Two Outstanding Green Programs

The CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is well known for the high quality of research it provides to help improve the quality of life for all Australians, but what is not so well known is that its resources are also put to good use building valuable community programs.

One example of the great work provided by the organisation in this regard is its establishment of the Energy Mark Program, which is currently operating in Brisbane and in New South Wales. The goal of the program is to help households and communities to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy usage and save on power bills.

The thing which sets Energy Mark apart from similar government programs is that it works through community based discussion groups, using a relationship building approach to bringing tips and advice closer to the community in a way that is most likely to be acted upon.

Aside from learning practical tips the community is also encouraged to take part in the viral change that the program brings. Volunteers are welcome to share and lead discussions to promote a sensible and “real life” feeling to the program’s agenda.

From a research side of things, the programs approach also informs the CSIRO about the challenges that residents face when trying to reduce their carbon footprint, so they can find solutions accordingly.

Energy mark participants will have the opportunity to:

become better informed on energy, climate change, water and waste issues
engage in public debate on these issues
reduce your impact on the environment
lower your carbon footprint at home, work and in the community
reduce your energy consumption
Save on power bills through renewable energy sources

It is hope that the group based approach of the program will eventually build a habit of working together in all aspects within the community, which is especially important with the environmental and energy issues that we face today.

If its early success continues we can expect it to lead towards a more widespread positive attitude towards waste reduction and carbon emission elimination, which would include further embracing of solar power in Brisbane , NSW and the rest of the country as the program pushes forward.

Climate Smart Home Program

The Climate Smart Home program is an initiative of the Queensland government which is designed to provide its residents with the ability to take control of their energy and water usage and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable Queensland.

Part of it is the Climate Smart Home Service which allows you to monitor and keep track of your energy usage in real time and continuously.

The state government has allotted $60 million for the program and believes that the investment will proof to be money well spent; they expect to have a collective energy savings of $66 million in the future because of the program.

The program started in 2009 and since then more than 150,000 households in Queensland have applied for the energy audit, and the numbers are still climbing. If you wish to get a detailed report of how you can save money by reducing your home’s energy consumption then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

For only $50 you can get a professional energy audit, plus the energy saving package which includes the following.

4 pieces of standby eliminators which allows you to remotely turn off your appliances and save great amounts of energy instead of leaving them on a standby mode.
1 wireless power monitor which allows you to monitor your energy usage and identify what appliance is consuming more electricity than it should be so you can act accordingly.
5 CFL (compact fluorescent bulbs) which consumes 80% less electricity than a halogen bulb and last 15 times longer.
1 hot water system temperature adjustment tool that enables you to control the temperature freely which also aids in energy conservation.
Water saving shower heads
A Climate smart home guide that provides a detailed plan on how to save energy and water and presents the ideal electricity consumption a day.

Normally this package would cost hundreds of dollars but with the subsidies in effect you can have it at the very low price of $50.

The program also includes other steps to help every household to reduce their costs and carbon footprint. The entire program was developed on a belief that true long term change to stop global warming has to start with every one of us, and that environmental protection needs to be a commitment and attitude that we all adopt.