Sustainable Living

Part of new solar array on apartment block

Making your house or apartment more sustainable 

Some key things you can do

  • Improve insulation and fix gaps to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
  • Switch to electricity and energy efficient appliances as far as possible
  • Install solar panels if possible and potentially a battery to store energy from the panels

Some things you can do yourself, while others are more complex, but there are grants and support available. Check the links below for more details

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How to get started

“Everyone has the same/similar problem, where do you start, who do you contact” (Local resident)

One way to start is by talking to family and friends who have experience.

Other key sources: 

  • Renew is a leading organisation with loads of resources. Sustainable House Day is a great opportunity to visit other people’s homes and see what they have done.
  • Merri-bek Council has an Energy Switch page with information on switching to electricity and efficient electric appliances 
  • The Victorian government provides information on energy upgrades and grants available through Energy Victoria and on solar installation and grants available through Solar Victoria
  • The Facebook group ‘My Efficient Electric Home’ is useful for those on Facebook.  Tim Forcey, founder of the group, has written the My Efficient Electric Home Handbook that can be purchased.

(The Victorian government also formerly provided advice through Sustainability Victoria but this department is being abolished in 2026. We will update this page with further information when available.)

An apartment owner’s experience in a 1960s block – working gradually over years:

  • Had solar panels installed with Owners’ Corporation permission in 2014
  • Lined curtains with felt or wool
  • Organised switch from older inefficient heating to Reverse Cycle Aircon with rebate from Vic Government Energy Upgrades, plus rebate for meter board update
  • Borrowed thermal camera from Merri-Bek library to find gaps and filled them with sealer 
  • As member of Owners Corporation (OC) committee, assisted OC to obtain grant through Vic Solar for Apartments scheme (8/10 apartments now connected to solar)
  • Arranged AusEnergy Assessors visit in July 2025 to advise on next steps
  • Now investigating which induction cooktops are suitable for use in older apartment blocks 
Example of Energy Assessment Scorecard 

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Getting an Energy Assessment

The Federal Government scheme funds free energy assessments of homes. Visit the page to find an energy assessor in your area. 

“… a friend recently was wanting to start, was put in touch with [an assessor] …
They organised appointment to do audit of home. No charge … completed audit within a few days, returned, presented report, explained audit and what they could do next. explained they could contact contractors” (local resident)

You can also join the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) trial being conducted with CSIRO. This includes a rating and tips for improvement.

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Things you can do yourself

  • Borrow a thermal camera from Merri-bek libraries to check for drafts and gaps around your home. You can probably do some sealing and gap-stopping yourself. You can also use a candle or joss stick to find draughts. Merri-Bek Council can also provide financial assistance to low income residents to help with this work. (The low-income assistance program is currently paused but you can go on a waiting list).
  • Install pelmets and lined curtains. If you sew, one tip is to buy felt or second-hand woollen blankets (available in many op-shops) and use them to line your existing curtains
  • Consider having external blinds installed if you don’t already, particularly for north or west facing windows. (We are not currently aware of any grants for this but it reduces heat greatly in summer).
  • Double glazing (including retrofitting for existing windows) is very good for insulation but can be expensive. There are also cheaper methods available including:

Reverse Cycle Airconditioners heat and cool and are more energy efficient than other forms of heating

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Financial and other support available

Rebates for solar panels are provided through the small scale renewable energy scheme. These are paid directly to the retailer, you don’t need to apply.

Merri-bek Council has partnered with Solar Savers to assist people in switching to solar, including finding grants and rebates. 

Merri-bek Council provides direct grants for low-income residents of up to $3000 towards solar panels and installation, and grants of up to $2000 towards upgrading your home through insulation or sealing the gaps in your home (seniors on fixed incomes as well as pensioners may be eligible for these). (This program is paused at the time of writing but will restart, in the meantime you can go on a waiting list.)

The Victorian government, in partnership with the federal government, provides grants for solar (panels and batteries) in houses and apartments through Solar Victoria (the Solar for Apartments scheme has had two stages and the third stage is open for applications until April 2026. Members of Climate Action Merri-Bek have experience in obtaining grants and may be able to provide advice). The Victorian government also provides grants and rebates for energy upgrades.

The federal government through the Clean Energy Finance Council supports a range of discounted loans for household energy upgrades. The federal government is now also providing up to 30% rebates for home batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries program.

No interest loans are also available to low income households for a range of purposes which may include buying energy efficient appliances. 

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Finding contractors and suppliers

For products where there are grants and discounts from the Victorian Government, there are lists of approved suppliers.

Solar Savers (see above) have a list of selected suppliers and can provide a quote and also have their own installers. They provide long guarantees.

For building and renovating, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council is the peak body for organisations committed to sustainability in the built environment. You can contact them for more information on how to find accredited builders, architects and other services.

Information for renters

Renters can make some modifications to homes themselves, which may include measures to make the home more sustainable, such as installing window films or draught-proofing. See Consumer Affairs Victoria information for more details.

Property owners should provide (for leases from 2023 onwards) an energy efficient heater in the main living area. Renters may seek support from property owners and rental providers in making the home more sustainable. 

Merri-Bek Council and Renew provide information specifically for renters on energy switch and climate resilient homes. 

Solar Victoria provides information on how renters can work with owners and rental providers to access solar power through the Solar Homes and Solar for Apartments schemes.

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Greening your garden and local environment

Brunswick Communities for Nature provides tube-stock at low cost for nature strips and common areas

If you have a garden, a balcony or just a nearby nature strip, making it ‘greener’ will also help make your home sustainable, particularly through making your local neighbourhood cooler in summer. It will also help protect the environment, increase absorption of carbon dioxide by plants, and support local biodiversity, especially if you grow plants indigenous to your area. If you can also grow some of your own fruit and veg, that can also help your health and the health of the environment. 

For more information:

Merri-bek Council information on sustainable gardening  and greening your local community 

Brunswick Communities for Nature provides tube-stock seedlings at low cost for greening your nature strip or common areas in apartment blocks. Seedlings are also available from Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-op (VINC) 

Gardens for Wildlife Victoria  and Gardens for Wildlife Merri-Bek provide information on making your garden more sustainable while providing habitat for native birds and animals.

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