The Whitlam Display Village’s sustainable homes will be open on 15 June to showcase how it’s done. Photos: SLA.
Thinking of building an energy efficient house or just got into your new home and, despite the star rating, the first blast of winter is freezing your socks off?
Then the Suburban Land Agency’s Sustainable House Day at its Whitlam Display Centre on 15 June should have some answers for you across the full gamut of sustainability issues including building tips and how to create your own climate-wise garden.
The centre’s three display homes will be open to see how the latest sustainability measures actually work in a property and members of the ACT Government, climate, energy and water teams will be on hand to provide practical advice, as well as groups including ACT Nowaste and SEE-Change.
Adding star power to the day will be Peter Maddison from Grand Designs Australia and Craig Reucassel from War On Waste and The Chaser, and other special guests.
SLA CEO Adam Davey said that while there may be plenty of information online, on the day people would be able to “experience it, see it, touch it, feel it” and talk to the experts about how to make their homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, slash energy bills, use less water, and reduce the amount of waste they generate.
“You can just walk into these houses and see what it looks like,” he said. “It’s a great way to get inspired and think about what could I retrofit to my house. Or if you’re going to build a house, how can I do it once, do it right?”
One of them even has a green roof for cooling the property and to provide extra greenery generally. Another is designed for multi-generational living, with a clever sliding wall for privacy when needed.
Mr Davey said visitors would also learn how to access government sustainability programs, including interest-free loans for things such as upgrading from gas to electric or fitting solar panels.
Visitors should also check out the Sustainability Cube, an information-rich interactive installation.
While cost could be a barrier to going sustainable, the day would also be able to show how small, inexpensive measures could make a big difference to comfort and energy bills.
There will be plenty of sustainability tips and experiences for adults and lots to keep the kids busy while they are at it.
Mr Davey said the two high profile guests would bring their own learnings, insights and advice for visitors in their own inimitable styles.
“Peter will be able to share quite a lot of insights into how these things work on the ground and some of the things to look out for when you’re planning them,” he said.
“I think that’s the important thing, just knowing what you’re in for, going in eyes wide open.
“So you’ll have some pretty interesting firsthand accounts of what he’s seen emerge and evolve in the sustainability space over the years, and some good insights into things that are coming down the pipe as well, that cutting edge view.”
Mr Davey said Craig Reucassel would share some very strong views and reflections on waste and the benefits of repurposing and reusing things such as Canberra’s famous red bricks.
“So just getting some ideas on how you might be able to reuse materials as well,” he said.
Mr Davey also recommended visiting the SLA’s nearby North Wright Sustainable Precinct to experience the two and three bedroom architecturally designed, all-electric homes with compact, adaptable floorplans aimed at achieving net zero carbon footprints.
He said they were also extremely energy efficient.
“They’re not passive house but have really low air exchange,” Mr Davey said.
“They have been built in a way that does seal them up, extremely well.
“There was also a real focus on innovation and sustainability in the design itself.”
For families, there will be plenty of activities for the kids such as an archaeological dig, face painting, and sustainable giveaways.
The SLA display village is at 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam. Events run from 11 am to 3 pm on 15 June. To register, visit the SLA website.
