New tool to green Geelong homes

GEELONG Sustainability, in partnership with Deakin University, has launched a new online resource to help the community create more sustainable, energy-efficient homes.

Named MOTIIVES, the tool offers homeowners and builders easy, step-by-step guidance on how to design, retrofit, redesign and renovate buildings able to passively hold a comfortable temperature without the need for heating and cooling.

Some of the options the tool presents to achieve this include north-facing living areas that use the sun for warmth, and window and door seals able to prevent cold air from entering the building.

The tool was developed by Deakin University lecturer in property, real estate and sustainable building Tom Keel and associate professor Ameeta Jain, in conjunction with Geelong Sustainability, and was funded by a climate change partnership grant from the City of Greater Geelong.

Mr Keel said there was an urgent need for more environmentally friendly home design and retrofitting to create a climate-safe future.

“Most homes in Geelong are not designed with the environment in mind and aren’t thermally efficient enough to adapt to future climate changes,” he said.

“The MOTIIVES tool will help homeowners and builders create more sustainable homes that are more comfortable to live in, cheaper to run and better for the climate, with simple design tips that can be easily incorporated into new or existing homes.”

The tool is broken down into eight video modules covering materials, orientation, thermal mass, internal room placement, insulation, ventilation, energy efficiency and size, and is free for Greater Geelong residents.

The tool has also been designed for people without any technical building knowledge.

Focusing on sustainability early in the home design or renovation process has long-term benefits, Mr Keel said.

“Building future-proof homes isn’t just about helping the environment – it’s also about creating homes that last longer and have lower running costs.

“The changes you make now can greatly reduce your costs and environmental impact on the future.”

Geelong Sustainability chief executive officer Dan Cowdell said MOTIIVES empowers homeowners to take control of their home’s environmental footprint.

“Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing home, this tool offers practical steps to make a real difference,” he said.

“Our temperate climate is ideally suited to passive thermal design principles – homes that work with the local climate to stay comfortable year-round without constant heating or cooling.

“MOTIIVES brings this to life with practical, easy-to-follow steps.

“It’s about learning how to keep our homes comfortable and save money in the long run.”

City of Greater Geelong senior sustainability officer Pete Mercurio said the city was committed to reducing the carbon footprint of local buildings.

“The MOTIIVES tool fits perfectly into our vision for a sustainable Geelong…and will help both builders and homeowners make informed decisions that support our broader climate goals,” he said.

For more information, or to access the MOTIIVES tool, head to geelongsustainability.org.au/motiives