Hot topic, cold facts

Even if you believe there is no such thing as Global Warming (and the earth must be flat or the Nile would flow uphill, right?) saving energy and other resources like water just makes economic sense.

Some home owners are doing their bit for the environment – and their bank balances –  by “greening” their houses with rainwater tanks, solar power and cutting down on wasted energy.  But that’s all a bit piecemeal when you’re looking at a planet in crisis.

Apartment blocks, however, should be able to make literally hundreds of homes more sustainable in one fell swoop.  Should and could, but do they?

Willoughby Council on Sydney’s North Shore have been way ahead of the game for years and their ClimateClever Apartments program is designed to help owners corporations make their blocks more energy and water efficient.

The council provides advice on how to reduce the operating costs of apartment buildings, saving money for unit owners and occupiers through things like energy-efficient lighting, water saving, smart controls such as timers and sensors, and the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical systems and gas boosted solar hot water systems.

Smart apartment owners in Willoughby have until March 5 to register their interest in receiving a free apartment building assessment.  Just go online to willoughby.nsw.gov.au/ClimateClever-Apartments.html.

Across the harbour the City of Sydney is running a series of free seminars on making a difference to the environment while saving money.  The first on Tuesday, March 2, focuses on installing solar hot water and includes information on the difference between PV and solar hot water, choosing systems and rebates and incentives.

All seminars are at the Home Ideas Centre, 61-63 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria and you can get details of the whole program on their website, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au, or phone  Melinda Cook 9246 7826 (email mcook@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au)  for more information.

So what is your building doing about its carbon footprint?  And is your local council helping? Are developers really building sustainability into new blocks or is it just a sales gimmick?

This and other totally unrelated topics will be discussed when Flat Chat appears in its regular monthly slot on James Valentine’s radio show on ABC 702 at 2pm on Tuesday, March 2.

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