Sustainable Living

This page is being updated following our recent energy forum on 26 September 2026. If you notice any errors or know of new information that should be included, please let us know by contacting climateactionmerribek@gmail.com

Part of new solar array on apartment block

Making your house or apartment more sustainable 

In summary, key things you can do include:

  • 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 of this work you can likely do yourself, while some will require specialist trades, 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: 

  • Merri-bek Council offers extensive support to all residents, including grants and support for low income households and others who face barriers. See Energy Switch for information. 
  • The Victorian government provides a guide to the energy transition, Your Energy, Your Savings, which includes information on grants and subsidies for households and on support for those facing difficulties with energy costs. There are currently significant grants and subsidies for household solar and applicance upgrades. More details are available at Solar Victoria and Victorian Energy Upgrades for Homes.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Other organisations also provide online tools and other support to help you plan, including:

  • SECVictoria (the State Electricity Corporation of Victoria) works with communities on renewable generation and also provides advice on making homes sustainable through EasyElectric SEC. There are also customer support staff available to assist by phone.
  • Rewiring Australia is an independent research and advocacy organisation that also provides Electric Saul to help you plan the steps to make your home more sustainable

You may also be interested in joining the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) trial which provides free home energy ratings.

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

  • Had solar panels installed with Owners’ Corporation permission in 2013
  • Lined curtains with felt or wool
  • Organised switch from older inefficient heating to Reverse Cycle Aircon with rebate from VicGov 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 (8/10 apartments now connected to solar). Most electricity usage now provided by solar.
  • Had double glazing retrofitted to two main windows, preserving external appearance.
  • Arranged AusEnergy Assessors visit in July 2025 to advise on next steps
  • With assistance from Solar Savers through Merri-bek Council, found electric stove with induction cooktop that was suitable for an older apartment with limited electrical capacity and replaced gas stove.
  • Ceased individual gas connection to apartment (apartment block still has shared gas hot water which is yet to be replaced) saving about $400 per annum in gas supply fees alone.

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Things you can do yourself

  • Borrow a thermal imaging camera from Merri-bek libraries to check for drafts and gaps around your home. You can also use a candle or joss stick to find draughts. You can probably do sealing and gap-stopping yourself (Merri-bek council and libraries can also assist with information and support).
  • Merri-bek Council also provides financial assistance to low income residents to help with this work. Council also provides support, including workshops from time to time, for renters and those who face barriers of language or skills.
  • Install pelmets and line curtains. You may also be able to install insulating blinds like honeycomb blinds yourself, but they will be more expensive than lining existing curtains. 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 have them, particularly for north or west facing windows. (Climate Action Merri-bek is advocating for financial support for external shading, which is not currently included in the council scheme).
  • 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).

The Victorian government, in partnership with the federal government, provides grants for solar (panels, batteries and hot water systems) in houses and apartments.

The Solar for Apartments scheme is currently open until June 2027 or when funds run out. The process of installing solar for apartments and units is more complicated than for individual houses, because it needs to go through the Owners’ Corporation, which may deter some apartment owners. It is still very much worth it. Members of Climate Action Merri-Bek have experience in obtaining these grants and may be able to provide advice.

Not all apartments are eligible for the scheme. There is currently work being done on improving access for apartment owners to renewable energy, including those in large blocks and those with embedded networks, who are not currently eligible. One possible development is that Victoria may in future allow ‘balcony’ or ‘plug-in’ solar panels and batteries which will allow many more apartment residents to access renewable energy. We are following this issue and will provide updates when possible.

The Victorian government also provides grants and rebates for home energy upgrades.There are many rebates available for a wide range of energy efficient appliances and systems, and for other improvements such as insulation, so check them out before starting any upgrades or contacting tradespeople. It is likely you will need to use accredited tradespeople in order to obtain the rebates.

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 (in partnership with Zero Carbon Merri-bek as discussed 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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