Renew 159 out now: aircrete, heating buyers guide, sustainable dying, tyre recycling and more!

In Renew 159, we revisit one of our most popular buyers guides just in time for winter: the comprehensive heating buyers guide, with a detailed comparison of hydronic and reverse-cycle systems plus an overview of personal heating, tips for renters, and more. We also meet the couple building Australia’s first council-approved aircrete home on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, examine the decarbonisation of the arts industry, and take a detailed look at sustainable dying—from water cremation to sustainable cemeteries.
A bumper edition of our regular recycling series examines tyre recycling, while Rob McLeod examines how the energy transition provides an opportunity to improve cooling in rental properties. Elsewhere, Lance Turner takes a detailed look at the facts behind the media noise about lithium-ion battery fires, our EV guru Bryce Gaton updates his quinquennial examination of EV carbon footprints, and we visit Melbourne institution CERES to hear about their new EV-powered carbon-free food delivery service.
There’s also a chance to win one of 24 Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessments for your home—valued at $400 each!—plus our regular crossword, opinion section, member profile, and plenty more.
Renew 159 is on sale now and available to purchase online and in newsagents. Or, you can always subscribe, and guarantee you’ll get every issue delivered to your door.
further reading

Product profile: Big tanks for tight spaces
For homes with gas hydronic heating systems, replacing the gas boiler can be difficult. Many heat pump boilers run at lower temperatures than gas units, and over a certain size, they usually need three-phase power.
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Energy matters
Alan Pears brings us the latest news and analysis from the energy sector.
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Bring on the electric ute
Bryce Gaton asks, will 2023 be the Australian ‘Year of the electric light commercial vehicle’?
Read more