healthy and efficient home - LJ Hooker · 2016-08-31 · Tips for the Whole House The following tips will help you improve your rental home’s energy efficiency, making it more economical

liveability: live the life you want, sustainably

Save energy,

save costs

Rent SmartYour guide to creating a healthy and efficient home

Introduction

You don’t have to own your property to reduce your environmental impact, save money and increase your comfort at home. Renters too can find many simple, inexpensive ways to reducea rental home’s energy and water use. To make it easier we have tips for each room of the house. These range from the simplest tweaks to improvements that may require permission from your landlord

Some changes to rental properties require you to consult your landlord, real estate agent or property investment manager. But don’t let this discourage you. You might find that they are more than willing to undertake improvements in the area of sustainability, or grant you permission to make some changes yourself. After all, there are a number of government rebates and tax concessions available to assist with sustainable improvements, and these will also improve the property’s resale value.

Make sure you get support from the entire household as it can be frustrating if you are the sustainability champion in the house and others aren’t interested. With everyone’s support, the changes you make will be easier to put in place and maintain. You might want to write up an action plan with tasks and dates you aim to achieve things by. If you have kids, get them involved; you’ll be surprised at how enthusiastic they can be when it comes to ideas for smarter living!

Remember to start out with small and easy-to- implement changes like taking shorter showers and collecting waste water for use in the garden (this is not necessarily easy or appropriate to do), and keeping the fridge door open for short periods. Let your sustainability grow from there.

Important note: Each state and territory has legislation that regulates residential tenancies. Generally, for any changes you wish to make to the rental property you must receive permission, often in writing, from your landlord. You will need to check your own lease document for the requirements relating to your tenancy.If you have no lease then check with your landlord. Please see the sample letter on page 20.

Additional information about legislation and rules relating to renting residential property in your particular country, state or territory can be found on the websites of various authorities depending on the state or country where the property you are renting is located.

Here are some links for you to follow.

ACT: www.rgo.act.gov.au/NSW: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/QLD: www.rta.qld.gov.au/SA: www.ocba.sa.gov.au/tenancies/TAS: www.consumer.tas.gov.au/VIC: www.consumer.vic.gov.au/WA: www.taswa.org/NT: www.nt.gov.au/justice/consaffairs/res_tenanciesNZ: www.dbh.govt.nz/tenancy-index

Please ask your LJ Hooker property investment manager if you have any specific questions.

This icon indicates when you need your landlord’s permission to make the change, so you will need to talk to your property investment manager.

What is liveability?

Liveability is an initiative of the LJ Hooker Sustainability team and its media partner and knowledge partners. Liveability supports people to live the life they want, sustainably, by providing them with the very best information about sustainability and their home.

We all have different habits, jobs and lifestyles as well as environments in which we live, work and play… so there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sustainability. You may wish to live off the grid, grow your own veggies and renovate your house to be completely energy efficient; or maybe you’re living in an apartment and you just want to make small changes that are manageable for your busy lifestyle, such as using energy efficient appliances and buying local, organic fruit and vegetables.

Each day you’re faced with numerous choices that impact the environment in different ways. By living sustainably in ways that are meaningful to you, you can save money as well as the environment.

We are grateful for the support of the Alternative Technology Association, Kildonan Uniting Care and the SustainAbility Advice Team in the development of this booklet.

Liveability.com.au

Exclusive media partner

Knowledge Partners

G R E E N L I V I N G

2 Rent Smart: Your Guide to Creating a Healthy and Energy Efficient Home © 2012 LJ Hooker and Alternative Technology Association.All rights are reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced without acknowledgement of source.

Inside you’ll find

01 Tips for the Whole House02 Living Room03 Kitchen04 Bathroom05 Laundry06 Outdoor Areas07 Reducing Waste08 Getting Around09 Working with your Landlord and Property Investment Manager10 Household Assistance


LightingSwitch off lights when not in use and change to energy efficient light bulbs; these two actions will help reduce your power bills.

Turn off lights when not in useIf you’re not using a room or an outdoor entertaining area turn the lights off. Leaving outdoor lights on for long periods can double your lighting bill. Smart use of sensors, particularly outdoors, can ensure that lights are only on when needed.

