Homes for Tomorrow
Homes for Tomorrow is an initiative of the high-growth councils of Mount Barker, Alexandrina, Light, and Onkaparinga, and its new website offers clear, relatable and actionable information to empower people to embrace sustainability in home builds and renovations.
The initiative provides a range of video case studies from local residents, downloadable fact sheets, checklists, resources, links and inspirational stories to help make sustainable choices easier.
The benefits of making your home more sustainable include lowering energy bills through reduced heating and cooling costs, improving your health outcomes, increasing comfort and property values, and reducing your impacts on the environment.
But council-commissioned research found people struggle to turn their awareness into action, are confused around market regulations and council requirements, and face barriers such as regulation, cost and a lack of accessible, relatable information for everyday consumers.
Homes for Tomorrow aims to bridge this gap, including through detailing free and affordable ways people can start their sustainable home journeys.
Other resources for those building or renovating include fact sheets about topics such as going electric, upscaling your insulation, window glazing, and changing your roof colour.
You can also hear tips and inspiration from local South Australians who have done it before, including Kate from Littlehampton, whose family home stays warm in winter and cool in summer with cheap electricity bills; Ian from Port Elliot, who worked with his builders to achieve an energy-efficient home; and Jesse from Greenock, who has chipped away at making his home more sustainable over time.
Watch Kate and Tim's video below to hear about their home building journey and how much they love living in the completed house.