Green Living Champion –James, Blackburn

Meet our latest Green Living Champion, James, who is doing his part to slash energy costs and his environmental impact after he created an all-electric home and switched to an electric vehicle.

James works as an energy economist by day, so he is naturally concerned about how much energy his family is using. He wanted to go all-electric when they began renovating their three-bedroom house, which was built in 1972.

“Every appliance you replace is at least 300 per cent more efficient than gas, so you use less than a third of the energy for the same task, and most likely you pay less for that energy,” he said. “You win and so does the environment.”

James says his family’s annual energy bill is only about a third of what it was, and it costs him only about $5-$6 to charge his electric car. Here are some of the energy-efficient devices and systems he uses.

Heating

Heat pump hydronic heating.

Hot water

Heat pump hot water.

Cooking

Induction cooktop. “As fast and flexible as gas, but my kids can cook with a tea towel next to their cooking pot without causing a fire.”

Rooftop solar

“6.6kW system, no battery, but monitoring means we can see production and house consumption. Currently, solar-battery systems make most sense when installed together.”

Energy efficiency

“Underfloor, ceiling, wall insulation in brick veneer building, double glazed windows, door and window gap seals. Our Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating has increased from 1.5 to at least 7. The lights are all LEDs.”

Stay in the loop for sustainable living tips

Get sustainable living tips, learn from our local Green Living Champions, and find out what events and programs are on in Whitehorse to support your sustainability journey.

Last month, Council partnered with the Plastic Free Foundation to support Plastic Free July. This movement urged individuals and communities to reduce plastic consumption and make a positive environmental impact.

And until November, you can join Whitehorse and Manningham City Councils in tackling waste by attending a Smarter Living event.

The events feature thrifty living experts, change makers, gardeners and foodies sharing their stories, practical advice and secrets to smarter living.

Dig deeper into what you can be doing and subscribe to the monthly Sustainability eNews and follow the Sustainable Living in Whitehorse Facebook page.

Scan the QR code and subscribe to the eNews, or visit www.whitehorse. vic.gov.au/subscribesustainability-news

Electric vehicle

“MG ZS, which is a good family and dog-sized car. It came in at the right price at the right time when we were needing to make a change.”

Handy hints

▪ Make your home more energy efficient – draught stop your home

▪ Research and plan for home electrification - reverse cycle airconditioning, hot water heat pump, induction stove top, and solar panels

▪ Buy GreenPower

▪ Take public transport

▪ Dust off your bike, find your helmet and try riding again

▪ Think twice before buying.

Firefighters recommend smoke alarms in bedrooms

Victoria's fire authorities are reminding Whitehorse residents of the importance of having working smoke alarms installed at their homes and businesses.

More than 70 per cent of deadly fires start in bedrooms and living areas, and only 17 per cent of Victorians have a smoke alarm in any bedroom.

Research shows a fire risk is greatest when people are sleeping due to the sense of smell being diminished.

“Smoke alarms are cheap and essential in the context of setting up a bedroom and are an inexpensive bedroom essential,” Eastern District Chief Fire Officer Mark Swiney said. “FRV firefighters attend too many preventable house fires that involve serious injury and fatalities. Having working smoke alarms is the best way to keep your family safe."

L For more information visit: www.vic.gov.au/smoke-alarm-bedroom-essential

Have you got a home evacuation plan?

Wild weather events can strike when you least expect them.

You don’t have to live in country areas to be at risk of fire, storms or floods. In an emergency, you, your family, neighbours, friends and your business may not get immediate help from emergency services. And during an emergency, not everyone thinks clearly.

Preparing an emergency plan will help you know what to do if a fire, storm or flood happens at your home, or in your area.

How you can benefit from the Tree Assistance Fund

Residents can apply for grants of up to $1000 to help maintain significant trees on their properties through Council’s Tree Assistance Fund.

We have many beautiful trees in Whitehorse that have been recognised for their significance by Vegetation Protection Overlays.

They provide a habitat for birds and insects, shade for cooling and make our neighbourhoods great places to live. But as these trees get older, they can benefit from a little TLC.

As part of this emergency plan, you also should have a plan in place for times when you must evacuate.

Things to consider include:

▪ When you will leave, what to take including any medications, who you will tell and where you will go

▪ An emergency kit including first aid equipment, water and supplies

▪ Your pets and other animals on your property.

Agencies including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), the Victorian

This is why Council created the Tree Assistance Fund, to support owners caring for these trees and ensure they can be retained for the benefit of the whole community.

The resident group at 12 John Street, Blackburn South, successfully applied to the fund last year and received a grant to prune and maintain a Yellow Box tree at the front of their communal park.

“It’s a beautiful tree and to know it is one of significance is really nice,” resident Belinda Treseder said. “Tree works can be expensive so it was a real bonus (getting the grant).”

L Find out more about the fund and if you are eligible to apply by searching ‘ Tree Assistance Fund’ at Council’s website.

State Emergency Service (VICSES) and Australian Red Cross have put together guides to help you prepare your plan.

L Visit Council’s website and search for ‘Preparing For Emergency’, then click on the ‘Make a Home Emergency Plan’ tab for links to the guides and more handy tips.