ReNew Issue 120

ReNew Issue 120 is out now!

  • Opinion: Is wood good?
  • Policy: Is the solar multiplier still needed?
  • Introducing the LEAF program
  • Sustainability ratings to transform infrastructure
  • Are electric vehicles really so great?
  • The meter box equation
  • DIY: Don’t junk it, upgrade it
  • DIY: Turning fridges into worm farms
  • DIY: Home electroflocculation
  • Putting a price on carbon: some facts about the carbon tax
  • Reduce your energy use and save money
  • The house with no bills
  • Family room upgrade
  • Reducing emissions with a boatie’s lifestyle
  • PassivHaus school in Upper Austria
  • The power of integrated design
  • Ecolodge opts for micro-hydro
  • Heat pump buyers guide

Issue Contents:

Opinion: Is wood good?

David Coote responds to the question of wood heater emissions.

Policy: Is the solar multiplier still needed?

It’s time for the federal government to reduce the upfront incentive for solar PV systems. But is this a good or bad thing? Damien Moyse investigates.

Introducing the LEAF program

Up to 50 West Gippsland businesses could be flying the sustainability flag by the year’s end, writes Maggie Riddington.

Sustainability ratings to transform infrastructure

A new ratings tool is set to provide a clear assessment of the sustainability of Australian infrastructure projects.

Are electric vehicles really so great?

Does it really make a difference to your emissions if you buy an EV but run it on fossil-fuel-generated electricity? Bryce Gaton investigates.

The meter box equation

There’s more going on in your meter box than meets the eye. Richard Keech examines the energy measurements associated with domestic PV systems.

DIY: Don’t junk it, upgrade it

Lance Turner explains how to make that old PC run like new.

DIY: Turning fridges into worm farms

A fresh look at materials reuse to create worm farms from municipal tip waste. By Tim Frodsham.

DIY: Home electroflocculation

Terry Tranter describes how to electroflocculate your water until it’s clean.

Putting a price on carbon: some facts about the carbon tax

The carbon price could make households and businesses better off if they take a few important steps. By Alan Pears.

Reduce your energy use and save money

The ATA is publishing a free guide to energy efficiency on a budget. Get a preview here.

The house with no bills

Careful design has minimised the building and running costs of this rural Victorian house. By Tim Adams.

Family room upgrade

An energy-efficient renovation of this family’ s living room is paying off, reports Danielle King.

Reducing emissions with a boatie’s lifestyle

Living on a boat instead of a 40-square house can greatly reduce your environmental footprint. By Geoff Chia.

Passivhaus school in Upper Australia

Energy use has been slashed by ninety per cent at this school, thanks to energy efficiency. By David Coote.

The power of integrated design

Even a difficult block didn’t stop Mike Stasse from building this net zero energy home.

Ecolodge opts for micro-hydro

With plenty of water and not enough sun, Forest Walks Lodge installed a micro-hydro system. Rosemary Norwood describes the process and the benefits.

Heat pump buyers guide

Not all electric heating systems are the same. Lance Turner examines why heat pumps come out on top.