Reuse & recycling
Sustainable salons
When our managing editor heard that her hair salon was joining a movement for greater sustainability, she was intrigued, and sent Kellie Flanagan to find out more.
Read moreRenew Magazine Subscription
Renew magazine is the nation's premier magazine devoted to practical, cost-effective technologies for environmentally sustainable homes and lifestyles.
gardening
Donna to the (plant) rescue
Most nurseries recycle materials such as plastic growing containers, but what happens to any unsaleable plants? Sarah Coles speaks to Donna Grundy about plant rescue and an unusual business model.
Read more
Efficient homes
Cladding case study: Charred for a long life
Quentin Irvine has been making and using charred timber cladding since 2015, both on his own house and for clients.
Read moreRead more on making your home more efficient
Efficient homes
Interview with a designer: cladding in the sub-tropics
Rain and heat mean different cladding and finishing choices in the sub-tropics, says Stephanie Skyring, an architect based in Brisbane. But a focus on sustainable materials is key, no matter the climate.
Read more
Efficient homes
Cladding case study: Charred for a long life
Quentin Irvine has been making and using charred timber cladding since 2015, both on his own house and for clients.
Read more
Efficient homes
Cladding case study: Timber cottage with low-maintenance twist
This house in Willunga, SA, uses timber cladding for a cottage feel, but adds low-maintenance Colorbond and magnesium oxide board for the hard-to-reach areas.
Read more
Scenes from Sustainable House Day 2019
Our Sustainable House Day event this on 15 September featured a record 252 homes open across Australia and nearly 50,000 visitors. Watch our video to see some scenes from the day.
Read more on solar and batteries
Sustainable tech
Recycling solar
With the recent boom in solar PV installations and the increasing uptake of storage batteries, we take a look at what will happen to these products when they reach the end of their lives.
Read more
Transport & travel
Offsetting EV energy at home
Electric vehicles are finally emerging in Australia. A recent Renew study explores to what extent solar PV and energy storage can offset an EV’s grid energy usage and bills.
Read more
Solar & batteries
Solar gardens
Can solar gardens help more people access the renewable energy revolution? And what are the financial and legal considerations? Pilot studies by the Institute for Sustainable Futures and Community Power Agency are giving some answers.
Read moreNews and reports
Transport & travel
Offsetting EV energy at home
Electric vehicles are finally emerging in Australia. A recent Renew study explores to what extent solar PV and energy storage can offset an EV’s grid energy usage and bills.
Read more
Research
Renew delivers webinar on batteries
View a video on batteries in community buildings. Also relevant to households.
Read more
Renewable grid
Hydrogen: help or hype?
Australia’s government is currently developing a strategy for including hydrogen in a future low-carbon energy system. Renew’s energy projects team has looked at where it has potential, and where it doesn’t.
Read more
Research
All-electric solar homes save thousands over gas: report
New homes that are all-electric and have solar power will save their owners thousands of dollars according to a new report by Renew.
Read moreGet updates from Renew magazine
Renew basics and buyers guides
Buyers guides
Finding efficiency and quality: An appliance buying guide
When an appliance goes bang we often rush to buy a replacement. But there are important steps to take before you impulse buy. Lance Turner explains what to consider when looking for a new appliance.
Read more
Buyers guides
Ending the ICE age, An electric vehicle buyers guide
As the world slowly wakes up to the need to electrify personal transport, the range of electric vehicles is starting to ramp up. Lance Turner looks at how Australia is doing in the move away from fossil fuels, and which EVs you can buy now and in the near future.
Read more
Buyers guides
MVHR buyers guide
As homes become more airtight, the need for mechanical ventilation grows. Heat recovery systems bring in fresh air with minimal heat loss. Joel Seagren explains how they work and what to look for.
Read more
Buyers guides
Cooling buyers guide: active cooling
Renew magazine's cooling buyers guide gives you all the info on effective shading, ventilation, fans and efficient air conditioning.
Read more