Residents of Magnetic Island can now access free Home Sustainability Assessments to find out how to save energy and water around the house and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The free assessments are funded by the Australian Government’s Green Loans Program, which also funds interest-free Green Loans of up to $10,000 to make recommended improvements.

Approved Green Loans Assessor Mr Ken Sisson will be on Magnetic from Sat 21 November to Sat 28 November 09

Ken Sisson told Magnetic Times, “I believe that many people are looking for ways to reduce their usage of resources, save money on household bills, make their homes more comfortable, and help protect our environment.

Each year the average Australian household contributes 13 tonnes of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere—enough to fill more than 700 balloons a day. Every household also draws an average of 73,000 buckets of water a year. That’s enough for around 12 baths a day.

While many homes on Magnetic would have been assessed by the Solar Cities and have installed smart metres and other measures which help people modify their energy useage, this home sustainability assessment adds another level of detailed options for further money and energy savings which dovetails into an important loan scheme supported by the Australian Government.

Ken told Magnetic Times, “With the free Home Sustainability Assessment, we move from room to room, looking at the following: floor area; window area, wall & floor type; any wall or ceiling insulation; window shading, both internal & external; wattage & hours used of lights; fans & aircon usage plus energy ratings; room comfort level; entertainment & home office device usage; type & usage of cooking appliances; refrigeration; dishwashers; washing machine type & usage; clothes dryer type & usage; pool; evaluation of electricity & water bills.

“As we move through the house I give tips on cross-flow ventilation to reduce the period when aircons are needed as well as tips on aircon temp settings to save energy.

The Australian Government’s Green Loans Program is funding the Home Sustainability Assessments and interest-free Green Loans

Solar Cities Julie Heath welcomed the green loans in particular, saying, “It gives people the option to make changes to their homes which they may not normally be able to afford.”

The Green Loans Program involves three easy steps:

Step 1: Book your free Home Sustainability Assessment.

Step 2: Receive your tailored Home Sustainability Report.

Step 3: Choose which of the recommended actions you will take to improve your home.

A Home Sustainability Assessment could identify actions as simple as switching to energy efficient lights and replacing shower heads. It may also recommend how you can do more, such as installing water or energy saving products like rainwater tanks or solar hot water systems.

To take the next step and make the larger scale changes, householders can apply to an approved financial institution for an interest-free Green Loan of up to $10,000 for up to four years.

To receive a free Home Sustainability Assessment, call 1800 895 076 and quote the name Ken Sisson, or ring him on 4034 1615 or 0438 712 111.