In our modern lifestyles, energy use is a major part of our households, businesses and activities. Considering how we heat and cool our home, the appliances we use, how we heat our water, cooking and lighting, can all have big environmental and cost impacts.
Here in the City of Unley, electricity use accounts for 24% of community wide emissions and gas makes up 17% of emissions. However, our electricity grid is becoming cleaner and greener with the expansion of renewable energy in SA. Electricity will become an increasingly low emissions energy source as South Australia aims for 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2027.
By reducing energy usage, switching from gas to electric appliances (for heating, cooking and hot water) and supporting renewable energy uptake (solar and batteries), we can build resilience, reduce emissions, and reduce overall energy costs.
City of Unley is working together with the community to reduce our City's and individual's energy consumption.
There are many steps we can take to reduce our energy usage. Switching off lights that are not in use is one simple way.
By changing behaviours, using passive design principals in new homes and renovations, switching to all electric homes, buying energy-efficient appliances and embracing renewable energy, we can reduce our energy consumption significantly.
Tips:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Let the sun shine through in winter and in summer, block it out by closing blinds or curtains.
- Plant a tree! Trees are extremely effecting at cooling homes in hot summer months. They provide shade and act as natural air-conditioners by cooling the surrounding air. A deciduous tree will provide shade in summer and allow the sun to shine through in the winter.
- Set your thermostat to between 24°C and 26°C for cooling in summer, and, between 18°C and 20°C degrees for heating in winter, and only heat or cool spaces you are using.
- Use a fan, as these effectively cool rooms and are cheap to run.
- Take shorter showers and install a water efficient shower head (also saves water!).
- Wash clothes in cold water and hang them to dry.
- Adjust your hot water thermostat (reduce the temperature).
- Set your fridge's temperature to between 3°C and 5°C, and your freezer to between -15°C and -18°C.
- When upgrading appliances, choose energy efficient options.
- Make a plan to get off gas and switch to an all-electric home (by replacing gas hot water heaters, stoves, cooktops and gas heaters over time).
- Do a home energy audit (details below)
- Check if you're eligible for free energy efficient incentives (below) or any South Australian Government Concessions.
Energy efficiency incentives
The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) is a South Australian government initiative that requires energy retailers to help households and businesses save on energy use and costs, and lower their greenhouse gas emissions.
South Australian households and businesses may be able to receive free or discounted energy efficiency activities from energy retailers participating in the REPS.
Typical activities include installing energy efficient lighting, or installing water efficient shower heads, helping save water heating costs.
You can contact any of the REPS obliged retailers or third-party contractors to find out what energy savings activities may be available for your home or business, not just the retailer currently supplying your energy services. YESS is a third-party contractor located in the City of Unley.
REPS activities and targets can differ between retailers. You can call multiple retailers and contractors to see who can help you.
Find out more about REPS by visiting the Government of South Australian website here.
Home energy audit
Because your energy bill isn’t itemised like a mobile phone bill or shopping receipt, it can be hard to tell how energy is used in your home. Doing a home energy audit can help you understand what the main energy users in your home are and help you find ways to reduce your energy use to keep your energy bills to a minimum.
You can borrow a Home Energy Toolkit for free from the Unley Library or Goodwood Library, or do a basic home energy audit online.
Energy efficient appliances
When choosing an appliance like a fridge or a washing machine, consider:
- the best size and power for your needs
- the cost of running the appliance compared to other models
- the most energy and water-efficient model
The Energy Rating Label allows you to compare the energy efficiency and running costs of appliances before you buy – to help you reduce your electricity bill.
It’s worth paying extra for a more energy-efficient model as it will cost less to run.
For more information on choosing energy-efficient appliances, visit energy.gov.au.
Borrow a thermal imaging camera from our libraries
Discover ways to save energy at home using a thermal imaging camera.
These devices improve home sustainability by helping you identify energy leaks and hidden heat patterns.
By pinpointing areas of heat loss or gain, you can make informed decisions about insulation, sealing, and energy consumption.
To find out more and borrow a thermal camera, visit the Unley Civic Library or place one on hold via the online catalogue.
Other resources:
For free energy saving advice and help with your bills, visit the South Australian Government's Energy Advisory Service website.
To compare and find the best energy prices, visit the Australian Government's price comparison website Energy Made Easy.
To see how energy is used in the home and more about sustainable homes, visit the Australian Government's Your Home website.
To make a plan to go all electric, visit Rewiring Australia.
The City of Unley is becoming energy efficiency through initiatives like:
- Committing to be carbon neutral for our corporate emissions by December 2030.
- Supplying staff with bicycles and electric bicycles to commute through our City.
- Tracking Council energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Switching street lights to energy efficient lighting (LED Lighting Program).
- Power Purchase Agreement for renewable energy.
- Committed funding to replace the gas heaters and boilers at the Unley Swimming Centre with electric heat pumps.
- Installing solar panels and battery storage on our buildings:
- Clarence Park Community Centre (Solar, 20kW)
- City of Unley Depot (Solar, 30kW)
- City of Unley Civic Centre (Solar, 30kW)
- Unley Swimming Centre (Solar, 10kW)
- Fullarton Park Community Centre (Solar, 15kW & Battery Storage).