Go Renewable Energy Group-Buy Project
A Project to lower our electricity bills whilst preserving our environment
GREG is a group of volunteers formed out of a Macedon Ranges Shire Council (MRSC) community engagement program called Cool Changes. We are committed to supporting Macedon Ranges homes and businesses to:
save electricity costs
reduce fossil fuel emissions
increase energy self-sufficiency.
In doing so, we will be assisting Macedon Ranges Shire Council achieve its goal of zero net emissions for the shire by 2030.
Our first project is a Go Renewables community Group Buy scheme for the supply and installation of such energy saving devices as:
Solar power (PV) systems
Batteries
Heat pumps
Reverse cycle air conditioners
We chose these technologies because, separately or in combination, they provide the best route towards a solar driven all electric house and energy independence.
To find the best available products at the best prices with high quality installation we have undertaken a rigorous Selection process (see the Project Partner Selection Process Blog below) and have selected several trusted partners and will refer enquiries to those companies that will best be able to advise and quote you on the areas of interest that you indicate on the Expression of Interest Form.
Expression of Interest
If you are interested in exploring the use of a Solar PV system or PV system linked to a battery and / or hot water heat pump and / or reverse cycle air conditioning, please complete the form below and click on the submit button and we will have one of our Trusted Partners contact you for a full consultation. Also scan front and back of your Electricity bill and send it to greg@mrsg.org.au or you can mail it to PO Box 820 Gisborne 3437 to allow analysis of your current usage.
Electrify 3442 is running a Community Survey and we’re on the lookout for households at various stages of electrification ) and happy to share their stories on our website. Read our news >>
We want to thank MRSG so very much for your support with our bulk buys in 2023.
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about getting off gas. It’s expensive, it’s an indoor pollutant and as electricity from the grid gets cleaner (in terms of its carbon emissions, thanks to reduced production from coal and increased production from renewables like solar) gas isn’t the dream fuel it used to be.
Here are some resources to help you find out more about why and how to get off gas, and news of some events coming up later this month to help you work out a detailed plan of action.
Woodend, in our very own Macedon Ranges was recently dubbed the most liveable regional town in Victoria and we couldn’t be prouder! Among the criteria for the gong, according to an article published in the Sunday Herald Sun, were great transport links, services and job opportunities along with good schools, parks and gardens and fine food.
This March MRSG Sustainable Homes Action Group is presenting the “Project Showcase”, an exhibition of projects Macedon Ranges householders have undertaken to make their homes more thermally comfortable, cheaper to run and more energy-efficient, and of work-from-home spaces that are reducing the need to commute.
(Image: Sam Clarke via Unsplash)
A study, recently undertaken by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) has identified that the North Woodend, Newham and Lancefield areas are the most impacted by unplanned power outages in the Macedon Ranges region. Read on to find out what we’re doing about it.
The Renewable Energy Action Group (REAG) has acquired a Thermal Imaging Camera, which can be borrowed for free by MRSG members
Upcoming Events
Blogs
Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat with the volunteers from Sustainable Homes Action Group and Go Renewable Energy Group at the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday 7th October.
We were exploring the level of interest in electrifying home heating and hot water and the obstacles to electrification.
Not sure what “net zero emissions” means? Want to know how you can impact climate change?
Project Drawdown has produced an excellent series of 6 videos, ranging from 10-25 minutes, explaining where we can have the most impact on climate.
This is a thought-provoking series, highly recommended for anyone starting out on the road to sustainability.
Thermal imaging cameras detect areas of heat loss and unwanted heat gain, and allow you to make changes, many of them low or no cost, that will make your home more comfortable and save energy and money.
A few weeks ago, the IPCC released a report titled, “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability“. Even though the report focuses on impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptive practices on a global scale, I have tried to derive some adaptation principles that could be applied to the Macedon Ranges.
Home energy saving tips such as stopping draughts, LED lighting, heating, windows, energy monitoring, insulation, motion sensor lights, standby power and solar PV.
This article was written and submitted by REAG member Peter Walsh
MRSG’s Sustainable Homes Action Group is proud to announce the return of Sustainable House Day to the Macedon Ranges in March 2023.
We’re seeking expressions of interest from people excited about low-energy homes and keen to participate in an open house or a project showcase. We’re also looking for someone who can help us with publicity and social media. image: Renew’s Sustainable House Day page