Our 110 year old home is powered by a 4.2 KW of solar power providing free electricity and regular cheques from the electricity company.A solar hot water system provides the hot water.
Heating is provided by solar thermal heating units and by our Coonara gas heater, which is the most efficient in the Australian market. We hardly use our central heating unit or our two eco-panel heaters.
Extensive draft proofing ensures that the house stays warm in winter. Every wall has had insulation retrofitted and the ceiling has R5.5 polyester (recycled) insulation as well as a reflective bubble foil under the rafters.
All windows (but four) are either double-glazed or fitted with reversible inflector blinds that allow us to keep heat in the house in winter and keep it out in summer. Our other 4 windows have thick ceiling-to-wall curtains which keep the heat in.
Thermal mass has been added to the house in the form of water which helps to moderate temperatures.
In summer the house is kept very cool. Our solar-powered attic fan purges air from the roof when the temperature is too high. All windows are shaded or protected from the sun in some manner. An underground cooling fan can also help to reduce temperatures if required.
We have used recycled materials wherever suitable or reused materials from other parts of the house. We use natural oils, stains and low-VOC paints.
Our tanks are fed by a closed-system collecting over 80% of the water that falls on our roof. This feeds the garden, laundry and toilet. Our garden includes 70 fruit and nut trees and extensive vegetable beds. We have removed all grass and use no artificial fertilisers and pesticides. We make our own compost, mulch and fertiliser.
Gavin is also on the steering group for Transition Eastern Geelong www.transitioneastgeelong.groupsite.com part of a new global movement of people dealing with peak oil and climate change by relocalising goods and services and strengthening community.
This event is organised by the Geelong Sustainability Group in cooperation with Geelong Organic Gardeners and Geelong's Transition Towns and is proudly sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong as key sponsors and Barwon Water Water as major sponsors. Other sponsors include:
Zero C - ESD Architects/Sustainability Consultants and Energy Assessors, Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Assesors
Phil Hines Photography - most images taken for Geelong region homes and gardens are kindly by Phil
New Earth Systems - Solar thermal heating, ventilation and cooling, energy monitors, permaculture design and education
Nia Dance Geelong - 9 movement forms combined for sustaining body, mind and spirit
Organics Box- Organic and Biodynamic Fruits/Vegetables/Herbs and Groceries in Torquay and Geelong
Sindhiya Soapnuts - 100% Natural Cleaning SoapNuts for a Healthier Home and Planet
Solahart Geelong - Solar hot water and power systems
Scotsco - Skylights, roof windows, access ladders, ventilation
Transition Bell - www.transitionbell.groupsite.com, Victoria's first transition intiative.
Transition South Barwon - www.transitionsouthbarwon.groupsite.com
Transition Eastern Geelong - www.transitioneastgeelong.groupsite.com
Geelong Organic Gardeners - www.gog.org.au
www.geelongsustainability.org.au
(August 2011) (
