There is a real buzz in the air and while it is mostly generated by me flying around the city, there is also a buzz from people getting involved in Sustain the Bool.
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I am super excited because the Energy Reduction Summer Cooling workshop is happening tonight and there are still some spaces left for you to come along.
There is going to be lots of free stuff, which I am hanging out for and Peter Reefman will be talking about his eight-star energy rated house. Doesn't quite match my 100 stars, but then again I am an energy-saving superhero.
The workshop is being held at the Archie Graham Community Centre, 118 Timor Street, from 7.30pm. To register your interest contact Simone O'Sullivan on 5559 4847 or email sjosullivan@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Buying solar panels in bulk is my new thing and I already have 100 households interested in joining my crusade.
By buying in bulk each person is able to more cheaply learn about solar panels efficiency in the south west, the feed-in tariff and the solar credits system. Buying in bulk will cut down the red tape, confusion and most importantly the price.
My aim is to recruit every business and household in Warrnambool to get involved in the bulk buy because the cheaper it will be for those taking part. Not to mention the cumulative greenhouse gas savings by all the power fed back into the grid.
Contact my superhero sidekicks at the Warrnambool City Council on 5559 4800 and leave your details to be included in the SUSTAIN the BOOL updates to find out more about up and coming solar workshops in March.
I have talked a lot about ways to reduce household energy use, but not much has been mentioned about ways to reduce energy use at work.
One easy way to make energy savings around work is to set up an environment team. Float the idea to your boss as a way to save money and build work morale by having a bit of fun at work. Here's how to get started:
* Identify champions to drive an environmental team
* Get support at a higher level
* Recruit team members, try to get a broad range of reps
* Have regular catch-ups to brainstorm and plan activities
* Launch the team.
* Have fun, if you can make your initiatives fun people will want to be a part of it.
Check out www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au to find out more on how to make energy savings around the office. This site is awesome.
Some simple things your team can do are:
* Switching off lights before you leave, this includes monitors and computers.
* Regularly clean and service your lights.
* Replace inefficient lights with fluorescent lamps. Or if cleaners are in at night, work out an arrangement where they ensure lights are off.
* If you are a small business consider replacing wall urns for a kettle or upgrade the old wall urn to get one with a timer.
* Install low flow shower nozzles in basins and showers.
* Adjust thermostat on hot water systems to provide the minimum hot water temperature.
* Check air-conditioning systems' efficiency through regular inspections and maintenance
* Consider a hanging ceiling if your current ceilings are too high.
* Tint your windows or install blinds or curtains.
* Check your energy bills, they may show irregular use such as heating at night.
