In early 2009 Alice Springs residents were given the chance to participate in a sustainability make-over of of their own home. Alice Solar City in conjunction with Desert Smart COOLmob, went on the search for a household to become a public showcase for sustainble living.

More than 60 entries were received from the community with six being shortlisted before the final property was chosen.

The owner occupier who owns the the Sustainable Living House purchased the property in 2007 and has since been working to make the home more sustainable.

The energy saving measures coordinated by Alice Solar City have been finalised and  include:

• Solar water heating;
• Solar photovoltaic system;
• Painting the roof white;
• Replacing ceiling insulation;
• Installation of external shading on western wall;
• Energy efficient lighting - 240 volt fluorescent and LED;
• Replacing the fridge with more energy efficient model
• Replacing the washing machine with a more energy and water efficient model and
• Smart meter, Cost Reflective electricity tariffs and in-house displays of energy consumption and generation.

The coordination of a range of water efficiency measures by desertSMART COOLmob includes:

• Water efficient taps and fittings in the bathroom and kitchen;
• Improved water management for garden;
• Rain water harvesting; and
• Grey water treatment and diverstion system to irrigate the garden.

OPEN DAY

More than 250 people inspected Alice Springs Sustainable Living House at the inaugural open day in September.

We are pleased to announce the next Open Day is Saturday 13 February from 1-4pm.

A joint initiative between Alice Solar City and DesertS MART COOLmob, the home on Kurrajong Drive has 18 energy and water saving devices.

If you are looking to make your house more sustainable, don’t pass up the opportunity to come and see, touch and feel a wide range of measures.

Self-guided tours give visitors an insight to the latest energy and water saving technology including off the shelf products available to homeowners.  Energy efficient measures include installation of an external skin and adjustable shading, solar hot water, low energy light fittings and an LCD energy use display.

Open days will be held every 2 months over the next 2 years.

PLEASE NOTE - THE SUSTAINABLE LIVING HOUSE IS A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING AND THUS TO RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF THE OWNER, ANYONE INTERESTED IN VIEWING THE HOUSE SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PUBLIC OPEN DAYS AND TIMES ONLY.