Sustainable Strathfield

Energy efficiency in your home means that you are using less energy every day to provide the same outcome that you’re used to. By transforming your home into being more energy efficient, you are not only contributing to saving our planet, but also saving on your monthly energy bills.

Check out below some easy ways you can save energy around your home:

In Summer:

• Close your curtains during the day
• Open windows at night to cool down the house
• Use fans in lieu of air conditioning if you can

In Winter:

• Dress in warmer clothing before putting on the heater
• Close your curtains and doors to keep in the heat
• Only use your air conditioning for as warm as it needs to be

In the bathroom and laundry:

• Wash clothes in cold water, hot water does not provide a better clean
• Hang your clothes instead of using the dryer
• Fix those leaky taps
• Limit your showers to a few minutes, save on your water bills!

In living areas:

• Replace old lights with LED light bulbs
• Switch off your appliances, don't just leave them on 'standby'
• Switch off lights when you leave a room

In the kitchen:

• Keep an eye on fridge and freezer door seals, replace when they get worn out
• When you’re ready to replace your new appliances, look for one that has a high energy rating
• Only use the dishwasher when it’s full and use on an eco-setting

For more information regarding the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Energy Efficiency please visit:

• Energy Rating – advice on choosing an energy efficient appliance.
• Your Home – Australia’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes.
• Home | energy.gov.au
• Energy Smart Building Guidelines(PDF, 1MB)

Are you looking for a way to save on electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact? Installing solar panels could be the answer! Here are the key benefits:

• Lower Bills: Generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid, leading to significant savings.
• Clean Energy: Solar power is renewable and sustainable, unlike fossil fuels that harm the environment.
• Eco-Friendly: By going solar, you contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• Increased Property Value: Solar-equipped homes are more attractive to buyers, potentially boosting your property value.
• Government Incentives: Take advantage of tax credits and rebates to help offset installation costs.

The Sunspot tool can help you make the right decision about what type of solar panel and batteries to install at your house. It can also calculate how much electricity and money a solar PV system could potentially save your home.

Have you considered switching to a greener electricity plan for your home?

Switching to GreenPower is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint and support the transition to renewable energy!

GreenPower is a government-certified program that allows households and businesses to purchase electricity generated from 100% renewable sources, like wind and solar and it's ideal for those who can't install rooftop solar. 

Making the switch requires no changes to your infrastructure—just select a GreenPower plan from your provider, and you’re set. By choosing GreenPower, you’re taking a proactive step towards a more sustainable future, contributing to cleaner air, and playing your part in addressing climate change.

Not sure how to make the switch? You can call your current energy provider and ask them if they have a GreenPower plan available.

It's also a good idea to shop around using Energy Made Easy to find the best deal for you. 

For more information and tips, visit: Renewable energy made easy (greenpower.gov.au)

Responsible Cafes is a not-for-profit organisation featured in the ABC's "War on Waste" TV series, focusing on addressing material waste in Australia. They collaborate with councils, universities, and organisations to promote waste education and encourage behaviour change within communities. One of their innovative pilot campaigns invites cafes and customers to bring their own (BYO) reusable items—such as coffee cups, containers, straws, bags, and cutlery—every Friday, helping to reduce waste.

Strathfield Council is among 80 councils partnering with Responsible Cafes to utilize their tools and platform to engage local cafes, promote sustainable businesses, and shift the conversation around single-use plastics in our community. This initiative aims to keep our environment clean and healthy. Since the program's launch, the Council has connected with numerous café owners, providing signage for participating businesses and facilitating ongoing discussions to assess the program's impact.

If you own a cafes, becoming a Responsible Cafe can help you save on operating costs, reduce waste, and attract new customers.

• For more information about Responsible Cafes, click here
• To find Responsible Cafes in our LGA, visit Cafe Search – Responsible Cafes and select Strathfield Municipal Council.
• To learn how to become a local Responsible Cafe, click here.

Food waste is one of the largest waste categories and it can easily be diverted from landfill. Food waste makes up about 40% of all rubbish in Strathfield residential bins.

When food waste decomposes in landfill, it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas which has 20 to 100 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. In Australia, methane emissions from landfill make up about 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions but have a much greater impact due to their global warming potential.

Avoid food waste! Check out “Love Food, Hate Waste” for tips on reducing food waste.

Reduce food Waste by composting! Go to Compost Revolution for online tutorials on re-using food scraps.

Strathfield Council residents get 50% off & free delivery on products at Compost Revolution. Visit compostrevolution.com.au/Strathfield for more information.

If possible, think about growing fresh food for yourself, your family and friends. You can use the compost and fertiliser from recycling your food scraps to improve the quality of the soil in your garden.

water sources. Applicable developments are listed in section 2.1 of Part N of the Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP. The location of the rainwater tanks to be installed should be clearly indicated on plans and satisfy the requirements of Part A of the Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP.

Should owners of existing dwellings wish to install rainwater tanks within their properties development consent may be required. Some rainwater tanks may not need development consent. Please refer to Part A of the Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP for more information.

Installation of rainwater tanks on properties that are heritage items or contained in heritage conservation areas require Council approval. Please note that siting, size and locational requirements for rainwater tanks under State Environmental Planning Policy  (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, override the provisions of the Strathfield Local Environment Plan and Strathfield Council Consolidated DCP Part A.

Why install rainwater tanks?

• Rainwater tanks reduce our reliance on drinking water. Lots of applications in the home don’t require drinking water quality standard
• Reduces the amount of water that runs off your property into the stormwater system which reduces pollution of waterways and flooding
• The collected rainwater can be used for watering gardens, washing cars, clothes and flushing toilets

Unfortunately NSW Health does not recommend drinking rainwater in the city

Do I need Council approval to install a rainwater tank?

• No, if the tank and its installation comply with State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
• Yes, if the tank and installation doesn’t meet these exemptions eg heritage item or located in heritage conservation areas

How do I meet these requirements?

• Prefabricated tank designed to collect roof water only
• Installed in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and structurally sound
• Maximum capacity 10,000 litres
• Not located in front yard
• Fitted with first-flush device to reduce pollutants entering tank
• Fitted with screened inlet to prevent entry of debris or mosquitoes.

For additional requirements refer to State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) .

Getting the most from a rainwater tank

• Tank capacity – As a rule of thumb a minimum tank size of 5,000 litres is desirable
• Use the rainwater on a regular basis so there is always storage capacity in the tank when it rains again eg connect to flush toilet, use in garden

Maintenance

• It is important to maintain your rainwater tank
• Rainwater tanks are low maintenance, not no maintenance
• Regularly clean your gutters, first flush device, and inspect screens of leaves and other debris
• Gutter guards can help

Residents

The drain is just for rain!

Did you know that everything that goes down our drains, heads straight into our nearby rivers?

Yard debris, including leaves and other organic plant material like shrubbery trimmings and grass clippings are a significant source of stormwater pollution. When you blow your lawn clippings into the street, it can clog storm water drains that can lead to draining issues and even flooding!

Leaf litter costs the council thousands of dollars each year in street sweeping and maintenance of stormwater systems. By taking responsibility of your leaf litter and pollutants, we can all help to reduce water pollution and save ratepayers money.

Thinking of building?

Urban development has a significant impact on the natural water cycle. Integrating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles into urban planning helps mimic natural processes and ensures that waterways are protected from pollutants from stormwater and excess run off.

Have you checked Council’s WSUD section as part of our Development Control Plans for your next development?