Final Report - EcoSmart Home Audit Program City of South Perth
Final Report - EcoSmart Home Audit Program City of South Perth Final Version 13 August 2008
Confidential Information Prepared by: EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd Phone: 08 9336 3022 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ecosmart.net.au City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 1 of 23
Table of Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................................................... 2 Standard Disclaimer ...................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 4 Background .................................................................................................................................... 6 Program Framework ...................................................................................................................... 6 EcoSmart Home Assessment Program Methodology ................................................................ 7 Changing Behaviours ................................................................................................................... 7 Removing External Barriers ......................................................................................................... 7 In Home Assessments ................................................................................................................. 8 Statistical Data from the initial In-Home Assessments .............................................................. 9 Assessments ................................................................................................................................ 9 Household Details ........................................................................................................................ 9 Household Needs / Initial Findings ............................................................................................... 9 Potential Amount of GHG, Dollar and Water Abated / Saved .................................................. 13 NABERS..................................................................................................................................... 13 Statistical Data from the Follow-Up Assessments ................................................................... 15 Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Behaviour Changes .......................................... 20 Qualitative Assessment .............................................................................................................. 20 Quantitative Assessment............................................................................................................ 21 SWOT Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 22 Appendix 1: Recommendations ................................................................................................. 23
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 2 of 23
Standard Disclaimer The information presented in this Report is based on figures and assumptions generated from the Australian Greenhouse Office, the Sustainable Energy Development Office and other sources. The figures used for the in home assessment process detailed in this report were used to provide the participants with anecdotal figures for possible cost and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) savings that could be achieved by undertaking the action stipulated. Figures presented in this report demonstrate the savings in GHG that are possible, assuming the actions the participants said they were going to complete are completed. The follow up telephone audit, which took place 3-5 months after the participants had received their action plan, will detail which actions were completed by the participants. The participants were asked to provide 12 months worth of bills for electricity, gas and water. From these bills the participants were benchmarked against usage in Western Australia using the NABERS rating (National Australian Building Environmental Rating System) to score the household out of 5 stars for water and energy use. One of the main aims of the EcoSmart Home Assessment program is to increase awareness in regards to water, energy, waste and recycling and travel uses in the home. It is difficult to provide sound statistical data to record the awareness and it is relative to each participant. The EcoSmart Home Assessment program empowers participants with information to assist them continue to improve their household efficiency and make further decisions based on sustainability principles.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 3 of 23
Executive Summary The City of South Perth called for tenders to run the Sustainable South Perth Program that consisted of 200 in home energy and water assessments. The program was designed to reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions related to Electricity and Gas consumption as well as reduce household Water use. The in home assessments were developed using social change techniques to encourage behavioural change toward best practice and to engender a continuous environmental improvement mentality that creates new social norms toward sustainable decision-making by individuals within their community. The follow up phone audit took place 3 – 5 Months after the initial in home assessment. 164 households were part of stage 2 of the overall project and had their follow up phone audit completed. For easier data analysis and in order to compare the two sets of data, initial home audit and follow up phone audit, this data was then upscaled to 200 households. The EcoSmart Home Audit Program showed that:
Based on the total GHG reduction that could be achieved if all the energy actions were completed, the house assessments will be able to achieve around 37% reduction in GHG emissions, equating to 2.3 tonnes of GHG per household or 460 tonnes of GHG total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that were already completed account for a 15% reduction in household GHG emissions, equating to 930 kg per household or 186 tonnes of GHG total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that the households are going to complete in the next 3 months account for an additional saving of 12%, equating to 740kg per household or 121 tonnes of GHG in total. Based on the total mains water consumption reduction that could be achieved if all the water actions were completed, the house assessment will be able to achieve around 49% reduction in mains water consumption, equating to ~111 kl or water per household or 22,200kl total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that were already completed account for a 10% reduction in mains water usage, equating to 22.5 kl per household or 4,500kl in total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that the households are going to complete in the next 3 months account for an additional saving of 5%, equating to 11kl per household or 2,200 kl in total.
The follow up phone calls have shown that most households mainly completed the ‘easy actions’, like changing light globes to energy saving alternatives and taking shorter showers. It must be noted that the actions with the largest savings potential, namely Solar Hot Water systems, Photo Voltaic Electric Systems, Rain Water Tanks and Grey Water Systems, had a much lower number of uptake, even though many households had expressed interest in these actions during the audit. It seems that there exists a need for further follow up in order to assist households with the installation of those actions in order to gain maximum savings potential of the program. Overall, the Program has highlighted a number of opportunities for the City of South Perth to reduce GHG in the community, whilst simultaneously creating a substantial amount of goodwill with residents and ultimately developing a set of new social norms based on sustainable decision making principles. Some of these opportunities include: • •
Assist households with the installation of larger sustainable technologies like Solar Hot Water, Photo Voltaic Electric Systems, Rain Water Tanks and Grey Water Systems Continuing to run and expand the EcoSmart Home Assessment Program
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 4 of 23
• • • •
Further expanding the program to include tailored events Diversify the delivery to businesses and other sectors Develop mechanisms to monitor the GHG reduction and the development of new social norms over time Ensuring that home owners follow through with the installation of environmentally sound technologies in accordance to their action plans
The City of South Perth provided EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd with 166 contacts that were generated through a range of marketing means managed by the City of South Perth itself. These potential leads were then contacted by EcoSmart’s telemarketing facilities and an appointment was made. 153 completed audits resulted from the leads provided by the City of South Perth. The difference between potential leads and completed audits results from customers changing their mind about the audit which either showed through a cancellation or a simple no-show on the day. This success rate of 92% is very high and results from an excellent customer service from the City of South Perth as well as highly trained telemarketing personnel. The remaining 47 assessments were generated through EcoSmart’s direct telemarketing capabilities. The telemarketing staff is highly trained through having worked on numerous projects and all policies and procedures adhere to the most up to date legislation regarding the contacting of members of the public.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 5 of 23
Background The City of South Perth is located just south of Perth’s CBD. It starts south of the Narrows Bridge and continues all the way down to Mt Henry. It’s northern and western border is the Swan River Estuary and in the South is the Canning River. Its eastern neighbours are the Town of Victoria Park and to a small degree the City of Canning. Suburbs of the City of South Perth are South Perth, Como, Kensington, Manning, Karawara, Salter Point, Waterford and Collier Gardens. The City of South Perth called for tenders to assist householders in the City improve the way they operate their homes in terms of Water and Energy efficiency, Transport choices, Waste and Recycling. The tender required the program be built on community based social marketing techniques that would be designed to educate people to develop new behaviours that will lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions related to use of resources and water use in the home. The City of South Perth has identified a target reduction in community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to stabilize residential GHG emissions to 1996 levels in their Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. The EcoSmart Home Assessment Program consisted of 200 in home assessments. The program started in October 2007, with the assessments being completed by January 2008. The assessments required an additional follow up, which took place during April and May 2008 to assess which of the actions the households had chosen were taken up in reality and hence to assess the overall success of the project. The program aims were: 1. To encourage behavioural change toward best practice and to engender a continuous environmental improvement mentality that creates new social norms toward sustainable decision-making by individuals within their community. 2. To reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the efficient use of electricity in the home. 3. To improve the efficient use of water in order to reduce overall water consumption 4. To provide the council with a cost effective greenhouse reduction community program that creates economies of scale by combining issues relating to sustainable living into one succinct program.
Program Framework EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd was established in December 2003 in Western Australia with the mission of being a magnet for creative leaders for a sustainable future; honouring what is possible through delivery of best practice initiatives that inspire and empower local and global communities. The EcoSmart Home Assessment program, developed by EcoSmart, is a community outreach program designed to improve the water and energy efficiency, transport patterns and to reduce the waste generated in the residential sector by developing new social norms in the community that lead to widespread behaviour change toward a more sustainable community. Specific tailored programs are developed using social marketing techniques to address the barriers related to changing participant’s behaviour and encouraging the adoption of more City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 6 of 23
sustainable behaviours. A range of deliverables are used to establish new behaviours and social norms, such as Assessments, Volunteer Programs, Events, Newsletters, Business Partners and Display Homes. These are all put together around a singular message and common branding. The EcoSmart programs are delivered in partnership with local government authorities and can be used to reduce GHG usage in the community.
EcoSmart Home Assessment Program Methodology The Program is designed to plant the seeds for a community led initiative that changes householder behaviour in a way that improves sustainability. The methodology focuses on addressing peer influences, which have a high impact on individual behaviour. Peer influences are based more on what we think our peers believe and do (the "perceived norm") than on their real beliefs and actions (the "actual norm"). By presenting correct information about more sustainable ways to operate in the home in a believable fashion, perceived peer pressure that may be acting against behaviour change is reduced and individuals are more likely to express pre-existing attitudes and beliefs and become advocates for the cause. The initial Program phase identifies barriers and promotes behaviour change through a number of tools and techniques. Prompts are also used to assist the householder action sustainability initiatives in the home. This was done by using in home assessments that were designed to challenge the social norms people have in regards to how they operate in their home – and provide easy steps to establish new norms and behaviour in the home.
Changing Behaviours The program assists the householder understand that by making small and slightly different decisions each day, they are able to have a huge impact on their individual sustainability and the sustainability of their community. The Program addresses 2 components: 1. Structure, Fixtures and Fittings of the Home: what structural areas are the major sources of energy and water usage in the house? Which of those can be changed and / or retrofitted? 2. Behaviour Patterns: behaviour can account for up to 40% of energy use in the home. Behaviour changes focused on in the assessments were usually at low or no cost to the householder, such as turning appliances (TV, DVD’s) off at the wall. Both go hand in hand. For example, taking shorter showers is as important as changing to a low water usage showerhead. This same example can apply to energy efficient lighting. Turning lights off is an important step, as is changing to low energy light globes. Further incentives are provided through the program design to increase the number of people wanting to access the program and providing continuous reinforcement for those already on the program.