Use the right bulb for the jobMake sure your lights are fit for their purpose e.g. do you really need a 100 watt bulb in the toilet?

Let in natural lightOpen blinds and curtains to let in natural light rather than turning on lights. Remember to close them at the end of the day to retain the heat in the house.

Replace incandescent light bulbs Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents lights (CFLs) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Both CFLs and LEDs are cheap to run – they can reduce running costs by 75–90% respectively – and they last much, much longer than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are becoming more readily available, and despite their higher shelf price, they are generally more efficient than CFLs and can last for up to 50,000 hours. That’s over 22 years at 6 hours use per day! A 15 watt LED bulb has the same output as a 60 watt incandescent globe.

Tips for the Whole House

The following tips will help you improve your rental home’s energy efficiency, making it more economical to run and helping to reduce your electricity, gas and water bills. Talk with your family or housemates about many of the tips contained in this brochure and come up with an action plan for what you can do to reduce your energy bills and make the house more comfortable.

Don’t use halogen downlightsIf your house is full of energy-hungry halogen downlights, replace them with good quality LED bulbs. Halogen downlights are the most inefficient type of lighting, with up to 90% of the energy used in the globe lost to heat. Or use a lamp in the area where you need focused light.

Halogen downlights are holes in the ceiling, so they can allow large amounts of warm air to flow out of the house directly into the roof cavity because the insulation is moved away from the fitting. Have covers installed over the back to eliminate this warm air loss and have the insulation brought closer to the fitting.

Inside halogen downlights produce a large amount of heat, and they can noticeably increase the temperature within a room — to the extent where you might have to run fans or an air conditioner to offset the heat from the halogens!

Instead you could use spot lighting to reduce overall lighting consumption; buy floor and table lamps and fit them with CFLs or LED bulbs and leave the halogens off.

Heating and coolingHeating and cooling are the most energy-hungry activities in a home, but it doesn’t take much to reduce their impact.

Pull on a jumperBefore turning on the heater, put on a jumper. By dressing appropriately for the weather you reduce the need for turning on the heater or air conditioner. Your body loses most heat through exposed skin, your head, hands and feet.

Use a heated throw rugHeated throw rugs are like an electric blanket for when you’re sitting. They use very little electricity when plugged into the wall and provide a lovely warmth right next to you. Remember to turn the heating right down when snuggling under these.

Use rugs on the floorA cold timber, concrete or tiled floor can make you feel cold from the feet up. In winter, use rugs on these surfaces so they feel warm underfoot. Remove them in summer so the floor does feel cool.

Use heating and air conditioning wiselyReducing the temperature on the thermostat of your heater or increasing it on your air conditioner by just 1°C can reduce energy use in your home by 10%. In winter, set the heater thermostat to a maximum of 18–20°C; in summer set your air conditioner to a minimum of 26°C. If your thermostat is in a draughty area, close off those drafts.

Use fansConsider getting pedestal fans so you don’t have to use the air conditioner in summer. If you have ceiling fans, use them in summer to keep air moving against the skin. In winter reverse-use them to help circulate warm air that may sit at the top of the ceiling, but only have them on a slow setting – any movement of air (even warm) will feel cold on the skin.

The summer setting should have the fan “pushing” air down while the winter setting should have the fan “pulling” the air up.

Heat and cool only what you needZone heating is one of the most effective ways to contain your heating bills. Only heat or cool rooms you are using, and keep the heat or cool in by keeping doors and windows, including internal and external blinds, closed. Turn off any heating vents in the toilets and bathrooms as they often have permanent openings.

Cool the house naturallyOn hot, still summer days close all windows, doors and curtains to help keep the house cool. At night or when that cool change arrives, take advantage of it by opening windows and doors to let the cooling breeze through the house.

Heat the house naturallyAllowing the sun to warm the house is free! On the east, north and west facing windows open the curtains to allow the sun to heat your house. Remember to close them at the end of the day to keep the heat in.

