How do you turn your apartment into a sustainable home?

As an apartment owner there are many ways you can practise sustainability at home. These options are inclusive of outside balconies and courtyards. Let’s take a look around your apartment.

Have you updated your fixed lighting?

Switching to LED lighting is a great way to save on energy costs. Room lamps can also be changed over to efficient LED globes.

Home Appliances

Most home appliances have energy ratings on them. When purchasing appliances ensure electrical efficiency ratings and water ratings have high star ratings.

Gas cooktops are becoming a thing of the past and the cost of gas keeps rising. If you are able to swap to an electric induction cook top this is very efficient (approximately $80 - $100) running cost in electricity per year.

You will need a qualified electrician to do this for you. In most cases your switchboard will need new RCD switches to install a cooktop. Be sure to ask for an electrical certificate to keep on file once works are completed.

LCD/LED TV’s are the most efficient TV’s on the market. Ensure old Plasma TV’s are sent to e-waste recycling as Plasma TV’s are very power-hungry and are becoming less common.

Composting on your balcony

Have you heard of a bokashi? 

The bokashi is a great way to compost and create your own at home nutrient rich plant juice that will make your plants grow beautifully.

This sealed odourless system is perfect for apartment courtyards or balconies.

Place all your green waste and organic food waste in the Bokashi, let it rest for 4 months once full. The finest nutrient plant juice is produced to water all your plants with. No need to spend money on fertilisers.

Gas hot water heater upgrade

Do you have a gas hot water heater on your balcony?

The government is offering grants to assist you in swapping out your old gas hot water systems for new electric efficient heat pumps.

Click on the links below to get started: www.solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate

Water-saving taps and shower heads

Reduce your water usage and water bills by installing water-saving taps and shower heads.

There is a wide range of water-saving taps and shower heads on the market.

Ask your local Bunnings or hardware store what water-saving products they have in stock.

Would you like to know more about sustainability in apartment developments?

If you would like to learn more about sustainable apartment living  in high density developments, we invite you to the High Life Expo.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the High Life expo on the 1^st of June.

Get your ticket to the event by clicking the link below: www.highlifeexpo.au