SIX years ago, when Brod and Vivienne Street renovated their Hawthorn home, they decided they would go green wherever possible. By installing a solar electric system, the couple and their son, Alexander, reduced their emissions by more than 3000 kilograms to just 900 kilograms a year.

Since the initial $250,000 renovation back in 2002 — which included the solar electricity system, alternative water sources and solar hot water — the couple have continued to upgrade their energy efficiency and gradually put in, more efficient appliances..

All the water used in their 7-star efficiency standard home, except the toilet, runs on rain water — of which they have 9000 litres of storage. If the tanks are dry, they use mains water. Mr Street, a policy officer with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, said they collect and treat grey water for toilet use.

They also have a solar electricity system, with 18 panels on the roof producing up to 1.7 kilowatts, provides about 75% of the family’s electricity needs each year.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 5:10 am and is filed under Global Warming, Climate Change & Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.