April Forum: Turning cool lemons into warm houses

Mahalath Halperin took a 90 year old house with an initial energy rating of zero stars to a highly efficient and comfortable home. This talk looks specifically at this case study, using both theory and reality, and seeing just how the promises of improvement actually stack up. While energy ratings can show significant improvement in the building, actual records can confirm this, but with fluctuations dependant on occupant behaviour as well. Comparing the theory and the actual monitored results, we can also see how behaviour affects the effectiveness of these changes – and the need for people to work with their building, not just to be in it.

Taking the trifold approach – reducing energy demand, using energy efficiently, and then sourcing energy renewably – will not alone create a sustainable building. Only by being responsible for our actions as well as our structure, we find that sustainability can deliver as promised.

The Sustainable Living Armidale monthly forums are the first Thursday of each month. Mahalath Halperin will present ‘Turning cool lemons into warm houses’ forum on Thursday 7th April, 7pm at Kent House, opposite Central Park. Gold coin donation appreciated.