Removing External Barriers The Program was designed to align the householders’ thinking with actions by removing the barriers associated with the expression of such views and providing permission for people to act to protect their environment by bringing behaviour more closely in line with personal attitudes. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 7 of 23
The program achieves this through a process of a community led initiative where the same message is reinforced in the areas of most influence in the community. It addresses misperceptions that are the basis for unsustainable household practices and recreates messages that reinforce sustainable behaviours and are communicated throughout the community through community influences. Community Influences that are involved: •
The Local Council (Cr. Ozsdolay as well as the Mayor of the City of South Perth took part in the South Perth Home Audit Project)
•
Local Community Leaders
•
Local Newspaper; through editorials and case examples
•
Local Business
•
Reinforcement from outside such as State Government and Federal Government programs
In Home Assessments The basis for the delivery of the EcoSmart Home Assessment program was via in home assessments conducted by trained assessors who review, discuss and make recommendations about what areas can be changed to make the existing, new or renovated homes more efficient. The assessment is conducted using the EcoSmart Home Assessment Software developed by EcoSmart. The assessor has access to the program via a personal digital assistant (PDA). The program starts by benchmarking the householder’s current consumption patterns of electricity, gas and water. A star rating in accordance with the National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme, NABERS, is established and explained to the householder. During the assessment the assessor follows a set of questions covering all areas of energy consumption, water usage and travel patterns. This data is then input into the PDA. The program recommends taking action out of a pool of more than 50 wherever there is need for it. The home owner has the option of expressing interest in taking this recommendation on board. All actions have associated GHG savings, water savings as well as dollar savings figures displayed, so the homeowner is immediately aware of the benefits of changing their behaviour or upgrading to more efficient technologies. At the end of the assessment, all actions that the home owner expressed interest in are reviewed, and the final, new star rating is communicated. During this process the assessor’s aim is to assist the homeowner in creating a realistic, but at the same time ambitious action plan in order to achieve the highest possible GHG and water savings. A ‘show bag’ was provided to each participant consisting of a water saving showerhead and shower arm where necessary, three energy efficient light globes, a thermometer (to establish ideal summer cooling and winter heating temperature as well as setting the fridge/freezer and hot water temperature to its most efficient temperature), a shower timer as well as the booklets printed by the Australian Government “Global Warming – Cool it” and “Be Climate Clever – I can do that”. All these materials were provided by the City of South Perth in order to get the home owners immediately started on their path towards becoming more sustainable. Savings figures resulting from the ‘show bag’ material are presented below. The next step was the follow up phone audit, during which the assessor reviewed the action plan with the home owner, in order to establish how many actions were followed through and how much real savings was achieved. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 8 of 23
This follow up audit took place during April and May 2008.
Statistical Data from the initial In-Home Assessments Following are statistics from all the reports for the EcoSmart Home Assessment Project in the City of South Perth. Assessments At the date of printing of this report, EcoSmart completed a total of 201 assessments. The actual homes visited totalled 201. At the date of printing of this report, 2 households had withdrawn from the project, leaving a total number of 199 residents involved. Out of these 199 possible candidates for the follow up audit, 164 were able to be contacted. The remaining 35 were unavailable on 3 attempts to get contacted. Table 1 - Assessment Totals
Details Total Assessments Completed Total Households remaining in the project Total Follow Ups Completed Total Actions Chosen on Actions Plans Average Actions Per Household Total actions completed Average action completed per household
Number 201 199 164 2261 11.3 878 5.4
Percentage 100% 99% 82%
39%
Household Details Figures gathered from 201 in home assessments show the average household consists of 2.9 bedrooms, 1.6 bathrooms and 1.8 living rooms within the home, with occupancy of 2.72 people as shown in table 2 below. Table 2 - Average Household figures size m2 125
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
2.9
1.6
Living rooms 1.8
occupancy 2.72
83% of households have air conditioning systems. Most of those are cooled by split systems, with evaporative systems being the second most popular systems. Household Needs / Initial Findings Tables 3, 4 and 5 show the split of Air-conditioning Systems, Heating Systems as well as Hot Water Systems.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 9 of 23
Table 3 - Cooling systems Split system
Evaporative
Ducted reverse
70 35% 42%
53 27% 32%
34 17% 20%
Wall/Window Mounted Unit 9 5% 5%
No AC 34 17%
of total HH of HH with AC
Table 4 - Type of Heating System
Gas
Split System
Direct Electric
None / other
Households
85 43%
12 6%
31 16%
72 36%
Table 5 - Type of Hot Water System
Households
Solar Gas Boosted
Solar Electric
Gas Instantaneous
Gas Storage
Electric Instantaneous
Electric Storage
6 3%
20 10%
61 30%
75 37%
14 7%
25 12%
Table 6 provides an overview of the most significant findings during the Project. Outstanding results in regards to saving energy are the number of homes with insufficient ceiling insulation, 28%, the large number of potential energy saving lights to be installed and the large number of households with more than one fridge. In regards to conserving water numbers show potential for installation of dual flush toilets is 15% of households, 66% of homes with swimming pools don’t have a pool cover and only a small number of homes with an existing rainwater tank (only 11%). Table 6 - Household fixtures & appliances Households in need of ceiling insulation upgrade Energy Efficient lights to be upgraded Energy efficient lights per HH Energy efficient down lights to be upgraded Energy efficient DL per HH with down lights HH with 2nd fridge HH with 3rd fridge HH with single flush toilets No of HH with swimming pool percentage of pools without cover HH with rainwater tank
28% 2081 11 915 12 46% 11% 15% 44 66% 11%
Tables 7 - 11 below give an overview of the most significant actions that householders chose to take up. Table 7 shows actions overall which were most often chosen by householders, whereas table 8 and 9 show actions with the most significant Greenhouse Gas savings potential and tables 10 and 11 those actions with the most significant water saving potential.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 10 of 23
Table 7 - Actions by number of households to take up this action Savings Total per annum Action Energy efficient lights install water efficient showerheads Take shorter showers Eliminate TV standby Install rain water tank Increase summer cooling temperature to 25°C Eliminate computer standby Increase use of fans Energy efficient down lights Shade windows appropriately Install Solar Hot Water system Install PV system Install dual flush toilet Install roof ventilation Install / upgrade roof insulation
Average Savings per Household per annum
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
187
$12,830.00
94.39
N/A
$68.61
0.50
N/A
156 111 108 92
$6,992.00 $13,082.00 $2,854.00 $7,508.00
31.41 45.02 21.01 N/A
1,356,711 2,187,810 N/A 6,007,230
$44.82 $117.86 $26.43 $81.61
0.20 0.41 0.19 N/A
8,697 19,710 N/A 65,296
89 88 77 76 75 73 64 61 60 57
$964.00 $2,915.00 $394.00 $2,727.00 $976.00 $29,752.00 $18,112.00 $507.00 $860.00 $2,715.00
6.35 21.38 2.89 20.03 7.15 113.99 133.2 N/A 5.65 15.84
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 404,198 N/A N/A
$10.83 $33.13 $5.12 $35.88 $13.01 $407.56 $283.00 $8.31 $14.33 $47.63
0.07 0.24 0.04 0.26 0.10 1.56 2.08 N/A 0.09 0.28
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6,626 N/A N/A
Table 8 - Actions by total GHG savings potential Average Savings per Household p.a.
Savings Total p.a.
Action Install PV system Install Solar Hot Water system Energy efficient lights Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Turn off fridge 2 Eliminate computer standby Eliminate TV standby Energy efficient down lights Install / upgrade roof insulation
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
64 73 187 111
$18,112.00 $29,752.00 $12,830.00 $13,082.00
133.2 113.99 94.39 45.02
N/A N/A N/A 2,187,810
$283.00 $407.56 $68.61 $117.86
2.08 1.56 0.50 0.41
N/A N/A N/A 19,710
156 36 88 108 76 57
$6,992.00 $3,155.00 $2,915.00 $2,854.00 $2,727.00 $2,715.00
31.41 23.19 21.38 21.01 20.03 15.84
1,356,711 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
$44.82 $87.64 $33.13 $26.43 $35.88 $47.63
0.20 0.64 0.24 0.19 0.26 0.28
8,697 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Table 9 – Actions by GHG savings potential per household Average Savings per Household p.a.
Savings Total p.a. Action
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
64 73 36
$18,112.00 $29,752.00 $3,155.00
133.2 113.99 23.19
N/A N/A N/A
$283.00 $407.56 $87.64
2.08 1.56 0.64
N/A N/A N/A
Install PV system Install Solar Hot Water system Turn off fridge 2 City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 11 of 23
Reduce pool pump run time by 2 h Energy efficient lights Turn off fridge 3
20 187 11
$1,500.00 $12,830.00 $725.00
11.2 94.39 5.33
N/A N/A N/A
$75.00 $68.61 $65.91
0.56 0.50 0.48
N/A N/A N/A
Replace fridge 3 with high efficient model Take shorter showers
1 111
$59.00 $13,082.00
0.43 45.02
N/A $59.00 2,187,810 $117.86
0.43 0.41
N/A 19,710
Replace fridge 1 with high efficient model
22
$1,025.00
7.53
N/A
$46.59
0.34
N/A
Replace fridge 2 with high efficient model
6
$251.00
1.83
N/A
$41.83
0.31
N/A
Table 10 - Actions by total water savings potential Savings Total p.a. Action Install rain water tank Install Grey water System Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Install pool cover Install dual flush toilet Use toilet displacement Device Fix leaking taps Fix leaking toilet
Average Savings per Household p.a.
