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Saving Energy & GreenPower

Energy Efficiency | GreenPower | Solar energy | Solar hot water

Solar Panels

The average Australian home spends $1,500 on electricity bills each year and 90% of our electricity comes from fossil fuels such as coal which generate greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change.

Reducing your energy use and using 100% accredited GreenPower is one of the easiest ways to immediately reduce your greenhouse emissions at low cost. You'll also support the renewable energy industry.

Energy Efficiency

Using energy wisely is always the top priority. Here are some simple things you can do.

In the Home

  • Use energy efficient compact fluorescent light globes
  • Choose a local holiday instead of flying overseas
  • Use the energy rating label when buying electrical appliances
  • If buying a new car, check the Green Vehicle Guide to compare fuel economy and greenhouse emissions
  • Walk, cycle, car-share or catch public transport
  • Switch appliances off at the switch to save standby power
  • Select an energy efficient hot water heater such as solar, gas or heat pump.

In the Office

  • Switch off lights when you leave the office
  • Enable Energy Star™ saving modes on computers and electrical appliances.
  • Switch off computers when not used for extended periods.
  • Ride or walk to work if that's an option
  • Encourage your organisation to commit to improved office energy efficiency and join CitySwitch Green Office.

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GreenPower

Once you’ve reduced your electricity use, you can reduce your environmental footprint and the greenhouse gas emissions from your home by choosing where you source your energy from.

GreenPower your home

Power-mate

Power-Mate

Borrow a Power-Mate from any City library today and find out how much your household appliances are costing you and the planet!

For more information and availability.

 

Solar energy

Given that many households don’t use much electricity in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest, a typical 1.5 kilowatt system will return about half of its electricity to the grid.

Combined with savings on your electricity bill, a total saving of around $1,000 a year will help pay off the cost of installation.

Under the Australian Government Renewable Energy Target, small scale solar installations are also eligible to generate solar credits. What this means is a healthy discount for you upfront on the installation costs.

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Solar hot water

Hot water accounts for around 37% of your home's energy bill. Switching from an electric hot water system to gas or solar can reduce your home's greenhouse gas emissions and save you money.

Did you know?

An average house using solar hot water can help prevent up to three tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year - that's about the same emissions produced by one car over two years.

For More Information

City of Sydney's Sustainability Education Officer
Email: mcook@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

 

Last Updated: Wednesday 17 August, 2011

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.