Improve the efficiency of your heating systems Electric wall heaters, column heaters, panel heaters and little fan heaters are all inefficient means of warming a large room (good for a small space though). A reverse cycle air conditioner* is much more efficient.

Have the heating systems maintainedHaving the heating system regularly maintained (PI) ensures it works efficiently. If you have a ducted system, have the contractors check the connections of the ducts to the furnace, splitter boxes* and vents. If they have come off then you are pouring heating into your ceiling space or under your floor

Hang heavy, lined curtains It is important to cover the windows during extremely hot or cold weather as windows allow heat and cold to enter and leave the room. Heavy, lined curtains or blankets keep heat in during winter and heat out on hot summer days. For best results make sure they are close fitting, hang down to the floor, and have an overlap of 100mm each side of the window to prevent the cold air next to the glass from escaping into the warm room The owner may install curtaining for you.

*If appropriate for your rental property

01

6

Install pelmets Pelmets are covers over the top of curtains, and they stop draughts from windows coming into the room. If your house does not have pelmets ask your landlord to see if permanent pelmets can be installed. Alternatively, use a rolled towel, blanket or strips of thick cardboard, plastic or timber over the top of curtains for temporary, removable pelmets. These act as a barrier to the heat or cold transferring through the glass.

Use timer switchesSet timers on your heater or cooler to switch off when not needed. Know when you’re going to go to bed or leave the house and turn the heating off a half hour before – you won’t notice the house cooling and it can slice 10% off your energy bill. If you can, try to avoid turning the heater or cooler on in the morning before you head to work. And it’s a myth that keeping the heating on 24/7 (or even overnight) is more efficient than turning it off.

Direct the heatIf your house has central heating consider buying vent directors. These can be placed over vents to help direct the air into the centre of the room instead of straight up to the ceiling — and they’re not expensive.

Seal up gaps and draughts Stop draughts by closing gaps around doors and windows. Self-adhesive door and window seals are cheap, easy to install and removable when you leave. Or you could use a “door snake”. Alternatively, ask your landlord if you can install permanent draught stoppers and seals around doors and windows. Seal up passive vents with masking tape and even consider sealing internal bathroom and toilet doors – these are traditionally cold spaces and toilets often have a permanent opening.

A skylight is a great source of natural light, but you need to ensure the light box is in good condition, it seals well at the roofline and has clear plastic (or a “light diffuser”) at the ceiling level to prevent the warm air pooling up high.

Shade your windows External shading of windows is twice as effective as internal blinds in keeping out the heat, so in summer place a removable external blind, shade cloth, sun sail or outdoor umbrella over a window to shield it from the sun. The rule of thumb is “if the sun strikes the glass, the heat is inside the house”. If you want to install a permanent shade solution attached to the house, ask your landlord.

Shade your outside paving in summerConcreted and paved areas outside the house trap and pool hot air around the house. Installing removable shading can make these areas more comfortable to use as well as reducing an envelope of hot air forming around the premises.

Close up ventilation outletsCheck whether chimney ventilation outlets, flues and extraction fans can be sealed when not in use. You can buy removable dampers that can be placed over extraction fans which vent into roof spaces. Note that you shouldn’t close up ventilation outlets in a house with un-flued gas heaters.

If you have evaporative air conditioning, purchase Heat Saver (heatsaver.com.au) covers and put them over the outlets in winter to prevent heat from escaping up them (PI). You can even stuff small square pillows or foam sponge in vent outlets to eliminate warm air escaping. Covering the outside of the vent with several layers of plastic wrap also works well.

Install insulation Insulation is critical to a home’s ability to be heated and cooled efficiently, so if your rental property is uninsulated ask the landlord to install some in the ceiling if it’s accessible. There are state government rebates available, and In the ACT, the increased energy rating (EER) of the house can also increase the sale price of the property. .

If you have insulation, check for gaps or batts that have been scattered from other ceiling work; even small gaps (as little as 5%) in the ceiling insulation can reduce its overall effectiveness by more than 15%.

Switch to GreenPowerOne of the easiest ways to make your home more sustainable is to simply choose the GreenPower option from your electricity retailer. Accredited GreenPower is electricity generated from clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, wave and small-scale hydro plants, as well as landfill gas and biomass (waste). This can be more expensive, however, so you need to do some research and work out if you can afford it.