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
92 97 111
$7,508.00 $6,004.00 $13,082.00
N/A N/A 45.025
6,007,230 4,803,000 2,187,810
$81.61 $61.90 $117.86
N/A N/A 0.41
65,296 49,515 19,710
156 16 61 55 18 7
$6,992.00 $800.00 $507.00 $314.00 $99.00 $62.00
31.415 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1,356,711 672,000 404,198 255,187 77,000 48,200
$44.82 $50.00 $8.31 $5.71 $5.50 $8.86
0.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
8,697 42,000 6,626 4,640 4,278 6,886
Table 11 - Actions by water savings potential per household Savings Total p.a. Action Install rain water tank Install Grey water System Install pool cover Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Fix leaking toilet Install dual flush toilet Use toilet displacement Device Fix leaking taps
Average Savings per Household p.a.
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
92 97 16 111
$7,508.00 $6,004.00 $800.00 $13,082.00
N/A N/A N/A 45.025
6,007,230 4,803,000 672,000 2,187,810
$81.61 $61.90 $50.00 $117.86
N/A N/A N/A 0.41
65,296 49,515 42,000 19,710
156 7 61 55 18
$6,992.00 $62.00 $507.00 $314.00 $99.00
31.415 N/A N/A N/A N/A
1,356,711 48,200 404,198 255,187 77,000
$44.82 $8.86 $8.31 $5.71 $5.50
0.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A
8,697 6,886 6,626 4,640 4,278
Note regarding Tables 10 and 11: Cost savings include savings due to water and energy (in case of hot water) savings.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 12 of 23
Potential Amount of GHG, Dollar and Water Abated / Saved Table 12 below details the figures obtained at the time of the assessments. The table show: 1. Current Usage: these are figures obtained by the assessor at the start of the assessment. 2. Action Plan Reductions: These figures represent the actions chosen on the action plans by the participants during the assessment and show the possible reductions. Table 12 - Consumption and Savings Potential Average Usage per household GHG Water (tonnes) Dollar* (kl) Current Usage Action Plan reduction1 percent reduction2 Potential
Total Overall GHG (tonnes)
NABERS Rating
Dollar*
Water (kl)
Energy
Water
6.23
$1,280
227
1,246
$255,400
45,400
3.6
3.4
2.33
$580
110
466
$114,450
22,000
0.8
0.7
37%
45%
49%
37%
45%
49%
3.90
$700
117
780
$140,950
23,400
4.4
4.1
3
* Dollar values include Gas and Electricity - Not Water
Assumptions 1. Figures for ‘Current Usage’ is based on a 12 month period: a. ‘GHG’: Electricity and Gas; excludes Travel b. ‘Water’: Based on usage rates obtained from participants water bills 2. Figures obtained for ‘Action Plan Reductions’ are based on all actions being completed 3. GHG calculations are based on: a. Electricity (Units x 0.98 = A; A/1000 = Tonnes GHG) b. Gas (Units x 0.19 = B; B/1000 = Tonnes GHG) NABERS The National Australian Built Environment Rating System, NABERS, is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS rates a building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment, and provides a simple indication of how well one is managing these environmental impacts compared with one’s peers and neighbours. To establish the NABERS rating, Electricity, Gas and Water bills are examined. Households Green Energy subscription and usage of alternative fuels (fire place) is considered as well. The size of the household is taken into account, and the final greenhouse gas per person for the NABERS Energy and litres per person for NABERS Water is calculated. Table 13 below indicate the average ratings for Australia as well as for the 201 residents who were part of the program.
1
Savings potential if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed % savings if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed 3 Potential NEW usage / pollution if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed 2
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 13 of 23
Table 13 - NABERS Average Rating
Australian Average
City of South Perth Average
NABERS Energy
2.5
3.6
NABERS Water
2.5
3.4
Tables 14 and 15 below indicate the possible changes in NABERS Energy as well as Water rating customers were able to achieve if they follow through with all recommended actions.
Table 14 - NABERS Energy Rating Change Potential
Current NABERS Energy Rating
Potential NABERS Energy Rating assuming all Action are taken up 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0 0
0.5 1 0
1
1.5
0
1 2 0
2 1
2.5 1
2
2
3
3.5
4
4.5
5 1
1 1 1 5 11
1
1
0
1 0
2 3 4 1
1 1 1 5 6 1
4 2 13 0
2 9 11
0 0
Table 15 - NABERS Water Rating Change Potential
Current NABERS Water Rating
Potential NABERS Water Rating assuming all Action are taken up 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0 5
0.5 1 0
1 1 1 1
1.5 2 2 0
2 2 2 1 2 3
2.5
3
1
1
1 2 1
1 1 2 0
3.5
4
4.5
5
1 1 2 6 1 1 3
1 1 3 5 2 9
2 4 7 6 8 9
2 4 7 20 22 38
Table 16 below shows the potential Greenhouse Gas reductions that generate from the sustainable technologies provided by the City of South Perth, namely one water saving showerhead and three energy efficient light globes per household. Savings figures rely on the assumption that the households actually installed the provided showerheads and light globes, and represent savings per year. The follow up audit section will provide further details on this topic. Table 16 - GHG reductions due to sustainable technology provided by the City of South Perth Action Installed 1 water saving showerhead per household Installed 3 energy efficient lights per household TOTAL City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
GHG Savings (tonnes) per year 105.47 26.20 131.67 Page 14 of 23
Figure 1 below shows the distribution of greenhouse gas savings potential of each household if all actions are taken up. Most households lie in the range between 1.0 and 2.5 tonnes, with only few households having potential for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6.5 tonnes. 35
No. of Households
30 25 20 15 10 5
0
0
>9 .
5
59. 8.
0
08. 8.
7.
58.
5
0
07. 7.
57. 6.
06.
5
0 5.
6.
5
56.
0
05. 5.
55.
5 4.
4.
04.
0
5
54. 3.
03.
0 3.
5
53. 2.
0
02. 2.
1.
52.
5
0
01. 1.
51. 0.
0-
0. 5
0
GHG Reduction Potential in tonnes of GHG
Figure 1 - GHG Reduction Potential Distribution
Statistical Data from the Follow-Up Assessments The following data was collected via telephone follow up audits. A telephone coach contacted the households and reviewed their action plan. In the case that a household was not available on three attempts, they were excluded from the follow up evaluation. A total of 164 follow up assessments were completed, giving the collected data good statistical significance. The telephone coach reviewed each action that the household had originally committed to. These actions were classified into three categories: 1. Actions already completed – Completed Actions 2. Actions that the household is committed to having completed within the next three months – Actions TBC 3. Actions the household will not commit within the next three months – Actions Not TBC All households had the opportunity to leave feedback in regards to the project. The overall feedback was very positive, with 0% negative feedback! Tables 15 and 16 below show the overall split between the three different categories of actions, completed actions, to be completed actions, and not to be completed actions and its associated savings. For easier comparison, table 17 contains figures upscaled from the 164 completed follow up calls to the original 201 households who took part of the project. Tables 19 – 27 contain data of the 164 households only.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 15 of 23
Table 17 - Follow Up Audit Overview Total
Number
GHG savings Total (tonnes) %
$
Water Savings Total (litres) %
$
Total $ Savings
Completed Actions
1,090
186
15.20%
33,353
4,522,000
9.50%
5,652
39,005
Actions TBC
354
148.3
12.10%
23,998
2,191,195
4.60%
2,740
26,738
Actions Not TBC
1,420
272.1
22.20%
53,323
8,366,150
17.70%
10,464
63,787
Table 18 - Follow Up Audit Overview per Household
Number
GHG savings Total (tonnes) %
Water Savings $
Total (litres)
%
$
Total $ Savings
Completed Actions
5.4
0.93
15.20%
167
22,427
9.50%
27
194
Actions TBC
1.8
0.74
12.10%
14
10,901
4.60%
119
133
Actions Not TBC
7.1
1.35
22.20%
264
41,623
17.70%
53
317
The following tables on pages 16 to 18 give an overview of the findings of the follow up audit. They are: •
Table 19 – Top 5 savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 20 – Top 5 savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 21 – Top 5 savings potential of all not to be completed actions
•
Table 22 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 23 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 24 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all not to be completed actions
•
Table 25 – Top 3 water savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 26 – Top 3 water savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 27 – Top 3 water savings potential of all not to be completed actions
Note: The savings potential for signing up to Green Power and Offsetting GHG emissions were not calculated since the customer has the choice of how much they want to offset. It is merely included to reflect the households’ interest in the topics.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 16 of 23
Table 19 - Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
102
$6,178.00
45.4
N/A
$60.57
0.45
N/A
Take Shorter showers
73
$8,159.00
26.5
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Increase cooling temperature Turn off appliances wasting standby power
61
$779.00
5.15
N/A
$12.77
0.08
N/A
55
$3,196.00
23.25
N/A
$58.11
0.42
N/A
Install Water saving shower head
46
$4,502.00
16.6
978,389
$128.63
0.47
27954
Table 20 - To Be Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
29
$2,189.00
16.1
N/A
$75.48
0.56
N/A
sign up to Green Power
18
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Offset GHG emissions
15
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
install Rainwater tank
15
$1,262.00
N/A
1,010,610
$84.13
N/A
67374
Install aerators
13
$216.00
N/A
169,365
$16.62
N/A
13028
Table 21 - Not To Be Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Offset GHG emissions
111
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sign up to Green Power
100
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Install Aerators
62
$1,859.00
N/A
524,955
$29.98
N/A
8467
Install Solar Hot Water System
46
$19,396.00
67.3
N/A
$421.65
1.46
N/A
Install Grey Water System
45
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 17 of 23
Table 22 - Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
102
$6,178.00
45.42
N/A
$60.57
0.45
N/A
Take Shorter Showers
73
$8,159.00
26.5
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Install Water Saving Shower Head
35
$4,502.00
16.6
978,390
$128.63
0.47
27954
Table 23 - To Be Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Solar Hot Water System
12
$4,807.00
25.5
N/A
