Increase your household energy efficiency

Key points

According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian households are directly responsible for about 20% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. The average household’s energy use generates over 7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. This not only has a huge impact on the environment, but also the household budget.
Council has partnered with Federation University to develop an energy efficiency handbook.
Households can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
- lowering energy use through good design, the use of energy efficient technologies, and behaviour that focuses on energy conservation
- using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which produce very few greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar panels on a roof

Home energy improvement handbook

We have partnered with Federation University to develop a Home Energy Improvement Handbook.

The handbook has ideas and tips on how to improve energy efficiency, reduce household energy costs and improve internal thermal comfort.
A 2-page summary has also been produced for quick reference.

Home energy improvement handbook Handbook summary

Guide to environmentally sustainable homes

The Australian Government has developed the YourHome.gov.au website as a guide to building, buying and renovating a home. It shows how to create a comfortable home that is economical to run, with low impact to the environment and healthier to live in.

To begin the journey to an economical and healthier household, or to gain new ideas for an upcoming renovation, visit YourHome

Understanding your energy and gas bill

Is your electricity or gas bill not what you expected?

Energy and gas bills can be frustrating and challenging to understand. Gaining a better understanding of your bill is the first step to taking control over household energy and gas expenses and improving the efficiency of your home.
This Victorian Government guide explains usage, the terms used on most bills, and common tariffs.

Understanding your energy bill

Finding the right energy plan for your home

Most households count electricity bills among their main concerns when it comes to household expenses. Picking the right energy plan and provider is a good way to start taking control over your household energy costs.

The Victorian Government’s Victorian Energy Compare website is an independent energy price comparison website. To get the most out of this tool, you will need a recent energy bill or smart meter data file.

Where to start?

The Sustainability Victoria website has information on saving energy in your home focusing on cooling, lighting, appliances, hot water systems and solar installation.

If you are considering upgrading your hot water system, instaling solar panels or getting a battery, you can find information through Solar Victoria on: