What you can do

Living Sustainably

Energy Smart

Choose energy efficient products

Product choice can make a big difference.

Be Greenhouse Friendly^TM

When you're choosing products and services look for the Greenhouse Friendly^TM label. The Greenhouse Friendly^TM initiative is a certification system to help consumers identify environmentally preferable products and services.

When you see the Greenhouse Friendly^TM logo, you know that the manufacturer or service provider has balanced the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the life of the product by reducing emissions in other areas.

Buy for the long-term

If you're buying a new appliance, electrical fixture or equipment look at the ongoing running costs over the life of the item, not just the initial purchase and installation cost.

Also, examine the energy demands and energy source options – using gas-fuelled or solar-boosted appliances will generally result in lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Select energy efficient appliances

Use the Energy Rating database or ask your retailer or supplier for advice and information on energy efficient products and how they compare.

Look for energy saving strategies and features, such as thermostats, timers, sensors, economy mode, auto-off, stand-by low-power modes and efficient energy use. Services and appliances which have flexibility of controls, a range of settings or thermostatic controls, enable you to optimise the energy setting to suit the task.

Energy Smart Logo

Use the Energy Rating and Labelling scheme, the Energy Smart Label and the ENERGY STAR standard to guide you on product selection and energy efficiency.

Sample Energy Rating Label

The National Energy Rating and Labelling Scheme helps you identify, select and purchase energy efficient appliances and equipment for the home. Look for the Energy Label with its easy to recognise star rating – the more "stars" the more efficient the appliance, with a six star rating being the highest level of efficiency.

Top performers for each product category are selected and profiled on the Energy All-Stars website, find out which products are "stand-out" performers in energy efficiency.

For more substantial purchases and installations, such as household lighting, cooling or heating systems, also ask your electrician or trade professional for advice. Through careful planning, design and installation you may be able to generate even greater long-term savings.