Associated Actions

Environment

Global warming, droughts, dead river systems and species extinction are all results of our overuse of natural systems and their consequent decline. A major factor in rescuing the effects of our consumptive habits is our ability to develop and broadly deploy more efficient technology. Reducing the amount of energy and water needed to support our households is a powerful way to ease this pressure on our precious natural systems.

Wellbeing

A stable global environment and the availability of fresh water are central to human health and prosperity. Clean, fresh water from the tap is, for most people in the world, a luxury. As the Australian water supply is stretched, recycled and sterilised at the expense of our waterways stagnant rivers, we expose ourselves to toxic algae, chemically treated water and an increased vulnerability to severe drought. Many people across the globe are not so lucky, and a lack of clean water and associated diseases kills tens of millions of children each year. So water wisely, and conserve this precious resource.

Install Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

The cost of energy and water is rising, the effect of pollution increasing. In the house, it is those large appliances - the fridge, clothes and dishwashing machines - and fixtures - toilets, taps and showers - in daily use that consume the bulk of our household energy and water.

The Federal Government's Water Rating site notes that replacing an old-style single-flush toilet with a water-efficient dual flush system will reduce household water use by around 1000 litres per year, as well as saving $50 per annum over the life of the system.

Similarly, the product comparison charts in the Federal Government's Energy Rating site shows that the difference in the ongoing operating costs between an average family fridge (two-door, 300+ litre volume) with an Energy Star Rating of 2½ and a similar fridge with an Energy Star Rating of 5 (out of 6) is between $750 and $1000 over a 15 year period, depending on use and the cost of electricity.

So think medium to long term and invest more now to get the most efficient appliance and fixture. You'll reap the environmental and financial benefits for years to come.

How to do it now!

When you're in the market for large appliances and fixtures use the 'star labelling system' to inform your understanding of the operating costs of your home.

Energy and water ratings and consumption measures - Both the Water and Energy Rating systems use a combination of a 6-star rating system and an energy/water consumption estimate to inform you of the efficiency of the appliance or fixture.

Energy labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following electrical products sold in Australia to have an approved energy label:

  • refrigerators and freezers
  • washing machines
  • clothes dryers
  • dishwashers
  • air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary)

An energy use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the energy labelling system, on the Energy Rating site.

Water labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following water products sold in Australia to have an approved water label:

  • showers
  • tap equipment
  • flow controllers
  • toilet (lavatory) equipment
  • urinal equipment
  • washing machines
  • dishwashers

A water use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the water labelling system, on the Water Rating site.

Rebates from water saving - The Smart Watermark site lists the state and/or local government rebate programs available in your area for the installation of certain water saving fixtures and water tanks.

  • Victoria - The Our Water Our Future website provides details on the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate scheme and gives you the chance to save water and money when you purchase eligible water-saving products between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2011.
  • Victoria - The Resource Smart website provide details on a range of rebates available for energy efficent appliances including converting to a gas hot water system and a whitegoods appliance rebate.
  • Australian Capital Territory - A range of rebates available including a ToiletSmart program up to $100 rebate to replace single flush with dual flush toilets.
  • New South Wales - Washing machine rebate - up to $150 for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine.
  • New South Wales - Fridge Buyback - $35 to have a second fridge removed from your home
  • South Australia - Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) - Energy efficiency rebates and incentives available from energy retailers in South Australia.

Push to have the energy and water labelling programs expanded - Both the above rating programs don't cover the full range of products available. Write and request that these programs apply energy labels to products such as televisions, home entertainment centres and the like as soon as possible. In addition, requesting that the current labels are extended to indicate the embedded energy and water of a product (ie the energy and water required to manufacture the product), which would enable you to view the full environmental impact of your purchase.

Why this action is important?

Science is telling us that we need to live more sustainably - more in tune with nature. In order for humans to establish a sustainable civilisation we must mimic and aspire to the efficiencies found in nature. This action is intended to help people understand the win-win nature of efficiency and to assess technology and behaviours in terms of their long-term returns (financial, environmental and intergenerational).