By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
This year, Belgrave and Upwey are opening their doors for Sustainable House Day, offering a unique chance to explore two homes built with eco-friendly design principles.
It’s a great opportunity for visitors to hear directly from local homeowners and experts, who will share their experiences and practical advice on how to make homes more sustainable and energy-efficient.
Whether it’s simple changes or bigger renovations, the event provides a chance to learn what’s possible right here in the Dandenong Ranges.
The two homes on display showcase different styles of sustainable building and varying budgets, with a focus on the specific challenges of the Dandenong Ranges surroundings, such as steep blocks, bushfire ratings, and erosion overlays.
Secretary of Repower the Dandenongs, Daniel Wurm said his family switched to all-electric appliances, which has saved them $2000 per year on energy bills.
“We’ve disconnected from gas entirely, which means we no longer have any gas bills. Our energy efficient appliances are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy,” he said.
“It’s not just about saving money; it’s about having more comfortable and healthier homes.”
“These homes show that building or renovating with sustainability in mind doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.”
“We’re here to help people see that these changes are achievable and can be done on different budgets.”
The homeowners will be there to share their experiences and provide practical tips on everything from reducing energy consumption to incorporating natural materials like hemp and bamboo.
A key focus of the day will be how to electrify your home, an approach that can lead to significant savings.
With appliances like heat pump hot water systems and reverse-cycle heating, many homeowners are reducing their energy use and increasing efficiency.
“By switching to all-electric appliances, families can save between $1000 to $2000 annually,” Mr Wurm said.
“And that’s not to mention the added benefit of cutting out indoor air pollution by moving away from gas.”
One of the main concerns for local residents when it comes to disconnecting from gas is the fear of power outages.
However, homeowners will also be addressing how new technology, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and home batteries, can help alleviate these concerns.
With the ability to store excess solar energy and power homes during outages, these technologies provide an effective way for Hills residents to maintain comfort and security even when the grid goes down.
This cutting-edge approach means residents can go off gas without worrying about how they’ll cope during the next power interruption.
The Dandenong Ranges’ unique features, such as bushfire ratings and steep blocks, require specific design solutions.
Experts at the event will explain how lightweight construction methods, post foundations, and fire-resistant materials like hemp and cement cladding can make a home both safe and energy-efficient.
“These homes prove that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand, even in challenging settings,” Mr Wurm said.
This event isn’t just for those building new homes; it’s also for those looking to make their existing homes more sustainable.
Experts will offer simple yet effective tips, such as replacing old hot water systems with electric ones, upgrading to induction cooktops, or using affordable draft-proofing materials for as little as $150 to improve energy efficiency.
For renters or those on a tight budget, there are also accessible options, like switching to an energy provider that offers cheap or free electricity during midday, or opting for bamboo flooring instead of more expensive hardwood.
Sharing knowledge within the community is at the heart of this event. By opening their homes, local residents are showing that making sustainable changes is within reach for everyone.
“The more we share our experiences, the more we inspire others to take action,” he said.
“Community-led knowledge sharing is crucial as we all move toward a low-carbon future.”
This event is part of Renew’s Sustainable House Day 2025 program, and tickets are now available, visit sustainablehouseday.com for more details.
Don’t miss the chance to see how local homeowners are making their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable. It’s proof that going green is not only possible but also practical.
