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September - A look at  energy saving standards for new houses and the Federal Government's Emissions Reduction Fund

30/9/2022

 
At our first meeting in September, the Sustainability group looked to the 'stars'. Did you know that the minimum sustainability/energy saving standards for new houses and some renovations in most of Australia is 6 Stars (out of 10). In Victoria this is soon to rise to 7.  At the session we had a look at the rules and recommendations for achieving housing sustainability across a number of issues from climate, lot size & orientation, house orientation, passive house design, energy and water use and long-term liveability and adaptability. We also looked at some examples of houses that have achieved 8 and even nearly 10 stars.

At our second session in September, we looked at the Federal Government Emissions Reduction Fund, the current primary policy the government uses to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various sectors/industries.   In particular, we looked at several of the prescribed 'methods' the government allows to achieve GHG abatement (such as increasing soil carbon).

At our next session on Friday 7th of October at 10 am, we will have Cr Danny Claridge talking to us about the council's upcoming review of Benalla's Environment and Climate Change Adaptation plans. 
​
John Lane

Reading for next Session - Friday 16th September, 10am

14/9/2022

 
At this Friday's session at 10 am we will look at the Federal Government Emissions Reduction Fund, the current primary policy instrument the government uses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors/industries.

​In particular I thought we could have a look at several of the prescribed 'methods' the government allows to achieve GHG abatement (such as increasing soil carbon). If you want to do some preliminary reading I suggest you check out the relevant website (https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/ERF/About-the-Emissions-Reduction-Fund)

Also, as this is the last session before we have Cr Danny Claridge join us to discuss the council's revision of their (our) environment and climate change adaptation plans, I thought we could have a look at the primary targets/actions of the current plans. Here again are the links to these:

Climate change adaptation plan: https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Documents/Other-Plans-Strategies/Climate-Change-Adaptation-plan#:~:text=How%20does%20the%20adaptation%20action,after%20eight%20years%20(2021).

Environment plan: https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Documents/Other-Plans-Strategies/Environment-Strategy


John

Preparing for Cr Danny Claridge's Presentation

9/9/2022

 
As some will know, Cr Danny Claridge will be attending our session on 7 October to talk about the upcoming review of Council's environment and climate adaptation plans. Following are links to the current versions of the plan. Don't be put off by the words, I suggest you find the table of actions and focus on these.

Attached is a template that council has asked to be completed so that Cr Claridge has more of an idea of what we will want him to talk about. Could I ask that you have a look at the current plans and add your suggestions to the template. I need to get this away to council so could I please put a deadline on this of next Monday.

Benalla City’s Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan: https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Documents/Other-Plans-Strategies/Climate-Change-Adaptation-plan

Benalla City’s environment plan: https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Documents/Other-Plans-Strategies/Environment-Strategy 

PS: these links take you to the relevant council web pages where you can download PDF files of the plans.

John

How do heat pumps work?

8/9/2022

 
​We've had several questions over time about how heat pumps work; these are used for more efficient heating/cooling (split system air conditioners), hot water systems and refrigerators. I've just come across an article from ABC news online which provides an explanation:   

Alan Pears "Heat pumps can cut your energy costs by up to 90 per cent. It's not magic, just a smart use of the laws of physics"  ABC News, September 8, 2022. The article first appeared on The Conversation.  

​
Alan Pears is a senior industry fellow at RMIT University and advises the Australian alliance for Productivity and Energy Efficiency Council and others on heat pumps.  =

Regards

John

Session 14 - Sustainable Housing - Notes and Links

2/9/2022

 
Did you know that the minimum sustainability/energy saving standards for new houses and some renovations in most of Australia is 6 Star (out of 10).
 
But what does this mean?
 
At this session we will have a look at the rules and recommendations for achieving housing sustainability across a number of issues from climate, lot size & orientation, house orientation, passive house design, energy and water use and long-term livability and adaptability.
 
I’ve also previously mentioned that Benalla Council has budgeted for an update of its environment and climate change adaptation plans. I’ve contacted council to see if I can get someone to talk to us about these pieces of work at some future date, but in the meantime we can have a look at the existing plans and perhaps identify changes we think might be worthwhile.
 
I’ve also included below a link to a recent ABC online news article about the next Commonwealth budget including some non-economic (wellness) indicators.
 
Links
 
Sustainable house design case studies (Aust Govt): https://www.yourhome.gov.au/case-studies
 
Benalla City’s Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan: file:///C:/Users/lane_/Downloads/INFORMATION-Final-Climate-Chanage-Adaptation-Action-Plan-FINAL-15112012%20(1).pdf
 
Benalla City’s environment plan: file:///C:/Users/lane_/Downloads/document-Environment_Strategy_2016_20.pdf
 
ABC News 29 Aug 22 – GDP v Wellness: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-29/can-you-tax-tears-gdp-on-the-way-out-wellbeing-budgets/101380286
 
 
John Lane
Convenor
    BSFG on:

    'Sustainability'

    True sustainability is only achieved when our society achieves this in three spheres of our activity: Social, Economic and Environmental. Sustainability in each of these three spheres is far from being achieved.  This has become the concern of governments and ordinary people world-wide and has resulted in many questions about the sustainability of our present lifestyle. This course aims to explore topics such as global warming and climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy options, the challenge of population growth, sustainable agricultural practices, water use, sustainable use of resources, sustainable and energy efficient building design and various economic and lifestyle issues. Our sessions during the year will examine different aspects of these major topics with a focus on looking towards a sustainable future. No prior knowledge of these topics is required just a general interest in the issues around climate change and sustainability. With discussion of these topics throughout the year you will find that you become better informed about these issues.

    Meeting Times

    1st and 3rd Friday
    10 am to 12 midday
    ​U3A Meeting Room 1

    Convenors and contact details

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    John Lane
    ​0474 936 460

    Convenor 2008-2021

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    John Lloyd 

    Local Links 

    Benalla Sustainable Future Group:
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    Renewable Energy Benalla - website

    Other Links

    Fifteen Tips to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
    Economists for Equity and the Environment

    The Future Economy


    Population Matters-For A Sustainable Future

    Strathbogie Voices Seminars on Climate Change in Euroa (YouTube)
    


    Frank Dunin's paper 'Fire reduces water harvest from Melbourne's water supply catchments'.

    Frank Dunin's response 'Chemistry Lesson for Scott Morrison'

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