Four fast-growing South Australian Councils have united to launch a new resource to help those looking to make their homes more sustainable, healthy, climate-resilient and cheaper to run.
Homes for Tomorrow is an initiative of Alexandrina Council, Light Regional Council, Mount Barker District Council and the state’s largest metropolitan council, the City of Onkaparinga.
With a website offering clear, relatable and actionable information to empower people to embrace sustainability in home builds and renovations, the initiative provides a range of video case studies from local residents, downloadable fact sheets, checklists, resources, links and inspirational stories to help make sustainable choices easier.
“We know more and more people want to make their homes more sustainable as concerns grow about climate change and cost-of-living pressures, and Homes for Tomorrow is a handy resource for anyone looking to kickstart their journey,” said City of Onkaparinga Mayor, Moira Were.
“It comes at an opportune time to shape sustainable development in Onkaparinga, with thousands of new homes on the way following State Government land releases in Aldinga, Noarlunga, Onkaparinga Heights, Port Stanvac and Sellicks Beach.”
The Councils say the benefits of making your home more sustainable include lowering energy bills through reduced heating and cooling costs, improving your health outcomes, increasing comfort and property values, and reducing your impacts on the environment.
But Council-commissioned research found people struggle to turn their awareness into action, are confused around market regulations and council requirements, and face barriers such as regulation, cost and a lack of accessible, relatable information for everyday consumers.
Homes for Tomorrow aims to bridge this gap, including through detailing free and affordable ways people can start their sustainable home journeys.
“Alexandrina’s community has told us that environmental protection and addressing climate change is important to them and they want Council to take steps to prepare for and respond to a changing climate,” said Alexandrina Council Mayor, Keith Parkes.
“With our region’s growth continuing at pace, we have a unique opportunity to support homebuyers, builders, and developers to create a future of homes that are cost-effective, comfortable, and healthy.
“Everyone can play in that – government with roads and water and waste – but also the new residents who are building here.
“It is possible to build sustainable everyday housing, and the Homes for Tomorrow initiative is a way to provide practical information and local case studies to show how it can be done at an affordable price,” he said.
Other resources for those building or renovating include fact sheets about topics such as going electric, upscaling your insulation, window glazing, and changing your roof colour.
“Building a new home is one of the biggest investments people will make during their lives and with household budgets under pressure, it’s more important than ever for new homeowners to ensure their homes are liveable, sustainable, and – most importantly – affordable,” said Light Regional Council Mayor, Bill O’Brien.
“That’s why Light Regional Council is pleased to partner with our fellow high-growth councils to develop practical tools that support new residents building high-quality, energy-efficient housing that will serve them now and into the future.”
Visitors to the site can also hear tips and inspiration from local South Australians who have done it before, including Ian from Port Elliot, who worked with his builders to achieve an energy-efficient home; Kate from Littlehampton, whose family home stays warm in winter and cool in summer with cheap electricity bills; and Jesse from Greenock, who has chipped away at making his home more sustainable over time.
Mount Barker District Council Mayor, David Leach said that as the state’s fastest growing region, the Council hoped Homes for Tomorrow will equip residents with tools and information to better inform their housing choices and conversations with developers and builders.
“Adapting to climate change and reducing emissions is a key environmental objective that will help council achieve its vision to make the Mount Barker District the most liveable region in South Australia and it’s why we actively initiated investigations and research that underpin the Homes for Tomorrow campaign,” said Mayor Leach.
