Does your home perform? Use the tools...

The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) will soon launch an interactive web tool that measures the energy and water rating of your home in comparison to other households.

The NABERS HOME website will soon also host the HOME Energy and Water Explorer - a computer program that simulates your home environment online and suggests a personalised action plan to improve its efficiency and help reduce bills.

The NABERS HOME website will be loaded with helpful tips and resources to get your sustainable home started. Look out for the new NABERS HOME website at nabers.com.au

For more information contact the NABERS HOME team at DEUS on (02) 8281 7777 or email nabers@deus.nsw.gov.au. More

Safer Solutions project now online!

The Total Environment Centre
Safer Solutions website is now up and running at safersolutions.org.au.

The website provides information for the community on the everyday dangers of hazardous household chemicals used in and around the home.

The website addresses chemical risks in three key areas: the home, the garden and during DIY renovations, with a special focus on child health and safety. A feature of the website will be the use of experts to address people's questions on hazardous household chemicals.

If your organisation would like to link to the Safer Solutions website
please contact the Safer Solutions team on (02) 9261 3437 or email safer.solutions@tec.org.au.

The Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) are running the Affordable Water & Energy Efficiency (AW&EE) program.

The program assists community services staff and volunteers across the state in identifying options for efficient water and energy use in low income homes.

Workshop sessions will be available to community services staff and volunteers, emergency relief services, financial or budget counselling,
and other social services involving client contact.

For more information contact the AW&EE Project Officer on (02) 9211 2599 ext 127 or email energy@ncoss.org.au.  More

Roadshow a success in Mudgee, Grafton and the Blue Mountains

The EASE Project (Education Action Supporting Environment Groups) aims to inspire, support and provide resources to community environment groups throughout NSW.

The Nature Conservation Council ran three EASE Gathering workshops in Mudgee, the Blue Mountains and Grafton, which were attended by over 40 courageous and dedicated environmental advocates.  More

Who Cares about the environment in 2006? is a survey of NSW people's environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

The survey tracks changes and identify trends with respect to what NSW people think about environmental issues, the effects of government policies and programs and the ongoing impact of education, training, business, community activities, education campaigns and media reporting.

The survey forms part of the DEC Social Research Series and is conducted every three years since 1994.

Survey findings will be available online from November in the Education Resources > Scientific & Social Research section at environment.nsw.gov.au.

For more information please contact Lynne McLoughlin in Community Education on (02) 8837 6045.  More

The NSW Department of Environment and Conservation recently sponsored the Allen Strom Eureka Prize for Sustainability Education.

The prize honours Allen Strom's untiring devotion over 40 years to conservation and education and is awarded to the most innovative, leading edge sustainability education program developed and/or delivered within the past three years. Who won?  More

The Urban Sustainability Program aims to facilitate projects of significant environmental benefit to NSW

Funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, the Urban Sustainability Program aims to facilitate projects of significant environmental benefit to NSW, delivered by local government organisations in partnership with other government agencies, local businesses, community organisations and householders.

Launched in November 2005, this $80 million grant program was earmarked for local government to work in partnership with business and the community to address priority urban environmental issues such as urban water management, waste disposal and other problems associated with high-density living.  More

Industry sectors have a significant opportunity to integrate environmental strategies within their business planning and deliver savings to their bottom lines.

The Environmental Action Series are being produced for small to medium-sized businesses, with information on best practice environmental management, environmental responsibilities, and updates on the recent changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.

Developed in consultation with industry and local government, the Furniture and Timber Product Manufacturers guide is now available.

From mid 2007 guides will be released for Marinas, Boatsheds and Slipways, Smash Repairers, Composites Manufacturers, Printers, Service Station Operators, and Auto Servicing and Mechanical Repairers.

For more information contact Business Partnerships on (02) 8837 6035.

Community surveys reveal consumer behaviour
Two online research surveys have been conducted by the Safer Solutions project to gauge consumer behaviour towards natural cleaning products. More

Parents keen to reduce chemical exposure
A three month pilot of home chemical education workshops has demonstrated that parents are keen to learn ways to reduce the chemical exposure of their families within the home.

The pilot targeted parents and carers of young children (0-8 years) within child care centres and playgroups in three Local Government Areas - Lismore, Penrith and Randwick.