Reduce 1/3

REB's Building and Energy Efficiency Action Group is concerned to improve the energy efficiency of buildings to reduce energy demand and energy bills.

Most emissions in Benalla (82%) come from electricity use in residential homes (27%) and industrial and commercial (55%) businesses. This equates to approximately $26 million per year in electricity costs to the community. Much of this expense is wasted in drafts, air leaks around openings, and outdated heating and cooling systems. By reducing these losses through energy efficiency upgrades, Benalla can save money and provide more comfortable homes and businesses.

In 2018 the REB 'Reduce 1/3' Efficiency group designed a series of workshops 'Wipe Out Gas and Electricity Bills' focused on improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, making them more comfortable and reducing energy bills. The workshops aimed to assist local residents understand how building retrofits can reduce the energy demand and cost of heating and cooling homes.

Session 1 on Tuesday 22 May provided an Overview of the efficiency program, and how it relates to the REB Net Zero Stationary Energy Project. A major emphasis was on assisting people to establish a baseline energy profile and understand their bill and meter.

Session 2 & 3 on Tuesday 26 June and Wednesday 26 September focused on Lighting, Draught Proofing and Insulation.

Session 4 on Wednesday September 26 from 7.00pm-9.00pm provided information on Windows, Hot Water and Heating & Cooling.

The remaining topics, Appliances and Cooking, Energy Monitoring & Control and Solar Power, may be dealt with in a 5th session either later this year or early in 2019.

BZE’s Energy Freedom Home, a resource that provides nine key steps to create more comfortable homes and buildings for lower ongoing running costs, is integral to the workshop series, along with resources listed in the right hand column. Sustainability Victoria's video 'Energy Efficiency at Home' is also highly recommended: