Building 

Benalla Sustainable Future Group believes that sustainable housing design and building practice can play a very large part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and have less impact on the environment. Sustainable houses have greater energy efficiency and are more comfortable to live in because they have more stable internal temperatures thus requiring less heating and cooling resulting in lower energy usage. Lower energy usage means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy bills.  The same comments can be made about upgrading existing houses to make them more energy efficient.

BSFG is keen to encourage sustainable housing design and rating systems, retrofitting for energy efficiency, PV panels, solar hot water, and home energy issues.  Interested members of BSFG developed a Guide for Planning Sustainable Housing; joined with Benalla Rural City to conduct Sustainable Housing Forums in 2014, 2015 and 2016; have participated in 'Sustainable House' Days, and more recently, as the Renewable Energy Action Group, have developed and conducted 'Reduce 1/3' workshops designed to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings, make them more comfortable and reduce energy bills.   

Sustainable Housing Forums

A well attended forum in October 2014 looked at Sustainable New Homes, Smart Renovations and Energy Saving Upgrades, with a particular focus on  Granite Gardens' at Killawarra near Wangaratta.

In August 2015, Lynn Beinat from Eco Master spoke on 'Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort at the Sustainable Housing Forum, Richard Morton from SunReal Renewable Energy systems on 'Solar Power and Battery Systems' and Callum Morrison, Environmental Health Coordinator, Benalla Rural City on 'Water Conservation'.   

A forum held at the Mokoan Hub at Winton Wetlands in July 2016 provided the opportunity for an audience of 50 people  to learn more about the long term benefits and savings that come from sustainable building.  Ken Sibley Building Designer, NRG Systems spoke on ‘Sustainable, energy-efficient housing design and smart renovations’ followed by Lachlan Gales from Ovens and King Builders on ‘Practicalities of building and renovating for sustainable housing’.  Download Ken Sibley's presentation

A second forum in August 2016  focussing on retrofitting existing homes. Ecomaster's Lynne Beinart considered retrofitting strategies from a whole home perspective. ​ Topics covered: How to have a comfortable home all year round; The key principles behind why your home is too cold / too hot and has huge energy bills; Zero cost actions that will reduce your energy bill and increase your comfort; Underfloor insulation; How to get a professional job done for 1/3 of the price; Everything you need to know about retrofit wall insulation and how to get a great result!; Heating systems - the good, the bad, the ugly.  

Energy Efficiency Workshops

Halted by Covid in 2020 and in 2021, in 2018 and 2019 BSFG's Renewable Energy Action Group developed and presented a series of free 2-hour workshops  'Reduce Energy Bills and Increase Thermal Comfort', which focussed on improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, making them more comfortable and reducing energy bills.   
Workshop 1      Understanding energy bills and getting the best rate
Workshop 2      Draught Proofing & Insulation
Workshop 3      Lighting & Windows
Workshop 4      Efficient Hot Water Systems, Heating and Cooling
Workshop 5      Appliances & Cooking; Transitioning from Gas 
Workshop 6      Energy Monitoring, Solar Power & Batteries
The REB action group has also produced case studies and pamphlets, including 'Keeping a rental house comfortable and energy efficient', distributed to local Real Estate firms for people in rental housing :

Sustainable House Day 

Over the years a number of member's homes have featured on the Sustainable House day program, with Howard Bartlett's 'Solar Skillion Sleep Outs featuring in .... and ......, and in the Covid required Virtual event in 2020.  

Victoria's New Residential Efficiency Scorecard

Indigo Shire's Better Build Toolkit 

Green Home Guide - Victoria (Australian Conservation Foundation)

Your Home, Australia's guide to environmentally sustainable homes (Australian Government)

Energy Freedom

Beyond Zero Emissions'  website assists Australians to transform their homes into renewable energy powerhouses.  Includes 9 steps to energy freedom &  success stories of retrofitting in practice.

ReNew Magazine.

Technology for a sustainable future.  ReNew a DIY sustainability magazine.