Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Tuesday, 9 April, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Tuesday 9th of April, 2024,
Greater Shepparton City Council was pleased with the success of the recent sustainable house bus tour which took interested community members, many of whom are looking to renovate or build their home, across our region.
In summary:
The tour took place on Saturday 16 March 2024, with participants visiting three sustainable houses in the local region to learn more about sustainable houses.
The primary objective of the tour was to demonstrate the feasibility, comfort and benefits of sustainable houses. By showcasing innovative, energy efficient technologies in these houses, it aimed to raise awareness in our community regarding sustainable solutions and adaptation to the changing climate.
The event was well received by the community, with a full bus load of people visiting different houses on the day.
One house in Tatura, was a well-insulated north facing house with a light coloured roof. The house has a highly efficient induction cooktop for cooking and an electric heat pump for hot water. All of this is supported by a solar PV system and Tesla battery that feeds excess energy into the grid.
The next stop was to another well insulated north facing house in Tatura. It was constructed with thermal walls to keep the heat in during winter and highly efficient fans for summer. The highlight of this house being the solar dryer that uses sunlight and natural convection to dry the clothes sustainably.
Lastly, participants visited a completely off-grid passive house in Rushworth that is designed to stand the test of time. This house has triple glazed windows and doors which provide a completely sealed envelope. Due to its excellent insulation, the house temperature is even throughout the home and a Heat Recovery System ensures the flow of fresh air throughout.
All of these houses are completely off gas, utilising induction cooktops for cooking, and electric heating and heat pumps for hot water. Each of these sustainable homes also have a rainwater tank to conserve water.
Council’s Director Sustainable Development, Geraldine Christou, praised the tour and spoke to the benefits of showcasing some of our region’s sustainable houses.
“The sustainable house bus tour is a fantastic initiative, these homeowners are finding significant energy cost savings, and they are happy to share their experiences with the rest of the community,” she said.
“We hope all of the attendees took something away from the day. Council looks forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”
Due to the great response received from the attendees, Council hope to be able to run a similar tour next year to showcase other sustainable houses across the region.
For further information on sustainability measures, please visit yourhome.gov.au.
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 6th of March,
Tatura Women's Breakfast
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring morning of connection, conversation, and community. Hear powerful stories from guest speakers while enjoying a welcoming breakfast event that honours… Read more
Wednesday 11th of March,
Puff Walk
Enjoy the beauty of our local parks on Puff Walk! Read more
Saturday 7th of March,
Harley Show and Shine
Can you hear the thunder? Read more
Friday 6th of March, – to Monday 9th of March,
Victorian State H.O.G Rally
Come down to the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) to see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorcycles, Show n Shine, vendors and food stalls Read more
Sunday 15th of March,
Merrigum Town Garage Sale
Supported by the Merrigum Lions Club. Read more
Thursday 5th of March,
March GVYP Social Dinner
Come along and join us at the fabulous local Shepparton Brewery for our monthly social. Read more
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