In late May the Australian Conservation Foundation's (ACF) GreenHome project hosted a Renovations Expo at Erina Fair in Gosford to encourage local residents to take an energy and water efficient approach to home renovating.
Key note speaker Dick Clarke, Director for Sustainability at the Building Designers Association of NSW, inspired visitors and encouraged them to incorporate smart design into their renovation projects, including double glazed windows and insulation.
Before attending the expo, Mary Harrison of Killarney Vale had been eagerly searching for clever ways to make her home more green. As chance had it, Mary won a 1,200 litre rain water tank on the day.
"It's something I've been wanting to do for ages. By coming along to see the great variety of eco-friendly solutions available, I now have the confidence and the know-how to make it happen!" Mary said.
Over 40% of participants came because they wanted to save money on their bills and learn about how to green up their renovations, whilst other visitors came because they were interested in broader environmental issues.
87% of attendees walked away committed to incorporating something they learned at the expo into their next renovation project.
To take the Greenhome Challenge in your area sign-up online and join people from all around Australia to see how much energy, water and waste you can save! You can also win a rain water tank donated by Eco Manage.
The program is also supported by an actions-based guidebook and workshops.
To register your interest in attending a GreenHome workshop, call ACF on 1800 223 669 or email membership@acflonline.org.au.
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