ISSUE 7 | SEPTEMBER 2008

GreenSmart Alliances

Introducing Alliance Associations with HIA GreenSmart

It is terrific to see other trades in the housing sector focus on ‘green’ issues and this article will introduce you to those Industry Associations who work in the housing sector and desirable for you to connect with for your next building project.

Green Plumbers

GreenPlumbers® is an innovative initiative developed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA). A series of workshops have been designed to enhance plumbers skills and knowledge about the environmental considerations of their work.

These training opportunities place plumbers in a better position to advise and inform consumers on topics such as: the benefits of energy efficiency; water conservation or the most appropriate and cost effective appliances to suit individual needs.

 GreenPlumbers® training programs are designed to assist plumbers in understanding their role in relation to Environmental & Public Health, and to provide their customers with up to date information and advise on:

1. latest technology and energy saving appliances
2. practical appliances & installation knowledge
3. environmental impacts of plumbing services, appliances and household practices
4. consumer information
5. energy/water/cost savings (short term and long term cost comparisons and environmental benefits)

You might like to encourage your plumber to get along to one of their training courses or use a GreenPlumber.

:: to find out more information click here

GreenPainters - painting Australia green!

GreenPainters is a non-profit associate member of Master Painters Association providing advice, knowledge and skills to help  get the best environmentally-friendly, non-toxic coating for  painting and decorating projects around Australia.  Why use unsustainable, toxic chemical coatings when there are affordable alternatives to almost all conventional paints and coatings? You can even lower greenhouse-gas emissions by using insulating paints! A GreenPainter can help you achieve the look you want while being environmentally sensitive and health-conscious.

Green Painters also focus on water resources and waste-water management, it is important that waste-water can be re-used. Waste water produced by a GreenPainter is recycled, and can be used directly on gardens, without harmful effects to any plants, or groundwater contamination.

:: to find out more information click here

Ecosmart Electricians

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) the peak body for Electrical Contractors across Australia has developed a  program to train licensed electricians nationally in energy efficient and environmentally friendly electrical products, technology and installations.

EcoSmart Electricians will be able to provide customers whether they be residential, commercial or industrially based with the best options for energy efficiency outcomes. The knowledge and expertise in relation to installation of state of the art technologies and products that not only reduce the amount of electricity consumed but also the cost in both dollar terms and the benefits to our environment.

Demand for energy is rising at an ever increasing rate and simply building more generation capacity is not the answer. The products and technology exists to reduce our consumption whilst maintaining our lifestyle. EcoSmart Electricians is exactly what it says. Smart about our environment, smart about our lifestyle smart about the investment in our future.

:: to find out more information click here

Guidance on Green marketing claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released a guide on Green marketing and the Trade Practices Act. The purpose of this guide is to educate businesses about their obligations under the Act. It aims to assist manufacturers, suppliers, advertisers and others to assess the strength of any environmental claims they make and to improve the accuracy and usefulness to consumers of their labelling, packaging and advertising.

The ACCC have made it very clear that they will be cracking down on misleading claims on products and therefore it will be desirable to read the guide and ensure your marketing claims adheres to the principles in the guide.

:: download your copy of the Green marketing and the The Trade Practices Act

Welcome to new GreenSmart Professionals

Accredited GreenSmart professionals July 2008 to September 2008.

:: click here to find out who they are

GreenSmart Advertorial

Launch of Your Development Web portal New web portal available to help create more sustainable neighbourhoods Environment Minister Peter Garrett launched a new interactive web portal in early September 2008 targeted at those involved in creating sustainable urban developments. Your Development was created by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and the CSIRO, in recognition of the growing business trend towards environmental urban developments. The web portal, available at yourdevelopment.org, provides case studies on best practice and contains a wealth of information for public and private developers, government agencies, designers, planners and builders.  Your Development contains more than 60 fact sheets available as free downloads, providing information on all stages of the development process – from planning and design through to construction – and topics ranging from water and energy efficiency to estate design and site ecology. By signing up to become a member and adding case studies and fact sheets, you can highlight your achievements while gaining a reputation for excellence in environmental building practices. Your Development web portal is easy to navigate with a quick browse menu and links to development phases and topic areas. The ‘content’ tab offers a comprehensive search engine for those who want a broad overview of the web portal and the ‘advanced search’ option provides an easy to use and efficient means of focusing your search. A short online video is also available which gives an overview of what Your Development contains. Your Development allows the urban development industry to share ideas about the creation of more sustainable neighbourhoods and is a unique opportunity for the industry to efficiently access up to date information on key development issues. Visit yourdevelopment.org to put yourself ahead of the pack while saving time, money and helping to improve the Australian environment.

GreenSmart Upcoming Events and Activities

Accredited GreenSmart Projects - July to September 2008
(Estates, Developments, Villages and Homes)

Reducing your environmental footprint

GreenSmart Partner Aircell have taken their corporate responsibility seriously to reduce their impact on the environment.

Australian thermo reflective insulation manufacturer AIR-CELL offset 307 tonnes of CO2 during the 2007/ 2008 financial year, demonstrating an ongoing environmental commitment.

In a move that set an example to other suppliers in the building industry, AIR-CELL neutralised the carbon output of its entire vehicle fleet and its staff’s Australian air travel.

:: read more about how they have achieved this

GreenSmart logo has been designed to embody the spirit of GreenSmart representing a convergence between housing and environmental interests. The logo’s integration of a roof shape and a eucalyptus leaf signifies the importance of the relationship between the built and the natural environment.