Accredited GreenPower products are individually assessed to verify that they comply with high environmental standards. Buying GreenPower means you are helping to support the development of the renewable energy industry and reducing the demand for electricity from the burning of fossil fuels. For the biggest impact ask for 100% accredited GreenPower.

www.greenpower.gov.au www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au

Bedroom01


02 Living Room

Turn appliances off at the power point when not in useMany appliances such as DVD players, TVs, stereos and computers use electricity called “standby power” when not being used if they’re left switched on at the power point. Standby power can account for as much as 10% of household energy bills. Turn off appliances at the power point.

To make things easier, place multiple appliances on a single or multiple switch powerboard to avoid hard-to-reach spots and reduce the number of switches to flick. Alternatively, at very low cost, you could buy “eco-switches” or other types of remote switches that remotely switch off a power point or powerboard and all of the appliances connected to it.

Turn off computer monitors Set your computer to enter “sleep” mode after a certain period of inactivity and turn the computer monitor off when you’re not using it, even for a short time.

Choose an LCD or LED monitorLCD and LED computer monitors use less than half of the electricity of conventional monitors. Turning the brightness down can cut energy use to a quarter. All monitors now come with an energy rating so you can see how much energy a specific monitor will likely use over the course of a year.

Don’t super-size your teleA simple rule of thumb is the bigger the TV, the more energy it will use. Indeed, some larger TV models use more energy to run than a standard-sized fridge. This is particularly the case for plasma TVs. LCD and LED TVs are now far more prevalent and use significantly less energy to run.

Look at the starsCheck the Energy Star label on DVD players, TVs, stereos, computers and printers. Appliances that have the energy star label use much less power when in standby mode.

www.energystar.gov.au

Reach for the starsWhen buying new appliances look for the energy label. The Energy Rating scheme rates the energy efficiency of electrical products and appliances to help you with your purchasing choices. The star ratings of all labelled products and appliances are also available on the energy rating website. When comparing different appliances or equipment it’s important to look at comparative energy consumption, which is shown in kilowatt hours, rather than just the number of stars.www.energyrating.gov.au

You probably spend a lot of time in your living room, so it’s the best place to start making your home more comfortable and sustainable.


Kitchen03Don’t open the fridge door too oftenIn most households the fridge uses more power than any other appliance. To cut energy use, try to limit the number of times you open the fridge door, and never leave it open.

Don’t place hot items in the fridgeWait until a dish has cooled down before placing it in the fridge. Put cold items back into the fridge after use rather than letting them warm to room temperature.

Get the temperature rightThe recommended operating temperature for a fridge is 3°C to 5°C. For freezers, the recommended range is –15 to –18°C.

Switch off the second fridgeIf you have a second fridge, consider how often your “drinks fridge” is really used. Turn it on only when you need it such as for parties or when you have guests staying, and put the drinks you use on a daily basis in the main fridge. A second fridge can cost up to three cartons of beer a year to run.

Keep the fridge well ventilatedEnsure you leave at least 50mm of space at the top, back and sides to improve ventilation and let your fridge work at its best.

Place the fridge in a cool spotLocate fridges and freezers in cool spots, away from direct sun and other heat sources such as stoves.

Check fridge sealsCheck and clean seals on your fridge to make sure the door closes securely. You can do this by putting a piece of paper between the door and the fridge cabinet. Close the door. Try to gently pull the paper out; if it slips out easily with no suction of the paper you may need to take a closer look to see if cool air is escaping. If so replace the seals. If there is some “drag” on the paper the seal is working. Regularly remove any frost build-up in the freezer.

Save rinsing waterRinse vegetables over a bowl and tip the water on the garden or a pot plant. You can also buy tubs with a handle and plug, which fit snugly in the kitchen sink to make it easy to transport water to the garden.

Boil the water you needUse an electric kettle instead of the electric stove top to boil water. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need.

Run a full load in the dishwasherThe less the dishwasher is used the more energy is saved. And wait until the dishwasher is full before running it; cleaning a small number of dishes is a waste of water. Connecting the dishwasher to the hot water tap so it doesn’t have to heat its own water will save on running costs.

