Carbon tax avoidance: Ann Stevens has added a number of features including solar panels to make her Avondale Heights home more energy efficient. Picture: Scott McNaughton
DESIGN changes that make houses more environmentally friendly and cost efficient will be central to discussion at an upcoming community environment forum hosted by Moonee Valley Council.
Moonee Valley resident Richard Keech will be the feature speaker at the event discussing how he converted his home to significantly reduce energy and water consumption.
Sam Sangster, chief executive of Places Victoria, will present a case study on the Nicholson - an affordable living infill development in Coburg.
Avondale Heights resident Ann Stevens said she was gradually trying to improve her home's efficiency and welcomed information sessions.
Mrs Stevens said that over recent years she had installed solar panels, solar hot water and a water tank plumbed to her laundry and toilet.
"We started going down this path both because we wanted to be environmentally friendly and we were also pretty sure the price of electricity would go up so it would be good economically.
''Now with the savings it will all pay for itself quite quickly."
The forum forms part of the council's consultation towards drafting a city sustainability strategy.
The council is looking for ideas for city sustainability from people and groups living and working across Moonee Valley.
The environment forum is on August 27 from 7pm, at 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds.
More information about the sustainability strategy is available at mvcc.vic.gov.au/css