$400.58
2.13
N/A
Install PV System
11
$3,113.00
25
N/A
$283.00
2.27
N/A
Install Energy Saving Lights
17
$2,189.00
16.1
N/A
$128.76
0.95
N/A
Table 24 - Not To Be Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install PV System
33
$10,188.00
72.8
N/A
$308.73
2.21
N/A
Install Solar Hot Water System
46
$19,396.00
67.3
N/A
$421.65
1.46
N/A
Install Water Saving Shower Head
20
$3,292.00
16.6
634,555
$164.60
0.83
31728
Table 25 - Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Take Shorter Showers
73
$8,159.00
26.6
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Install Water Saving Shower head
35
$4,502.00
16.6
978,389
$128.63
0.47
27954
Install Aerators
82
$380.00
N/A
306,270
$4.63
N/A
3735
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 18 of 23
Table 26 - To Be Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Rainwater Tank
15
$1,262.00
N/A
1,010,610
$84.13
N/A
67374
Install Aerators
37
$216.00
N/A
169,365
$5.84
N/A
4577
Install Dual Flush Toilet
4
$224.00
N/A
133,623
$56.00
N/A
33406
Table 27 - Not To Be Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Rainwater Tank
56
$4,426.00
N/A
3,539,700
$79.04
N/A
63209
Upgrade to Frontloading Washing Machine
35
$951.00
N/A
788,008
$27.17
N/A
22515
Install Water Saving Shower Head
20
$3,292.00
16.6
634,555
$164.60
0.83
31728
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 19 of 23
It must be noted that out of the total of 200 provided low flow shower heads to the participating households, only 43 households4 had followed through with the actual installation of it. This might have numerous reasons, ranging from the household already having had a low flow shower head installed, the household not having a suitable hot water system, not being able to install it or simply not liking it. It is suggested that for future projects, the provision of low flow shower heads should be made subject to the household qualifying for it. This qualification should include whether there is need for one, whether the hot water system is capable of it and whether the household wants to install the device. This way, valuable resources can be saved and invested in different aspects of the program.
Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Behaviour Changes Qualitative Assessment The Program was designed to improve householder behaviours toward more sustainable practices with the aim of improving efficient use of energy and water, increasing recycling and addressing travel habits in the home. This was undertaken via in home assessments designed to empower participants with the necessary information, advice and incentives to implement best practice and encourage continual improvement after the program was completed. The results achieved during the Program indicate that the maximum potential GHG savings is 2.3 tonnes per annum if the households completed all of the identified actions listed on their action plans. The follow up telephone interviews showed that out of the potential 2.3 tonnes per household 0.93 tonnes were already achieved with a further 0.74 tonnes to be completed within the next 3 months, totalling at 1.67 tonnes. This means that the households actually will have completed 72% of their committed actions – a very high level compared to previous projects run by EcoSmart which ended up around the 50% mark. It was noticed in the follow up audit that a high percentile of actions that were not planned to get completed, were actions relating to big and not inexpensive technologies like Solar Hot Water, PV, Rainwater Tanks or Grey water Systems. Unfortunately, these are the actions which result in the highest GHG and water savings. It seems to be that the public is in general interested in these technologies, but due to questions left open for debate, do not follow through with it. This problem will be addressed further below The in home assessments and one on one contact are crucial in providing the participants with enough support and information to make changes to their lifestyles. The process showed participants that many small actions add up and the assessors were able to encourage participants to continually work on and improve the environmental performance of their homes and lifestyles. The Program is also an invaluable source of information for future strategies to overcome the barriers associated with participants not undertaking certain behaviour and cost effective delivery techniques. Now the seed has been planted in the community, the crucial issue is to continue to promote and provide services to enable others to take action to improve the efficiency of their homes. This is detailed in the recommendations.
4
Out of the 164 follow up calls, 35 had completed this action, hence it can be assumed that out of the total 201 households the same ratio would have completed this action. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 20 of 23
Quantitative Assessment The following tables represent the data collected from the 201 households audited during the project. The average size household is 2.72 people per household, which is just slightly larger than the Australian average of 2.60 people per household (ABS 2006) and significantly larger than the City of South Perth average of 2.2 (ABS 2006). Table 28 - Electricity consumption in Units (kWh) total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
1,158,679 3,174 5,793 16 2,163.7 5.9
For Perth as a whole, average electricity consumption per person per day is ~ 6.5 kWh (Verve Energy). Table 29 - Gas consumption in Units (kWh) total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
769,204 2,107 4,690 12.9 1,436 3.94
For Perth as a whole, average gas consumption per capita per day is ~ 6 kWh per day (Alinta Gas). Table 30 - Water consumption in litres total per year (kl) total per day (kl) per HH per year (kl) per HH per day (litres) per capita per year (kl) per capita per day (litres)
45,526 125 228 1,138 85 233
For Perth as a whole, average water consumption per person per day is ~ 375 litres (Water Corporation). Table 31 – Greenhouse Gas emissions in kg total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
kg 1,245,735 3,413 6,229 17.1 2,326 6.4
tonnes 1,245.7 3.4 6.2 0.017 2.3 0.006
These figures include Electricity and Gas related GHG emissions ONLY!
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 21 of 23
SWOT Analysis Definition of Subject for Analysis: The ability for the In-home Assessments to change participant’s behaviour Strengths The EcoSmart Home Assessment program provides one on one contact with the participant – this has the highest possibility to influence householder behaviour and to create social diffusion of sustainable behaviours. In-home assessments are tailored to suite the participants needs. The program provides a rich source of data for the council and the participant. Assessments can assist GHG abatement to reach targets for the council. The process is based on commercial reality. It allows for councils to alleviate future cost burdens and is undertaken by a third party. High levels of immediate behaviour change are likely to be achieved. The in home assessments change the way people make decisions, teaching them how to make a sustainable decision that is translatable across all areas of living – creating long term behaviour change. Cost effective delivery can be developed if combined with other Business and Government agencies. The program offers translatable and common branding via the EcoSmart process. E.g.: EcoSmart Businesses, Schools and Office Assessments. The program allows for cross deliverables such as Events, Longer term educational programs and newsletters The program has broader community appeal, it is more than a “Green” program –
Opportunities To run more in-home assessments. Creating an even better customer relation through the follow up audits, working toward the development of a new set of social norms in South Perth. The assessments can be used to further investigate the ability to reach the City of South Perth’s stretch targets for GHG reduction in the community. To further develop, with EcoSmart, additional communications streams with past participants and further participants via website and newsletters. To develop an EcoSmart Business program targeted towards SME’s / Shopping Centre’s in South Perth to reinforce the message that each one of us needs to start doing our bit. To engage EcoSmart to manage 2 EcoSmart Homes, 1 x new home, 1 x existing retrofit home to act as display homes to show practically what an EcoSmart Home Assessment looks like.
Weaknesses One on one communication can be costly and labour intensive. Lack of understanding of the benefits in the community. People may not like in home approach – due to Privacy concerns. People may feel they are being exposed, i.e. high users afraid to look at their current consumption. Generating sufficient demand can be difficult Customers being present at the booked appointment up to the good will of the customer – no sense of loss if appointment is missed
Threats Competing programs; for example government communications could decrease demand where people feel they are already doing enough. Government and NGO’s perception that changes in community behaviour can be achieved just by providing free information.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 22 of 23
Appendix 1: Recommendations Note: The following recommendations have been briefly stated pending further discussion with the council and further investigation within budget constraints provided. Recommendation 1: Extend the In-Home Assessment Program towards the Assist Program The City of South Perth continues to build on the current goodwill being generated by the EcoSmart Home Assessment Program. Many household had expressed interest in taking up sustainable technologies. It is recommended that these are followed up to build on the momentum of the assessment and create the highest possible uptake of Greenhouse Gas reducing technologies
Rationale: The results of the Project shows that a large number of households is interested in one or more than one of the larger sustainable technologies like Solar Hot Water Systems, Rainwater Tanks, Grey water Systems, Insulation or PV Systems. Part of the initial service from EcoSmart was to provide the householders with brief information on those technologies as well as a supplier contact. It was left to the householders’ discretion to then contact that supplier or to find another one to have the technology of interest installed. It is very likely that not all of the householders who expressed interest in those technologies will eventually follow through with the installation of those ‘big-tick-items’ however these technologies generally have the largest GHG reduction potential. In order to fully maximize on the GHG savings potential, it is important that every possible support is offered to the interested customers.
