Free sustainability assessments offered
Peninsula residents can now access free home sustainability assessments to discover ways to save on energy and water and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Loans assessor Mr Ian Garradd of Woy Woy Bay said home owners and renters were able to take advantage of the free assessments.
"These assessments are completely independent and offer views free of bias on all things relating to energy and home sustainability," Mr Garradd said.
"The free assessments are funded by the Australian Government's Green Loans Program, which also funds interest-free Green Loans of up to $10,000 to make recommended improvements."
Mr Garradd, a former lecturer in sustainable design at the Design and Arts College of New Zealand, recently returned to Australia to complete further qualifications to become an approved Green Loans assessor with the Federal Government.
"People are increasingly looking for ways to stop wasting resources, save money on household bills, make their homes more comfortable, and help protect our environment," Mr Garradd said.
"If you are a renter, you can take recommended actions to reduce your energy consumption without making changes to the building.
"If you want to go further, give your landlord a copy of your Sustainability Assessment, for recommendations to make the property more comfortable, while increasing the value of the asset.
"There are a number of incentives and grants now available for landlords which make going green financially justifiable.
"It is win-win for all people, with an unprecedented amount of funding being offered by the current Federal Government."
Mr Garradd said applying for a Green Loan was as simple.
A free home sustainability assessment provided a detailed report which recommended actions for which a loan could be provided.
"Your home sustainability assessment could identify actions as simple as switching to energy efficient lights and replacing shower heads," Mr Garradd said.
"It may also recommend how you can do more, such as installing water or energy saving products like rainwater tanks or solar panels.
More information about the Green Loans Program is available at www.environment.gov.au/greenloans.
Email, 12 Nov 2009
Ian Garradd, Woy Woy Bay