Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our planet. Sustainable living means thinking about where the products and services that you buy or use come from, where waste goes, and what impact your consumption of products and services has on other humans and other species. Below is a list of tips to help you start living sustainably at home.
Council encourages its residents to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Council aims to lead by example by reducing its energy usage through its Energy Conservation in Lane Cove Program. Council is striving to improve the efficiency of existing operations as part of this program has invested in the upgrade of equipment and buildings to reduce electricity costs and minimise Council's carbon footprint.
This project has seen the upgrade of the Civic Centre's current air-conditioning system as well as the replacement of the building, controls and monitoring system. This means that not only will the system use less energy; but that it will also be controlled to ensure that it operates only when it is required.
External shading has also been installed over the atrium to improve thermal comfort while a full lighting upgrade is being completed to improve total energy efficiency of the building.
Council is currently measuring the effectiveness of the air - conditioning and controls work to determine emissions and cost savings. The costs savings will be reinvested into programs for the community.
Read more about the project outcomes in the Energy Conservation in Lane Cove Case Study.
This activity received funding from the Australian Government.
The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our planet. Here are a few tips to help you start living sustainably at home.
Energy Saving Tips
Things you can do now:
Switch off lights, appliances and equipment (at the PowerPoint) when they’re not needed
Install energy-efficient compact light globes
Insulate, draught-seal and shade windows to reduce your homes heating and cooling needs
Cut hot water usage by installing water-efficient showerheads, taking shorter showers and using cold water when washing clothes
Switch off your second fridge, except when you really need it or get rid of it altogether and you may receive a rebate.
Dry your clothes on the clothes line outside
Things you can do in the future:
Water Saving Tips
Things you can do now:
- Turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving rather than leaving the tap on.
- Wash vegetables and rinse dishes in a plugged sink, not under a running tap.
- Use a microwave, steam or pressure cooker to cook vegetables. This retains more flavour and uses less water than boiling.
- Wait for a full load before you wash your clothes or the dishes.
- Prevent taps from leaking by turning them off tightly and replacing washers as soon as they begin to leak. You can also install flow restrictors or tap aerators to reduce your tap’s water use.
- Install a water efficient showerhead. The shower can be one of the biggest uses of water in your home, and easy to reduce using a water efficient showerhead.
- With the correct planning, plant selection, soil improvement and mulching you can create a garden that requires minimal water and maintenance.
Things you can do in the future:
Waste Reduction Tips
Things you can do now:
Things you can do in the future:
Travel Smart Tips
Things you can do now:
- Use your car less by planning trips so you combine several things on each trip
- Make a call, email or text and replace the drive
- Walk, ride a bike or use public transport to work, school and the shops
- Driving your car more effectively will save you money and reduce the amount of pollution your car generates
- Consider car pooling or car sharing
- Offset your car’s emissions
Things you can do in the future:
