Local Case Studies 

Howard's Solar Skillion Sleepout
"Howard and Bernie had an energy-efficient sleepout designed and built that is attached to the existing house in Benalla  by a covered walkway, forming part of a complex of four buildings.  New buildings are solar oriented and follow the four golden rules of good design related to sunlight, open spaces, access and privacy.

All roofs are skillion and oriented to the north, which shade the buildings in summer and omit the winter sun. They are all 10-degree-pitched, with a cantilever pitch to the north side.   One building is rented from time to time, and three are used by the owners as sleepout, artists studio and house under renovation.

To read more about this house in the Owner Builder magazine, click here. 

To find out more about the NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) click here."

Extracted from the Sustainable House Day website's page on the Solar Skillion Sleep Out - here's the link - ​https://sustainablehouseday.com/house-profile-view/?house_id=26424
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Benalla Church Street Surgery
Benalla Church Street Surgery won the 2018 Environmentally Sustainable Business Award.  Sponsored by BSFG and Sun Real,  the award recognizes a business which has taken significant steps to reduce the environmental impact of the business through using resources more efficiently and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 
'Reduce 1/3'  Inspired by the issue of sustainability and health, an environmental plan was developed at the Church Street Surgery to make it more sustainable.  Energy auditors  Ecomaster  completed the audit, making  recommendations  which were implemented at the surgery relating to draughts, insulation and waste.  One of many efficiency strategies introduced by the practice has involved eliminating faxes by sending emails rather than faxes.   
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'Replace 1/3'  Interestingly, prior to the energy audit the surgery had been told that it would need 25kW solar panels, however after implementing the audit only 15kW of solar panels are required. 

Peter, pensioner/home owner
Passionate about sustainable living,  aged pensioner Peter's small, sole person home is  on the outskirts of Benalla .   Peter  is adopting a graduated approach in working towards Benalla being a zero net energy town by 2028.  

'Reduce 1/3':  Peter is currently working through the Energy Freedom Home stepwise process of improving the energy efficiency of his home until eventually it can, after installation of solar panels, become a net exporter of energy.  As Peter's home has a northerly facing living area he is investigating better utilising this aspect of the home to make it more comfortable and energy efficient.  This could include replacing northerly windows with doors to allow more winter sun access.  These doors would then also allow access to an outdoor living area which would become a private area after changes to fencing.  He is also considering insulation, draft proofing, and windows.  Peter is finding Sustainability Victoria's video,  Energy Efficiency at Home helpful in his quest.  here to edit.
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'Replace 1/3'  Peter has decided that the expense of solar panels is currently beyond his reach.  Extremely concerned about climate change,  Peter  checked out recommended power suppliers/retailers and on basis of the evidence changed his provider to what he found to be the highly credentialled supplier Power Shop.    Some months later, after further consideration, Peter decided to take up 100% Renewable energy with Powershop and, although a slightly more expensive tariff, is very comfortable with this decision. 

Sandy's Tiny House on Wheels
Sandy's Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)  was on display at the Swanpool Environmental Film Festival in late June and on Sustainable House Day in Benalla in September 2018.  It  is being built as an example of what can be built on a trailer and used as a permanent dwelling. With the growing cost and lack of affordability of housing, tiny houses are an alternative form of accommodation. 

Sandy's  tiny house is built on a 2.4m x 6.0m steel trailer designed to carry 3.5 tonne; it has a steel frame and is clad with western red cedar and colorbond steel. It has a main sleeping loft suitable for a queen-size bed and a smaller loft for storage or visitors.

It will have a full kitchen in the front with stove, double-bowl sink, hot water and a full-height fridge; shower, toilet and sink, workbench, lounge, TV, etc.; solar-powered electrical system. The roof falls to the front allowing for water collection to serve the dwelling.

We will continue to monitor the completion of this tiny house.  More information and photos of Sandy's Tiny House are available on the Sustainable House Day website.