Possible Delivery Methods: EcoSmart’s Assist Program continues where the Home Assessment ends. We contact the households who expressed interest in installing relevant technologies and inquire whether the household has followed through with the installation. This will be part of the follow up assessments regardless of whether or not the Assist Program will take place. In addition to only having follow up calls as part of the City of South Perth Project, the Assist Program would offer the householder the option of having EcoSmart create the initial contact between the householder and a supplier of the technology of interest. It has been seen from experience of the past that many home owners are interested in upgrading their home with sustainable technologies, but many fall short of following through with this intention. This is due to many reasons, one of which is lack of time. The Assist Program helps the householder by providing the initial contact with the installer, and gets the installation on its way. This way, the largest possible Greenhouse Gas reduction will be achieved!
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 23 of 23
Confidential Information Prepared by: EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd Phone: 08 9336 3022 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ecosmart.net.au City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 1 of 23
Table of Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................................................... 2 Standard Disclaimer ...................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 4 Background .................................................................................................................................... 6 Program Framework ...................................................................................................................... 6 EcoSmart Home Assessment Program Methodology ................................................................ 7 Changing Behaviours ................................................................................................................... 7 Removing External Barriers ......................................................................................................... 7 In Home Assessments ................................................................................................................. 8 Statistical Data from the initial In-Home Assessments .............................................................. 9 Assessments ................................................................................................................................ 9 Household Details ........................................................................................................................ 9 Household Needs / Initial Findings ............................................................................................... 9 Potential Amount of GHG, Dollar and Water Abated / Saved .................................................. 13 NABERS..................................................................................................................................... 13 Statistical Data from the Follow-Up Assessments ................................................................... 15 Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Behaviour Changes .......................................... 20 Qualitative Assessment .............................................................................................................. 20 Quantitative Assessment............................................................................................................ 21 SWOT Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 22 Appendix 1: Recommendations ................................................................................................. 23
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 2 of 23
Standard Disclaimer The information presented in this Report is based on figures and assumptions generated from the Australian Greenhouse Office, the Sustainable Energy Development Office and other sources. The figures used for the in home assessment process detailed in this report were used to provide the participants with anecdotal figures for possible cost and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) savings that could be achieved by undertaking the action stipulated. Figures presented in this report demonstrate the savings in GHG that are possible, assuming the actions the participants said they were going to complete are completed. The follow up telephone audit, which took place 3-5 months after the participants had received their action plan, will detail which actions were completed by the participants. The participants were asked to provide 12 months worth of bills for electricity, gas and water. From these bills the participants were benchmarked against usage in Western Australia using the NABERS rating (National Australian Building Environmental Rating System) to score the household out of 5 stars for water and energy use. One of the main aims of the EcoSmart Home Assessment program is to increase awareness in regards to water, energy, waste and recycling and travel uses in the home. It is difficult to provide sound statistical data to record the awareness and it is relative to each participant. The EcoSmart Home Assessment program empowers participants with information to assist them continue to improve their household efficiency and make further decisions based on sustainability principles.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 3 of 23
Executive Summary The City of South Perth called for tenders to run the Sustainable South Perth Program that consisted of 200 in home energy and water assessments. The program was designed to reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions related to Electricity and Gas consumption as well as reduce household Water use. The in home assessments were developed using social change techniques to encourage behavioural change toward best practice and to engender a continuous environmental improvement mentality that creates new social norms toward sustainable decision-making by individuals within their community. The follow up phone audit took place 3 – 5 Months after the initial in home assessment. 164 households were part of stage 2 of the overall project and had their follow up phone audit completed. For easier data analysis and in order to compare the two sets of data, initial home audit and follow up phone audit, this data was then upscaled to 200 households. The EcoSmart Home Audit Program showed that:
Based on the total GHG reduction that could be achieved if all the energy actions were completed, the house assessments will be able to achieve around 37% reduction in GHG emissions, equating to 2.3 tonnes of GHG per household or 460 tonnes of GHG total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that were already completed account for a 15% reduction in household GHG emissions, equating to 930 kg per household or 186 tonnes of GHG total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that the households are going to complete in the next 3 months account for an additional saving of 12%, equating to 740kg per household or 121 tonnes of GHG in total. Based on the total mains water consumption reduction that could be achieved if all the water actions were completed, the house assessment will be able to achieve around 49% reduction in mains water consumption, equating to ~111 kl or water per household or 22,200kl total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that were already completed account for a 10% reduction in mains water usage, equating to 22.5 kl per household or 4,500kl in total. The follow up phone call showed that the actions that the households are going to complete in the next 3 months account for an additional saving of 5%, equating to 11kl per household or 2,200 kl in total.
The follow up phone calls have shown that most households mainly completed the ‘easy actions’, like changing light globes to energy saving alternatives and taking shorter showers. It must be noted that the actions with the largest savings potential, namely Solar Hot Water systems, Photo Voltaic Electric Systems, Rain Water Tanks and Grey Water Systems, had a much lower number of uptake, even though many households had expressed interest in these actions during the audit. It seems that there exists a need for further follow up in order to assist households with the installation of those actions in order to gain maximum savings potential of the program. Overall, the Program has highlighted a number of opportunities for the City of South Perth to reduce GHG in the community, whilst simultaneously creating a substantial amount of goodwill with residents and ultimately developing a set of new social norms based on sustainable decision making principles. Some of these opportunities include: • •
Assist households with the installation of larger sustainable technologies like Solar Hot Water, Photo Voltaic Electric Systems, Rain Water Tanks and Grey Water Systems Continuing to run and expand the EcoSmart Home Assessment Program
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 4 of 23
• • • •
Further expanding the program to include tailored events Diversify the delivery to businesses and other sectors Develop mechanisms to monitor the GHG reduction and the development of new social norms over time Ensuring that home owners follow through with the installation of environmentally sound technologies in accordance to their action plans
The City of South Perth provided EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd with 166 contacts that were generated through a range of marketing means managed by the City of South Perth itself. These potential leads were then contacted by EcoSmart’s telemarketing facilities and an appointment was made. 153 completed audits resulted from the leads provided by the City of South Perth. The difference between potential leads and completed audits results from customers changing their mind about the audit which either showed through a cancellation or a simple no-show on the day. This success rate of 92% is very high and results from an excellent customer service from the City of South Perth as well as highly trained telemarketing personnel. The remaining 47 assessments were generated through EcoSmart’s direct telemarketing capabilities. The telemarketing staff is highly trained through having worked on numerous projects and all policies and procedures adhere to the most up to date legislation regarding the contacting of members of the public.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 5 of 23
Background The City of South Perth is located just south of Perth’s CBD. It starts south of the Narrows Bridge and continues all the way down to Mt Henry. It’s northern and western border is the Swan River Estuary and in the South is the Canning River. Its eastern neighbours are the Town of Victoria Park and to a small degree the City of Canning. Suburbs of the City of South Perth are South Perth, Como, Kensington, Manning, Karawara, Salter Point, Waterford and Collier Gardens. The City of South Perth called for tenders to assist householders in the City improve the way they operate their homes in terms of Water and Energy efficiency, Transport choices, Waste and Recycling. The tender required the program be built on community based social marketing techniques that would be designed to educate people to develop new behaviours that will lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions related to use of resources and water use in the home. The City of South Perth has identified a target reduction in community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to stabilize residential GHG emissions to 1996 levels in their Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. The EcoSmart Home Assessment Program consisted of 200 in home assessments. The program started in October 2007, with the assessments being completed by January 2008. The assessments required an additional follow up, which took place during April and May 2008 to assess which of the actions the households had chosen were taken up in reality and hence to assess the overall success of the project. The program aims were: 1. To encourage behavioural change toward best practice and to engender a continuous environmental improvement mentality that creates new social norms toward sustainable decision-making by individuals within their community. 2. To reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the efficient use of electricity in the home. 3. To improve the efficient use of water in order to reduce overall water consumption 4. To provide the council with a cost effective greenhouse reduction community program that creates economies of scale by combining issues relating to sustainable living into one succinct program.
Program Framework EcoSmart Programs Pty Ltd was established in December 2003 in Western Australia with the mission of being a magnet for creative leaders for a sustainable future; honouring what is possible through delivery of best practice initiatives that inspire and empower local and global communities. The EcoSmart Home Assessment program, developed by EcoSmart, is a community outreach program designed to improve the water and energy efficiency, transport patterns and to reduce the waste generated in the residential sector by developing new social norms in the community that lead to widespread behaviour change toward a more sustainable community. Specific tailored programs are developed using social marketing techniques to address the barriers related to changing participant’s behaviour and encouraging the adoption of more City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 6 of 23
sustainable behaviours. A range of deliverables are used to establish new behaviours and social norms, such as Assessments, Volunteer Programs, Events, Newsletters, Business Partners and Display Homes. These are all put together around a singular message and common branding. The EcoSmart programs are delivered in partnership with local government authorities and can be used to reduce GHG usage in the community.
EcoSmart Home Assessment Program Methodology The Program is designed to plant the seeds for a community led initiative that changes householder behaviour in a way that improves sustainability. The methodology focuses on addressing peer influences, which have a high impact on individual behaviour. Peer influences are based more on what we think our peers believe and do (the "perceived norm") than on their real beliefs and actions (the "actual norm"). By presenting correct information about more sustainable ways to operate in the home in a believable fashion, perceived peer pressure that may be acting against behaviour change is reduced and individuals are more likely to express pre-existing attitudes and beliefs and become advocates for the cause. The initial Program phase identifies barriers and promotes behaviour change through a number of tools and techniques. Prompts are also used to assist the householder action sustainability initiatives in the home. This was done by using in home assessments that were designed to challenge the social norms people have in regards to how they operate in their home – and provide easy steps to establish new norms and behaviour in the home.
