Energy saving resources

With the cost of energy increasing it makes sense to be energy efficient. Reducing energy use not only saves on your bills but also helps the planet, too. In NSW, most of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, which creates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming.

Easy ways to reduce energy use

There are many simple ways you can be more energy efficient at home, reduce your power bills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Install energy efficient lighting and always turn off lights when you leave a room
• Switch off appliances at the power point instead of leaving them on standby
• Purchase appliances with a high energy star rating as they use less energy
• Install a green roof or wall to help reduce your heating and cooling needs
• Install a green roof to increase the efficiency of solar panels by up to 15%
• Wash your clothes in cold water and hang your clothes out to dry instead of using the dryer
• Use the energy efficient setting on your dishwasher and only run it when it is full
• Set your air conditioning/ heating units appropriately a couple of degrees higher in summer and a couple of degrees lower in winter i.e. summer 23–26ºC and winter 18–21ºC
• When replacing your hot water system, install a hot water heat pump
• Ride a bike, walk or use public transport instead of driving where possible

For more help saving energy at home, visit the Your Energy Savings website.

Borrow a thermal imaging camera

Thermal imaging cameras use infrared light to help detect areas of heat loss in the home, such as draughts, leaks and poor insulation. Council has two thermal imaging cameras available for residents to borrow at no charge from the Green Living Centre.

We'll provide you with instructions on how to use the cameras. They are easy to use, no professional knowledge is required.

Please contact the Green Living Centre on 0481 477 917 or email greenlivingcentre@innerwest.nsw.gov.au to arrange a loan.

Borrow a power kit to measure your energy use

The Power-Mate is a very useful tool for understanding energy use in your home and will allow you to make more informed decisions about how you can reduce energy consumption, save money off your energy bills and help combat climate change through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Power-Mates can be borrowed free of charge from the Green Living Centre and can be used to monitor the energy consumption of different appliances in your home. The Power-Mate will even estimate the average costs of running the appliance over the year, both in dollar value and in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Please contact the Green Living Centre on 0481 477 917 or email greenlivingcentre@innerwest.nsw.gov.au to arrange a loan.