Scrape rather than rinseScrape dishes rather than rinse before washing where possible, or use less water by not rinsing dishes under running water.

Cooking toast Cooking toast in a toaster instead of under the grill reduces energy use by up to 75%.

Cooking with gasIf possible, use gas for cooking. Gas is generally cheaper and it’s less damaging to the environment than coal-fired electricity production. Turn the gas down to keep flames under the pot rather than up the sides. Gently simmer pots with the lid on rather than boiling vigorously. If you have to use electricity to cook, use a microwave where practical.

Install tap aerators Aerators can be fitted to taps to reduce water flow. They can be fitted inside or on the tap. Check with your landlord before installing.

Choose energy and water efficient appliancesWhen it comes time to replace fridges, microwaves and other appliances, buy the most energy and water efficient one. Buy the right size for your needs.

The kitchen is home to one of the house’s biggest energy guzzlers – the fridge – but simple actions can keep energy use down.


04 Bathroom

Use cold waterUse cold water when washing your hands, shaving or cleaning your teeth.

Don’t leave the bathroom tap runningWhen brushing your teeth, use a cup of water for rinsing — don’t leave the tap running. Put the plug in the basin when washing or shaving.

Use the half flushIf your toilet is a dual flush system, use the half flush as much as possible.

Use a bucketPut a bucket in the shower while waiting for the water to run hot, and then use this cold water on the garden. You can purchase tubs big enough to stand in while you shower, which will capture a full shower’s worth of “grey water” for the garden. Make sure you use gentle, garden-friendly soaps and shampoos if you do this.

Have shorter showersTaking shorter showers to save both water and energy is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills. Hot showers cause up to half a kilogram of greenhouse gas every minute through their energy use, so try to keep your showers to four minutes or less. Use a shower timer as a reminder.

Check flow rates of your showerheadsCheck your shower’s flow rate on the showerhead. If there’s no rate written on the showerhead you can measure the flow rate by turning on the shower at its normal rate for 30 seconds and capturing the water in a bucket. Measure how many litres of water are in the bucket and double the figure to get the flow rate.

Inefficient showerheads can use more than 15 litres per minute; a WELS four-star rated showerhead uses 7 litres per minute. And remember that these volumes of water require heating — so the more efficient the showerhead, the less energy will be required to heat the volume of water.

Install water efficient showerheads One of the best ways to save both water and energy is to install an efficient showerhead. Water saving showerheads can be easily fitted to existing shower arms. Rebates are available and prices start from $20. Local councils often run exchange programs, so check with them before purchasing a showerhead. Regulations differ between states, so ask your landlord before installing a showerhead. The payback on installing a water efficient showerhead can be as low as a few months.

Fix leaking toilets To check the toilet for leaks take the lid off the cistern and add a few drops of biodegradable food colouring to the water. If food colouring comes into the toilet bowl without flushing this is a sign that the toilet cistern is leaking. Contact your landlord to have the toilet serviced.

Reduce water in the toilet cistern If you have a single flush toilet, place one or two plastic drink bottles full of water in the cistern to reduce the volume of water in each flush. There are also flush modifying devices available which stop the flush as soon as the button is released. Check with your landlord before installing.

Fix leaking taps A dripping tap can waste a lot of water, so install new washers to fix leaks. Regulations differ between states so ask your landlord before installing new washers.

Install aerators on taps Aerators can be fitted to taps to reduce water flow and can be fitted either inside or on the tap. Once again, check with your landlord before installing.

Reach for the starsThe Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) shows the consumption of water by appliances. The label gives products and appliances a star rating from one to six and also provides a number that shows the comparative water consumption in litres. The labels will be on the product or packaging to allow you to compare when you are purchasing. The WELS website contains a searchable database on a range of products including washing machines, dishwashers, flow controllers, showers, taps and toilets.

www.waterrating.gov.au

Fixing dripping taps and using the half flush are just two of the many things you can do to save water in your bathroom.