Changing Behaviours The program assists the householder understand that by making small and slightly different decisions each day, they are able to have a huge impact on their individual sustainability and the sustainability of their community. The Program addresses 2 components: 1. Structure, Fixtures and Fittings of the Home: what structural areas are the major sources of energy and water usage in the house? Which of those can be changed and / or retrofitted? 2. Behaviour Patterns: behaviour can account for up to 40% of energy use in the home. Behaviour changes focused on in the assessments were usually at low or no cost to the householder, such as turning appliances (TV, DVD’s) off at the wall. Both go hand in hand. For example, taking shorter showers is as important as changing to a low water usage showerhead. This same example can apply to energy efficient lighting. Turning lights off is an important step, as is changing to low energy light globes. Further incentives are provided through the program design to increase the number of people wanting to access the program and providing continuous reinforcement for those already on the program.
Removing External Barriers The Program was designed to align the householders’ thinking with actions by removing the barriers associated with the expression of such views and providing permission for people to act to protect their environment by bringing behaviour more closely in line with personal attitudes. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 7 of 23
The program achieves this through a process of a community led initiative where the same message is reinforced in the areas of most influence in the community. It addresses misperceptions that are the basis for unsustainable household practices and recreates messages that reinforce sustainable behaviours and are communicated throughout the community through community influences. Community Influences that are involved: •
The Local Council (Cr. Ozsdolay as well as the Mayor of the City of South Perth took part in the South Perth Home Audit Project)
•
Local Community Leaders
•
Local Newspaper; through editorials and case examples
•
Local Business
•
Reinforcement from outside such as State Government and Federal Government programs
In Home Assessments The basis for the delivery of the EcoSmart Home Assessment program was via in home assessments conducted by trained assessors who review, discuss and make recommendations about what areas can be changed to make the existing, new or renovated homes more efficient. The assessment is conducted using the EcoSmart Home Assessment Software developed by EcoSmart. The assessor has access to the program via a personal digital assistant (PDA). The program starts by benchmarking the householder’s current consumption patterns of electricity, gas and water. A star rating in accordance with the National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme, NABERS, is established and explained to the householder. During the assessment the assessor follows a set of questions covering all areas of energy consumption, water usage and travel patterns. This data is then input into the PDA. The program recommends taking action out of a pool of more than 50 wherever there is need for it. The home owner has the option of expressing interest in taking this recommendation on board. All actions have associated GHG savings, water savings as well as dollar savings figures displayed, so the homeowner is immediately aware of the benefits of changing their behaviour or upgrading to more efficient technologies. At the end of the assessment, all actions that the home owner expressed interest in are reviewed, and the final, new star rating is communicated. During this process the assessor’s aim is to assist the homeowner in creating a realistic, but at the same time ambitious action plan in order to achieve the highest possible GHG and water savings. A ‘show bag’ was provided to each participant consisting of a water saving showerhead and shower arm where necessary, three energy efficient light globes, a thermometer (to establish ideal summer cooling and winter heating temperature as well as setting the fridge/freezer and hot water temperature to its most efficient temperature), a shower timer as well as the booklets printed by the Australian Government “Global Warming – Cool it” and “Be Climate Clever – I can do that”. All these materials were provided by the City of South Perth in order to get the home owners immediately started on their path towards becoming more sustainable. Savings figures resulting from the ‘show bag’ material are presented below. The next step was the follow up phone audit, during which the assessor reviewed the action plan with the home owner, in order to establish how many actions were followed through and how much real savings was achieved. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 8 of 23
This follow up audit took place during April and May 2008.
Statistical Data from the initial In-Home Assessments Following are statistics from all the reports for the EcoSmart Home Assessment Project in the City of South Perth. Assessments At the date of printing of this report, EcoSmart completed a total of 201 assessments. The actual homes visited totalled 201. At the date of printing of this report, 2 households had withdrawn from the project, leaving a total number of 199 residents involved. Out of these 199 possible candidates for the follow up audit, 164 were able to be contacted. The remaining 35 were unavailable on 3 attempts to get contacted. Table 1 - Assessment Totals
Details Total Assessments Completed Total Households remaining in the project Total Follow Ups Completed Total Actions Chosen on Actions Plans Average Actions Per Household Total actions completed Average action completed per household
Number 201 199 164 2261 11.3 878 5.4
Percentage 100% 99% 82%
39%
Household Details Figures gathered from 201 in home assessments show the average household consists of 2.9 bedrooms, 1.6 bathrooms and 1.8 living rooms within the home, with occupancy of 2.72 people as shown in table 2 below. Table 2 - Average Household figures size m2 125
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
2.9
1.6
Living rooms 1.8
occupancy 2.72
83% of households have air conditioning systems. Most of those are cooled by split systems, with evaporative systems being the second most popular systems. Household Needs / Initial Findings Tables 3, 4 and 5 show the split of Air-conditioning Systems, Heating Systems as well as Hot Water Systems.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 9 of 23
Table 3 - Cooling systems Split system
Evaporative
Ducted reverse
70 35% 42%
53 27% 32%
34 17% 20%
Wall/Window Mounted Unit 9 5% 5%
No AC 34 17%
of total HH of HH with AC
Table 4 - Type of Heating System
Gas
Split System
Direct Electric
None / other
Households
85 43%
12 6%
31 16%
72 36%
Table 5 - Type of Hot Water System
Households
Solar Gas Boosted
Solar Electric
Gas Instantaneous
Gas Storage
Electric Instantaneous
Electric Storage
6 3%
20 10%
61 30%
75 37%
14 7%
25 12%
Table 6 provides an overview of the most significant findings during the Project. Outstanding results in regards to saving energy are the number of homes with insufficient ceiling insulation, 28%, the large number of potential energy saving lights to be installed and the large number of households with more than one fridge. In regards to conserving water numbers show potential for installation of dual flush toilets is 15% of households, 66% of homes with swimming pools don’t have a pool cover and only a small number of homes with an existing rainwater tank (only 11%). Table 6 - Household fixtures & appliances Households in need of ceiling insulation upgrade Energy Efficient lights to be upgraded Energy efficient lights per HH Energy efficient down lights to be upgraded Energy efficient DL per HH with down lights HH with 2nd fridge HH with 3rd fridge HH with single flush toilets No of HH with swimming pool percentage of pools without cover HH with rainwater tank
28% 2081 11 915 12 46% 11% 15% 44 66% 11%
Tables 7 - 11 below give an overview of the most significant actions that householders chose to take up. Table 7 shows actions overall which were most often chosen by householders, whereas table 8 and 9 show actions with the most significant Greenhouse Gas savings potential and tables 10 and 11 those actions with the most significant water saving potential.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 10 of 23
Table 7 - Actions by number of households to take up this action Savings Total per annum Action Energy efficient lights install water efficient showerheads Take shorter showers Eliminate TV standby Install rain water tank Increase summer cooling temperature to 25°C Eliminate computer standby Increase use of fans Energy efficient down lights Shade windows appropriately Install Solar Hot Water system Install PV system Install dual flush toilet Install roof ventilation Install / upgrade roof insulation
Average Savings per Household per annum
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
187
$12,830.00
94.39
N/A
$68.61
0.50
N/A
156 111 108 92
$6,992.00 $13,082.00 $2,854.00 $7,508.00
31.41 45.02 21.01 N/A
1,356,711 2,187,810 N/A 6,007,230
$44.82 $117.86 $26.43 $81.61
0.20 0.41 0.19 N/A
8,697 19,710 N/A 65,296
89 88 77 76 75 73 64 61 60 57
$964.00 $2,915.00 $394.00 $2,727.00 $976.00 $29,752.00 $18,112.00 $507.00 $860.00 $2,715.00
6.35 21.38 2.89 20.03 7.15 113.99 133.2 N/A 5.65 15.84
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 404,198 N/A N/A
$10.83 $33.13 $5.12 $35.88 $13.01 $407.56 $283.00 $8.31 $14.33 $47.63
0.07 0.24 0.04 0.26 0.10 1.56 2.08 N/A 0.09 0.28
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6,626 N/A N/A
Table 8 - Actions by total GHG savings potential Average Savings per Household p.a.
Savings Total p.a.
Action Install PV system Install Solar Hot Water system Energy efficient lights Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Turn off fridge 2 Eliminate computer standby Eliminate TV standby Energy efficient down lights Install / upgrade roof insulation
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
64 73 187 111
$18,112.00 $29,752.00 $12,830.00 $13,082.00
133.2 113.99 94.39 45.02
N/A N/A N/A 2,187,810
$283.00 $407.56 $68.61 $117.86
2.08 1.56 0.50 0.41
N/A N/A N/A 19,710
156 36 88 108 76 57
$6,992.00 $3,155.00 $2,915.00 $2,854.00 $2,727.00 $2,715.00
31.41 23.19 21.38 21.01 20.03 15.84
1,356,711 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
$44.82 $87.64 $33.13 $26.43 $35.88 $47.63
0.20 0.64 0.24 0.19 0.26 0.28
8,697 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Table 9 – Actions by GHG savings potential per household Average Savings per Household p.a.
