![Downlight transformers: the good, the bad, and the very inefficient](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Transformers-816x524.jpg)
Downlight transformers: the good, the bad, and the very inefficient
Not all halogen downlight transformers are created equal when using them with retrofit LED globes. Alfred Howell explains how the wrong transformers can be costing you money.
Read more![Fresh air without the heat loss (or gain)](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/renew_127_featured_image_mechanical_ventilation_with_heat_recovery-816x524.jpg)
Fresh air without the heat loss (or gain)
Clare Parry explains what mechanical ventilation is and why we might want to use it as our homes become better sealed.
Read more![From earth, cans and tyres: Earthship Ironbark](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/renew_133_featured_image_earthship_ironbark-816x524.jpg)
From earth, cans and tyres: Earthship Ironbark
It took a few years, but Australia's first permitted earthship has set sail in its new life as B&B accommodation, and as a living laboratory. Owner-builder Martin Freney describes the voyage so far.
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Subscribe to Renew magazine
Australia's premier magazine dedicated to technology for a sustainable future.
Subscribe![New choices in lighting: An LED buyers guide](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LED-filament-globe-786x524.jpg)
New choices in lighting: An LED buyers guide
The move to LED lighting has become mainstream, with more options appearing constantly. Lance Turner takes a look at what’s available.
Read more![Mass effect: <br>The messy realities of mass](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/renew_132_featured_image_mass_effect-816x524.jpg)
Mass effect:
The messy realities of mass
Mass in buildings can help moderate internal temperatures, but it can also be tricky to control its effects. Alan Pears examines when and where thermal mass works well – and when it doesn't.
Read more![Bricks, blocks and panels: What’s in a wall?](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/bricks-blocks-and-panels7-816x524.jpg)
Bricks, blocks and panels: What’s in a wall?
There are many different approaches used for building the walls of a home, but which one is ideal for your build? Lance Turner takes us on a quick tour of the different systems, materials and their sustainability credentials.
Read more![Salvage it: Top ten waste items to recover](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/renew_123_featured_image_salvage_it-816x524.jpg)
Salvage it: Top ten waste items to recover
Julian Edgar names his ten favourite parts to recover from waste items.
Read more![The Greeny Flat experiment – Small-scale, sustainable, affordable](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Front-yard-raised-beds-apple-tree-renewables-WEB-816x524.jpg)
The Greeny Flat experiment – Small-scale, sustainable, affordable
Andy Lemann shares the principles, materials, results and lessons learnt in building a low-cost, high-efficiency home. Seven months into a one-year trial, the outcomes are promising.
Read more![Get the right energy storage: A battery buyers guide](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/OPzS_Batteries_row-816x524.jpg)
Get the right energy storage: A battery buyers guide
The battery bank in a stand-alone or backup power system can make or break the system. Lance Turner examines what to look for in a battery bank and how to get the right battery for your needs.
Read more![100 home energy assessments: Assessing the process](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tim_consultation-816x524.jpg)
100 home energy assessments: Assessing the process
Simple discussions with householders can shine a light on common energy efficiency problems. Tim Forcey shares the process and lessons learnt in a recent round of council-funded home energy assessments.
Read more![Solar cooling options available to households now](https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/renew_130_featured_image_reducing_air_conditioner_impacts-816x524.jpg)
Solar cooling options available to households now
Solar cooling is possible at home writes Lance Turner.
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