses took on the climate change initiative by using water and energy-efficient technologies like lighting, heating/cooling and toilets. Appropriately half of those businesses were able to claim a $5000 rebate for simply changing the appliances they used in the office.
Corbell says the influence on the ACT community will be large and he says "there will be resources available in September 2016 that include ACT specific energy advice and case studies, and a lighting tool to identify upgrade opportunities and savings".
So, why does this initiative matter to you and your home? With the government adjusting to climate change, it is now trickling down to how people design and renovate their homes. Whether you're building a new home or buying one , small changes can help with your future household bills and even make it more attractive to buyers.
Take a look at ways your home can go green:
Installing solar panels on your home can save you a lot of money on future power bills.
Solar panels
Solar panels are becoming prevalent in Australian homes these days. Investing in them may not only save you money on future bills, but it could add value to your home if you decide to sell. It does depend on the size of your home and how large the panels need to be, but according to Solar Choice it will cost houses in the ACT anywhere between $4,300 – $13,000.
Although it will cost you in the interim, the savings on your energy bills could range from $750 to $950 annually according to SolarGain's research. The best way to start making your home environmentally friendly is by starting on the outside and working your way in.
Solar panel check list:
Make sure your home (especially the roof) is not covered by surrounding trees. You need a direct line from the sun to your panels without interference. North facing homes will use the solar panel to full potential. Find out if there is any local council approval you need before installing. Calculate what the payback time would be. Double check if you need a storage battery but you almost certainly will. 
If you are buying new appliances for the kitchen, make sure the have the energy-efficient sticker.
Making the inside of your home environmentally friendly
Try making small adjustments inside your home to save the most on your monthly bills. This will allow you to save money without further renovations to your home.
Laundry: Try and purchase energy efficient washing machines and dryers by checking out the energy efficiency rating sticker.
Living room: You can use down lights in your living room to save on the amount of light you need and therefore you are using less-energy.
Kitchen: Buy an energy efficient dishwasher and de-frost the freezer. Checking that the seals are working properly can save so much energy with your fridge/freezer trying to keep cool.
When it comes to saving energy and going green, there are many things you can do to prepare your home from the outside in. Talk to the team at Peter Blackshaw today to help you find the right home and then make these steps towards going green.