Savings Total p.a. Action
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
64 73 36
$18,112.00 $29,752.00 $3,155.00
133.2 113.99 23.19
N/A N/A N/A
$283.00 $407.56 $87.64
2.08 1.56 0.64
N/A N/A N/A
Install PV system Install Solar Hot Water system Turn off fridge 2 City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 11 of 23
Reduce pool pump run time by 2 h Energy efficient lights Turn off fridge 3
20 187 11
$1,500.00 $12,830.00 $725.00
11.2 94.39 5.33
N/A N/A N/A
$75.00 $68.61 $65.91
0.56 0.50 0.48
N/A N/A N/A
Replace fridge 3 with high efficient model Take shorter showers
1 111
$59.00 $13,082.00
0.43 45.02
N/A $59.00 2,187,810 $117.86
0.43 0.41
N/A 19,710
Replace fridge 1 with high efficient model
22
$1,025.00
7.53
N/A
$46.59
0.34
N/A
Replace fridge 2 with high efficient model
6
$251.00
1.83
N/A
$41.83
0.31
N/A
Table 10 - Actions by total water savings potential Savings Total p.a. Action Install rain water tank Install Grey water System Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Install pool cover Install dual flush toilet Use toilet displacement Device Fix leaking taps Fix leaking toilet
Average Savings per Household p.a.
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
92 97 111
$7,508.00 $6,004.00 $13,082.00
N/A N/A 45.025
6,007,230 4,803,000 2,187,810
$81.61 $61.90 $117.86
N/A N/A 0.41
65,296 49,515 19,710
156 16 61 55 18 7
$6,992.00 $800.00 $507.00 $314.00 $99.00 $62.00
31.415 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1,356,711 672,000 404,198 255,187 77,000 48,200
$44.82 $50.00 $8.31 $5.71 $5.50 $8.86
0.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
8,697 42,000 6,626 4,640 4,278 6,886
Table 11 - Actions by water savings potential per household Savings Total p.a. Action Install rain water tank Install Grey water System Install pool cover Take shorter showers install water efficient showerheads Fix leaking toilet Install dual flush toilet Use toilet displacement Device Fix leaking taps
Average Savings per Household p.a.
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
92 97 16 111
$7,508.00 $6,004.00 $800.00 $13,082.00
N/A N/A N/A 45.025
6,007,230 4,803,000 672,000 2,187,810
$81.61 $61.90 $50.00 $117.86
N/A N/A N/A 0.41
65,296 49,515 42,000 19,710
156 7 61 55 18
$6,992.00 $62.00 $507.00 $314.00 $99.00
31.415 N/A N/A N/A N/A
1,356,711 48,200 404,198 255,187 77,000
$44.82 $8.86 $8.31 $5.71 $5.50
0.20 N/A N/A N/A N/A
8,697 6,886 6,626 4,640 4,278
Note regarding Tables 10 and 11: Cost savings include savings due to water and energy (in case of hot water) savings.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 12 of 23
Potential Amount of GHG, Dollar and Water Abated / Saved Table 12 below details the figures obtained at the time of the assessments. The table show: 1. Current Usage: these are figures obtained by the assessor at the start of the assessment. 2. Action Plan Reductions: These figures represent the actions chosen on the action plans by the participants during the assessment and show the possible reductions. Table 12 - Consumption and Savings Potential Average Usage per household GHG Water (tonnes) Dollar* (kl) Current Usage Action Plan reduction1 percent reduction2 Potential
Total Overall GHG (tonnes)
NABERS Rating
Dollar*
Water (kl)
Energy
Water
6.23
$1,280
227
1,246
$255,400
45,400
3.6
3.4
2.33
$580
110
466
$114,450
22,000
0.8
0.7
37%
45%
49%
37%
45%
49%
3.90
$700
117
780
$140,950
23,400
4.4
4.1
3
* Dollar values include Gas and Electricity - Not Water
Assumptions 1. Figures for ‘Current Usage’ is based on a 12 month period: a. ‘GHG’: Electricity and Gas; excludes Travel b. ‘Water’: Based on usage rates obtained from participants water bills 2. Figures obtained for ‘Action Plan Reductions’ are based on all actions being completed 3. GHG calculations are based on: a. Electricity (Units x 0.98 = A; A/1000 = Tonnes GHG) b. Gas (Units x 0.19 = B; B/1000 = Tonnes GHG) NABERS The National Australian Built Environment Rating System, NABERS, is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS rates a building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment, and provides a simple indication of how well one is managing these environmental impacts compared with one’s peers and neighbours. To establish the NABERS rating, Electricity, Gas and Water bills are examined. Households Green Energy subscription and usage of alternative fuels (fire place) is considered as well. The size of the household is taken into account, and the final greenhouse gas per person for the NABERS Energy and litres per person for NABERS Water is calculated. Table 13 below indicate the average ratings for Australia as well as for the 201 residents who were part of the program.
1
Savings potential if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed % savings if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed 3 Potential NEW usage / pollution if ALL actions on the Action Plan are completed 2
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 13 of 23
Table 13 - NABERS Average Rating
Australian Average
City of South Perth Average
NABERS Energy
2.5
3.6
NABERS Water
2.5
3.4
Tables 14 and 15 below indicate the possible changes in NABERS Energy as well as Water rating customers were able to achieve if they follow through with all recommended actions.
Table 14 - NABERS Energy Rating Change Potential
Current NABERS Energy Rating
Potential NABERS Energy Rating assuming all Action are taken up 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0 0
0.5 1 0
1
1.5
0
1 2 0
2 1
2.5 1
2
2
3
3.5
4
4.5
5 1
1 1 1 5 11
1
1
0
1 0
2 3 4 1
1 1 1 5 6 1
4 2 13 0
2 9 11
0 0
Table 15 - NABERS Water Rating Change Potential
Current NABERS Water Rating
Potential NABERS Water Rating assuming all Action are taken up 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
0 5
0.5 1 0
1 1 1 1
1.5 2 2 0
2 2 2 1 2 3
2.5
3
1
1
1 2 1
1 1 2 0
3.5
4
4.5
5
1 1 2 6 1 1 3
1 1 3 5 2 9
2 4 7 6 8 9
2 4 7 20 22 38
Table 16 below shows the potential Greenhouse Gas reductions that generate from the sustainable technologies provided by the City of South Perth, namely one water saving showerhead and three energy efficient light globes per household. Savings figures rely on the assumption that the households actually installed the provided showerheads and light globes, and represent savings per year. The follow up audit section will provide further details on this topic. Table 16 - GHG reductions due to sustainable technology provided by the City of South Perth Action Installed 1 water saving showerhead per household Installed 3 energy efficient lights per household TOTAL City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
GHG Savings (tonnes) per year 105.47 26.20 131.67 Page 14 of 23
Figure 1 below shows the distribution of greenhouse gas savings potential of each household if all actions are taken up. Most households lie in the range between 1.0 and 2.5 tonnes, with only few households having potential for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6.5 tonnes. 35
No. of Households
30 25 20 15 10 5
0
0
>9 .
5
59. 8.
0
08. 8.
7.
58.
5
0
07. 7.
57. 6.
06.
5
0 5.
6.
5
56.
0
05. 5.
55.
5 4.
4.
04.
0
5
54. 3.
03.
0 3.
5
53. 2.
0
02. 2.
1.
52.
5
0
01. 1.
51. 0.
