News & events
Renew 149: recycling special out now!
Looking for info on reducing waste on your building project or how to choose a sustainable new or recladding option? Find all the info you need in our recycling special and our cladding buyers guide in the latest issue of Renew magazine.
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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.
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Reuse & recycling
Building without the waste
Construction waste is a huge problem, with vast quantities of materials, both old and new, going to landfill each year. Sophie Weiner examines the problem and what can be done to fix it.
Read moreRead more on making your home more efficient
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
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.
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Efficient homes
Considerations when buying and using appliances
Energy efficient expert Alan Pears on what you need to think about to minimise energy use when buying and operating appliances.
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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
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.
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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.
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Solar & batteries
Built with solar, runs on solar
Designing and building a more sustainable home is fertile ground for innovative ideas. Howard and Libby Elston explain how generators were largely avoided when building three new units.
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.
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Research
Renew delivers webinar on batteries
View a video on batteries in community buildings. Also relevant to households.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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