Resources for Households and Unit Dwellers

It’s easy being green at home, and doesn’t cost the earth!

It’s the small steps that residents take to become more sustainable, that has significant impact on the environmental footprint of our community, whether you recycle all you can, feed your food scraps to the worm, or cycle to work.

Below is some information that can assist householders in reducing their energy and water consumption, and waste generation.

Sustainable Living Program for Units Dwellers

Mosman Council is rounding up its program to help residents of units to improve the sustainability of where they live, having helped many groups of residents and owners corporations to make significant changes to common areas, and guide residents in improving sustainability within their individual units to save on their bills, reduce their environmental impact, and help save the environment.

The program will finish at the end of March, but there is still time to join. The program includes:

Waste

  • Assessment of current waste generation and recycling rates,
  • Assist unit dwellers in identifying where they can reduce their waste and how they can increase their recycling rates,
  • Assess whether the current bin system is adequate for the amount of waste and recycling generated,
  • Arrange for adjustment to bin system if required, and provide adequate bin bay/ bin room signage if required.

Water

  • Assessment of the water use of common areas of the building – shared laundry, outside taps, etc,
  • Assist unit dwellers in identifying where they can reduce their water use to reduce their bills,
  • Identify potential water efficiency improvements of fixtures and fittings to common areas that will reduce water consumption.

Energy

  • Assessment of the energy use of common areas of the building – eg: lighting,
  • Assist unit dwellers in identifying where they can reduce their energy use to reduce their bills,
  • Identify potential energy efficiency improvements to common areas that will reduce energy consumption.

Biodiversity and Eco Gardening

  • Assess common/ shared garden areas – garden beds, open space, etc,
  • Assist unit dwellers identify potential improvements to common garden areas – communal vegetable garden, native plants for habitat, etc,
  • Arrange for assistance to implement improvements to common garden areas pending owners corporation approval.

Phone Henrietta on P: 9978 4043 for full details.

Be Climate Clever at home

This one-stop-shop website provides information, preferred suppliers, and cost of installing energy and water efficient appliances in the home, including water tanks, hot water systems, solar panels, and more.

What makes a home more sustainable?

Recently, Mosman Council and the Mosman Clean Energy for Eternity Group hosted a tour for Sustainable House Day. Residents on tour gained invaluable insight into how one can retro-fit their existing home to become more sustainable, from installing a chilli pepper hot water pump to installing honeycomb blinds. Curious to know more?

There are many simple changes that residents can make to their homes to become more sustainable and reduce your utility bills. Some tips for those who are looking to purchase or rent are listed below, or start networking with other Mosman residents who have made some positive changes to their homes via the Mosman Clean Energy for Eternity Group.

Sustainable Home Tips:

Location

If you are already near amenities and public transport, you can tick that box. Other points to look out for, especially when purchasing or renting:

  • Windows: Large North facing windows
  • East/West windows protected

Outside

Outside areas not only add value to your home, but can also provide space for:

  • Water tanks
  • Room for veggie garden – needs summer sun
  • Plenty of green space – absorbs heat
  • Protected convenient clothesline
  • Efficient pool pump/solar heating
  • Solar panels/solar hot water – or potential
  • Outdoor entertainment area

Inside

Areas inside your home:

  • A house that has a timeless quality can be adapted (little upkeep and do not have to move)
  • Windows/doors on opposite sides for cross ventilation
  • Rooms can be closed off for heating/cooling efficiency
  • Walls/ceiling insulation – must be able to see it
  • 5 Star appliances – dishwasher, hot water heater, heater, air conditioner (inverter/heat pump)
  • Double glazing/eco glass and Insulating window coverings and skylights
  • Efficient lights – Fluorescent and LED
  • Dual flush toilets/water efficient taps and shower heads

What you can do – everyday actions

Our environment – it’s a living thing is the overarching environmental education program of the NSW Government. This site provides lists of actions you can take towards sustainability.

Saving water

This website shows you how to save water with tips and information on saving water around the home.