Community house’s low emission ambition

MEMBERS of the Heathcote Community House have launched a new fundraising campaign to get solar panels installed on their building.

Supported by the Loddon Mallee Community Power Hub and Bendigo Sustainability Group, HCH has set a target of $5000.

Executive officer Vicki Forde said the aim is to become more energy efficient and save on annual electricity bills.

“The payback period could be as short as three years, depending on the size of the roof top system we choose, it’s great to have options and the money saved can be used to increase our services and improve our facilities for all to benefit from,” she said.

“This sustainability project will allow us to further connect with our community and demonstrate the benefits of rooftop solar and the process of assessing and improving energy efficiency in homes.”

Fundraising events will be taking place across the region throughout September, including a lunch at Silver Spoon Estate on Sunday, 11 September.

The winery is off-grid and won a BSG sustainability award in 2021. The lunch includes a three-course meal with paired wines, live music and a charity auction, with all profits going to the project.

On Friday, 30 September the community house will host a trivia night at Heathcote Bowling Club.

Ms Forde said a recent State Government energy scorecard assessment enabled the group to create a staged implementation of recommended improvements over the next three years.

Various grants will be applied for works including ceiling insulation, gap sealing and window treatments.

“These improvements will help demonstrate to our community the value of going through the assessment process to provide energy savings, comfort and associated benefits to health,” Ms Forde said.