05Wash in cold waterWhile some clothes need to be washed in hot water (e.g. nappies or clothes with oily stains), most clothes can effectively be washed in cold. Washing clothes in cold water saves energy.

Hang it upAvoid using electric clothes dryers. Use the natural power of the sun to dry your washing by placing your clothes outside on a clothes line. During wet weather use a clothes rack inside your house. If you need to use the dryer and it’s not vented to the outside, always have a window open to the outside to allow moist air to escape. Use on the warm setting and clean the filter after each use.

Wash a full loadAlways make sure you wash a full load of clothes. Not only will you save water but the less you use the washing machine the more energy you save. Change the water level to suit your load and use short cycles when possible.

Buy detergents made from biodegradable substancesBiodegradable detergents are a safer option for the environment.

Use your washing water on the gardenProviding you use biodegradable detergents, you can run a diverter hose, available from hardware stores, straight from your washing machine onto the garden.

Buy energy and water efficient appliancesIf you need a new washing machine or dryer check the energy and water star ratings. Look for the highest star rating and buy the right size for your needs. Make sure the washer can do a true cold cycle because some machines heat the water even during cold washes.

Fix leaking taps A dripping tap can waste a lot of water, so install new washers to fix leaks. Regulations differ between states so ask your landlord before installing new washers.

Install aerators on taps Aerators can be fitted to taps to reduce water flow and can be fitted inside or on the tap. Once again check with your landlord before installing.

Laundry

Making changes in the laundry can be as simple as hanging up your clothes or as complex as researching and purchasing the latest in energy and water efficient appliances.


06 Outdoor Areas

Use a broomClean down paths and driveways with a broom or rake rather than use a leaf blower or hose.

Group pot plants togetherPot plants placed together create their own microclimate, which can reduce the number of times you need to water.

Water at the appropriate timeWater the garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water evaporation. Watering longer but less often will encourage the plants to grow deeper roots, which will help them grow more resilient to drought conditions. Make sure any watering complies with local water restrictions.

Compost your food scrapsInstall a compost bin or worm farm for your food scraps to reduce the amount of organic matter going to landfill. Organic matter buried in landfill produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The compost you’ll produce is also great for your garden.

If you live in an apartment consider buying one of the small composting systems that use a mixture of bacteria, fungi and yeasts to produce high-grade fertiliser for pot plants.

Mulch garden bedsMulch on garden beds and pots can help reduce water evaporation by up to 70%. The mulch shields the soil from the sun and reduces run-off during watering.

Add compost or a wetting agentAdd compost and wetting agents, available from plant nurseries, to soil to help it hold water, reducing the number of times you’ll need to water.

Use grey water Grey water from baths, showers and washing machines can be reused on the garden in most locations. While bucketing shower water can be a chore, small pumps are available that let you pump it straight to the garden via the bathroom window. Some grey water systems are also suitable for renters as they don’t require permanent installation if the pipes are accessible from outside the house. Ensure grey water is not stored for any more than 24 hours, and check your local council’s laws regarding the use of grey water. Be mindful of your physical ability to carry water containers.

Reduce the temperature of hot water Check the thermostat setting on your storage hot water system is set at 60°C. If it’s set higher than 60°C you will be wasting energy, but any lower could pose a health risk as harmful bacteria may thrive. Instantaneous hot water systems should be set to no more than 50°C.

Setting the temperature on some types of hot water systems requires a plumber; contact your landlord to have the system assessed.

Insulate your hot water system For electric hot water systems located outside, consider insulating the tank – you can get hot water tank blankets online, or even use some spare insulating material. Never cover the safety valve located on the side of the tank.

Check the hot water system overflow Check the amount of water dripping from the overflow pipe of the hot water system. A typical amount of overflow from a system is around 10 litres per day. If the overflow is excessive contact the landlord to have the system assessed.

Invest in a portable rainwater tank Rainwater tanks that come with a lid, stand and plastic tap are available in small sizes of around a few hundred litres. Just position your tank under a convenient hole in a downpipe to collect water. If there isn’t a convenient hole, ask permission from your landlord to make a hole and seal it up when you move.

Pools and spasIf you have a pool, make sure the filter is kept clean and experiment with running it only for a maximum of four hours a day filtering. The pool contractors don’t have to pay the bills, so they sometimes opt for longer run times than may be needed.

If you have a spa, heat it only when you intend using it. Keeping it heated the whole time consumes a large amount of energy.


Avoid producing wasteBeing conscious of the amount of waste that is associated with the products that you buy and avoiding products that have unnecessary or excessive packaging is a good first step towards reducing household waste. For example, you can take your own bags to do the shopping, and avoid putting fruit and vegies in individual plastic bags.

Recycle household waste productsMost local councils supply a service for residents to recycle common waste products such as glass, cans, some plastics, paper and cardboard. If you do not have a recycling bin contact your council to arrange for one to be delivered.

Give unwanted items a new lifeSave useful items from landfill by finding them a new home. As the saying goes, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”. There are many ways to give life to unwanted clothes, furniture and books such as charity stores, markets and resource recovery centres.

Reduce e-wasteElectronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing contributor to landfill and a growing concern for the environment. Each year millions of computers, modems, printers and mobile phones are thrown out. This e-waste not only adds to landfill, it contains toxic components which can leach into the water table.

Check with your local council to see if there is a safe way to dispose of old equipment before throwing it in the rubbish. You may also wish to ask your council for contact details of any local charities which collect old equipment and recondition them to give away to the disadvantaged and community groups.

www.recyclingnearyou.com.au

www.mobilemuster.com.au

07 08Reducing Waste Getting Around

Choose where you live carefullyWhen you’re looking for a rental property, think about its location. Is it within walking or cycling distance of public transport, schools, work, shops and your recreation choices? On average, Australian households generate close to six tonnes of greenhouse gas and spend around $9000 each year on transport, $3500 being for fuel. Reducing your travelling time is better for the environment, your health and your hip pocket.

Try car pooling to workIf a work colleague lives close by you can travel together to reduce your costs. Alternate days with them to avoid one person doing all of the driving.

Ride a bike or use public transportRiding a bike is not only an eco-friendly way to travel it is also good exercise. If you are unable to ride catch a bus, train or tram — leave the car at home whenever possible. And walk whenever possible to benefit the environment as well as your health.

www.travelsmart.gov.au

Be car wiseIf you’re looking at buying a new car, choose a fuel efficient one. If you drive a car, minimise fuel consumption by avoiding traffic jams, combining travel tasks within one trip, and sharing rides with other people.

www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au

Reducing your impact on the environment is as much about your behaviour as it is about your home and its appliances. Reduce waste and you reduce your carbon footprint.

Transport is a major contributor to greenhouse emissions, but there are many choices you can make to reduce your impact and still get from A to B. If you are out and about, do several tasks at once; for example, go shopping on your way home rather than making a special trip.


09Working with your Landlord and Property Investment Manager

[Your name and address]

[Date]

[Landlord’s or agent’s name and address]

Dear …

Re: Repairs to [your address]

We would like to undertake the following alterations to the premises to improve the water and energy efficiency of the home.

We are willing to conduct the following repairs and request your permission to do so. We would appreciate reimbursement for the cost of the products outlined below:

• Item Cost $

• Item Cost $

• Item Cost $

The following repairs we are unable to undertake:

• Item Cost $

• Item Cost $

• Item Cost $

The Australian Taxation Office offers tax deductions for improvements made to rental properties.

I look forward to hearing from you. I can be contacted on [phone] during daytime hours.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Sample letter for Landlord

Before contacting your property investment manager or landlord it is a good idea to research state and federal government tax deductions and rebates for improvements/upgrades that will reduce the environmental impact and ongoing running costs of rental properties. These can be found on www.liveability.com.au.

Don’t forget; before you undertake any alterations to a rental property you must have the owner’s permission.

If you are renting through a real estate agent make an appointment with them to discuss your ideas about how to improve their property. Alternatively you could write to your property investment manager or landlord using the letter template supplied below.

When taking steps to reduce the impact on the environment you need to work with your landlord or property investment manager to achieve the best possible results.

10Finding it hard to pay the bills?Increasing costs in energy and water are making it difficult for some people to pay their rent. If you are experiencing financial stress you can contact your state’s housing service to find out if you’re eligible for assistance .

Home Energy Saver SchemeThe Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS) is part of the Federal Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future and was developed in the context of the expansion of the Low Carbon Communities Program. The HESS program is funded by the Commonwealth Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and provides support to vulnerable and low income households experiencing difficulty meeting and paying for their energy needs. HESS will support households through provision of telephone advice and home visits.

HESS Helpline 1800 007 001.

Household Assistance

Getting financial helpIf you’re struggling financially contact your bank and ask what they can do to assist you.If you have concerns about your water, gas or electricity bills ask your provider about assistance packages – most have special programs to assist consumers who are experiencing financial difficulty.Financial counsellors provide information, support and advocacy to assist people in financial difficulty.They work in community organisations, and their services are free, independent and confidential. Financial counsellors have extensive knowledge in a range of areas of law and policy, including consumer credit law, debt enforcement practices, the bankruptcy regime, industry hardship policies and government concession frameworks.You can access financial counselling services by ringing 1800 007 007 to discuss your concerns. You will be sent out information or referred to other agencies that can assist you


LJ HookerBuilding a Rich and Sustainable Future, TogetherLJ Hooker is Australia’s best-known and most respected real estate brand. This reputation has been built on the expertise and experience of our people over 80 years of history and service to the Australian property industry.

Our traditions are the strengths of the LJ Hooker business and they are based on the enduring values that have been a part of the LJ Hooker business since its inception. It is important that these values continue to lie at the heart of our business, informing our LJ Hooker family and demonstrated in our exceptional customer service.

LJ Hooker is committed to building and consolidating its leadership position in the Australian property industry. We will succeed because of our ability to meet the changing needs of our clients, innovative marketing, professional integrity and ethics, efficiency and profitability. Our sustainability initiatives are a fine example of this.

LJ Hooker has a dedicated sustainability team who are driving important national initiatives; for our operational centres, our network of independently owned offices and our customers.

Alternative Technology AssociationThe Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is Australia’s leading independent organisation promoting sustainable solutions for households.

The ATA provides independent, practical advice on how to make homes cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and environmentally friendly.

A not-for-profit organisation, ATA has 6000 members across Australia walking the talk in their own homes. The ATA also conducts research on sustainable technologies and practices and advocates to government to make it easier for other Australians to live sustainability.

The ATA publishes the magazines Sanctuary: modern, green homes and ReNew: technology for a sustainable future.

www.ata.org

Kildonan Uniting CareKildonan Uniting Care, established in 1881, is one of Australia’s oldest community organisations.

It is committed to empowering people to improve their lives through the provision of effective community services and addressing issues of social and economic hardship. Kildonan’s vision is of thriving and inclusive communities based on respect, justice and compassion for all people.

Energy Saver Scheme for Vulnerable Australians Minister for Community Services Julie Collins has announced Kildonan has been selected as the national coordinator for the Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS), a project that will provide financially vulnerable Australians with the tools to be more energy efficient. The Home Energy Saver Scheme is part of the Australian Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future and will provide $29.9 million over four years to support low-income households across Australia.

www.kildonan.unitingcare.org.au

SustainAbility Advice TeamThe SustainAbility Advice Team provides expert advice on energy efficiency and energy efficiency assessments (energy audits) for homes and businesses throughout the ACT and South East NSW.

Our staff are energy efficiency advocates. With more than 12 years experience in the business of energy efficiency, our team has completed thousands of energy assessments and has saved families and businesses tens of thousands of dollars.

http://www.sustainableadvice.com.au/

About our team

What is Liveability?Liveability is an initiative that supports you to make the sustainability choices that are right for you, from energy and water efficiency, new products and rebates to resources, research and energy rating.The LJ Hooker Sustainability team and their knowledge partners are dedicated to providing the very best information to help you make sense of sustainability and your home.

Visit www.liveability.com.au

Documents

healthy and efficient home - LJ Hooker · 2016-08-31 · Tips for the Whole House The following tips will help you improve your rental home’s energy efficiency, making it more economical