0-
0. 5
0
GHG Reduction Potential in tonnes of GHG
Figure 1 - GHG Reduction Potential Distribution
Statistical Data from the Follow-Up Assessments The following data was collected via telephone follow up audits. A telephone coach contacted the households and reviewed their action plan. In the case that a household was not available on three attempts, they were excluded from the follow up evaluation. A total of 164 follow up assessments were completed, giving the collected data good statistical significance. The telephone coach reviewed each action that the household had originally committed to. These actions were classified into three categories: 1. Actions already completed – Completed Actions 2. Actions that the household is committed to having completed within the next three months – Actions TBC 3. Actions the household will not commit within the next three months – Actions Not TBC All households had the opportunity to leave feedback in regards to the project. The overall feedback was very positive, with 0% negative feedback! Tables 15 and 16 below show the overall split between the three different categories of actions, completed actions, to be completed actions, and not to be completed actions and its associated savings. For easier comparison, table 17 contains figures upscaled from the 164 completed follow up calls to the original 201 households who took part of the project. Tables 19 – 27 contain data of the 164 households only.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 15 of 23
Table 17 - Follow Up Audit Overview Total
Number
GHG savings Total (tonnes) %
$
Water Savings Total (litres) %
$
Total $ Savings
Completed Actions
1,090
186
15.20%
33,353
4,522,000
9.50%
5,652
39,005
Actions TBC
354
148.3
12.10%
23,998
2,191,195
4.60%
2,740
26,738
Actions Not TBC
1,420
272.1
22.20%
53,323
8,366,150
17.70%
10,464
63,787
Table 18 - Follow Up Audit Overview per Household
Number
GHG savings Total (tonnes) %
Water Savings $
Total (litres)
%
$
Total $ Savings
Completed Actions
5.4
0.93
15.20%
167
22,427
9.50%
27
194
Actions TBC
1.8
0.74
12.10%
14
10,901
4.60%
119
133
Actions Not TBC
7.1
1.35
22.20%
264
41,623
17.70%
53
317
The following tables on pages 16 to 18 give an overview of the findings of the follow up audit. They are: •
Table 19 – Top 5 savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 20 – Top 5 savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 21 – Top 5 savings potential of all not to be completed actions
•
Table 22 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 23 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 24 – Top 3 GHG savings potential of all not to be completed actions
•
Table 25 – Top 3 water savings potential of all completed actions
•
Table 26 – Top 3 water savings potential of all to be completed actions
•
Table 27 – Top 3 water savings potential of all not to be completed actions
Note: The savings potential for signing up to Green Power and Offsetting GHG emissions were not calculated since the customer has the choice of how much they want to offset. It is merely included to reflect the households’ interest in the topics.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 16 of 23
Table 19 - Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
102
$6,178.00
45.4
N/A
$60.57
0.45
N/A
Take Shorter showers
73
$8,159.00
26.5
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Increase cooling temperature Turn off appliances wasting standby power
61
$779.00
5.15
N/A
$12.77
0.08
N/A
55
$3,196.00
23.25
N/A
$58.11
0.42
N/A
Install Water saving shower head
46
$4,502.00
16.6
978,389
$128.63
0.47
27954
Table 20 - To Be Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
29
$2,189.00
16.1
N/A
$75.48
0.56
N/A
sign up to Green Power
18
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Offset GHG emissions
15
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
install Rainwater tank
15
$1,262.00
N/A
1,010,610
$84.13
N/A
67374
Install aerators
13
$216.00
N/A
169,365
$16.62
N/A
13028
Table 21 - Not To Be Completed Actions Total Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Offset GHG emissions
111
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sign up to Green Power
100
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Install Aerators
62
$1,859.00
N/A
524,955
$29.98
N/A
8467
Install Solar Hot Water System
46
$19,396.00
67.3
N/A
$421.65
1.46
N/A
Install Grey Water System
45
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 17 of 23
Table 22 - Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Energy Efficient Lights
102
$6,178.00
45.42
N/A
$60.57
0.45
N/A
Take Shorter Showers
73
$8,159.00
26.5
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Install Water Saving Shower Head
35
$4,502.00
16.6
978,390
$128.63
0.47
27954
Table 23 - To Be Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Solar Hot Water System
12
$4,807.00
25.5
N/A
$400.58
2.13
N/A
Install PV System
11
$3,113.00
25
N/A
$283.00
2.27
N/A
Install Energy Saving Lights
17
$2,189.00
16.1
N/A
$128.76
0.95
N/A
Table 24 - Not To Be Completed Actions by GHG Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install PV System
33
$10,188.00
72.8
N/A
$308.73
2.21
N/A
Install Solar Hot Water System
46
$19,396.00
67.3
N/A
$421.65
1.46
N/A
Install Water Saving Shower Head
20
$3,292.00
16.6
634,555
$164.60
0.83
31728
Table 25 - Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Take Shorter Showers
73
$8,159.00
26.6
1,399,410
$111.77
0.36
19170
Install Water Saving Shower head
35
$4,502.00
16.6
978,389
$128.63
0.47
27954
Install Aerators
82
$380.00
N/A
306,270
$4.63
N/A
3735
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 18 of 23
Table 26 - To Be Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Rainwater Tank
15
$1,262.00
N/A
1,010,610
$84.13
N/A
67374
Install Aerators
37
$216.00
N/A
169,365
$5.84
N/A
4577
Install Dual Flush Toilet
4
$224.00
N/A
133,623
$56.00
N/A
33406
Table 27 - Not To Be Completed Actions by Water Savings Savings Total Action
Average Savings per Household
No of Households
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Cost ($)
CO2 (tonnes)
Water (litres)
Install Rainwater Tank
56
$4,426.00
N/A
3,539,700
$79.04
N/A
63209
Upgrade to Frontloading Washing Machine
35
$951.00
N/A
788,008
$27.17
N/A
22515
Install Water Saving Shower Head
20
$3,292.00
16.6
634,555
$164.60
0.83
31728
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 19 of 23
It must be noted that out of the total of 200 provided low flow shower heads to the participating households, only 43 households4 had followed through with the actual installation of it. This might have numerous reasons, ranging from the household already having had a low flow shower head installed, the household not having a suitable hot water system, not being able to install it or simply not liking it. It is suggested that for future projects, the provision of low flow shower heads should be made subject to the household qualifying for it. This qualification should include whether there is need for one, whether the hot water system is capable of it and whether the household wants to install the device. This way, valuable resources can be saved and invested in different aspects of the program.
Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Behaviour Changes Qualitative Assessment The Program was designed to improve householder behaviours toward more sustainable practices with the aim of improving efficient use of energy and water, increasing recycling and addressing travel habits in the home. This was undertaken via in home assessments designed to empower participants with the necessary information, advice and incentives to implement best practice and encourage continual improvement after the program was completed. The results achieved during the Program indicate that the maximum potential GHG savings is 2.3 tonnes per annum if the households completed all of the identified actions listed on their action plans. The follow up telephone interviews showed that out of the potential 2.3 tonnes per household 0.93 tonnes were already achieved with a further 0.74 tonnes to be completed within the next 3 months, totalling at 1.67 tonnes. This means that the households actually will have completed 72% of their committed actions – a very high level compared to previous projects run by EcoSmart which ended up around the 50% mark. It was noticed in the follow up audit that a high percentile of actions that were not planned to get completed, were actions relating to big and not inexpensive technologies like Solar Hot Water, PV, Rainwater Tanks or Grey water Systems. Unfortunately, these are the actions which result in the highest GHG and water savings. It seems to be that the public is in general interested in these technologies, but due to questions left open for debate, do not follow through with it. This problem will be addressed further below The in home assessments and one on one contact are crucial in providing the participants with enough support and information to make changes to their lifestyles. The process showed participants that many small actions add up and the assessors were able to encourage participants to continually work on and improve the environmental performance of their homes and lifestyles. The Program is also an invaluable source of information for future strategies to overcome the barriers associated with participants not undertaking certain behaviour and cost effective delivery techniques. Now the seed has been planted in the community, the crucial issue is to continue to promote and provide services to enable others to take action to improve the efficiency of their homes. This is detailed in the recommendations.
4
Out of the 164 follow up calls, 35 had completed this action, hence it can be assumed that out of the total 201 households the same ratio would have completed this action. City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 20 of 23
Quantitative Assessment The following tables represent the data collected from the 201 households audited during the project. The average size household is 2.72 people per household, which is just slightly larger than the Australian average of 2.60 people per household (ABS 2006) and significantly larger than the City of South Perth average of 2.2 (ABS 2006). Table 28 - Electricity consumption in Units (kWh) total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
1,158,679 3,174 5,793 16 2,163.7 5.9
For Perth as a whole, average electricity consumption per person per day is ~ 6.5 kWh (Verve Energy). Table 29 - Gas consumption in Units (kWh) total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
769,204 2,107 4,690 12.9 1,436 3.94
For Perth as a whole, average gas consumption per capita per day is ~ 6 kWh per day (Alinta Gas). Table 30 - Water consumption in litres total per year (kl) total per day (kl) per HH per year (kl) per HH per day (litres) per capita per year (kl) per capita per day (litres)
45,526 125 228 1,138 85 233
For Perth as a whole, average water consumption per person per day is ~ 375 litres (Water Corporation). Table 31 – Greenhouse Gas emissions in kg total per year total per day per HH per year per HH per day per capita per year per capita per day
kg 1,245,735 3,413 6,229 17.1 2,326 6.4
tonnes 1,245.7 3.4 6.2 0.017 2.3 0.006
These figures include Electricity and Gas related GHG emissions ONLY!
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 21 of 23
SWOT Analysis Definition of Subject for Analysis: The ability for the In-home Assessments to change participant’s behaviour Strengths The EcoSmart Home Assessment program provides one on one contact with the participant – this has the highest possibility to influence householder behaviour and to create social diffusion of sustainable behaviours. In-home assessments are tailored to suite the participants needs. The program provides a rich source of data for the council and the participant. Assessments can assist GHG abatement to reach targets for the council. The process is based on commercial reality. It allows for councils to alleviate future cost burdens and is undertaken by a third party. High levels of immediate behaviour change are likely to be achieved. The in home assessments change the way people make decisions, teaching them how to make a sustainable decision that is translatable across all areas of living – creating long term behaviour change. Cost effective delivery can be developed if combined with other Business and Government agencies. The program offers translatable and common branding via the EcoSmart process. E.g.: EcoSmart Businesses, Schools and Office Assessments. The program allows for cross deliverables such as Events, Longer term educational programs and newsletters The program has broader community appeal, it is more than a “Green” program –
Opportunities To run more in-home assessments. Creating an even better customer relation through the follow up audits, working toward the development of a new set of social norms in South Perth. The assessments can be used to further investigate the ability to reach the City of South Perth’s stretch targets for GHG reduction in the community. To further develop, with EcoSmart, additional communications streams with past participants and further participants via website and newsletters. To develop an EcoSmart Business program targeted towards SME’s / Shopping Centre’s in South Perth to reinforce the message that each one of us needs to start doing our bit. To engage EcoSmart to manage 2 EcoSmart Homes, 1 x new home, 1 x existing retrofit home to act as display homes to show practically what an EcoSmart Home Assessment looks like.
Weaknesses One on one communication can be costly and labour intensive. Lack of understanding of the benefits in the community. People may not like in home approach – due to Privacy concerns. People may feel they are being exposed, i.e. high users afraid to look at their current consumption. Generating sufficient demand can be difficult Customers being present at the booked appointment up to the good will of the customer – no sense of loss if appointment is missed
Threats Competing programs; for example government communications could decrease demand where people feel they are already doing enough. Government and NGO’s perception that changes in community behaviour can be achieved just by providing free information.
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 22 of 23
Appendix 1: Recommendations Note: The following recommendations have been briefly stated pending further discussion with the council and further investigation within budget constraints provided. Recommendation 1: Extend the In-Home Assessment Program towards the Assist Program The City of South Perth continues to build on the current goodwill being generated by the EcoSmart Home Assessment Program. Many household had expressed interest in taking up sustainable technologies. It is recommended that these are followed up to build on the momentum of the assessment and create the highest possible uptake of Greenhouse Gas reducing technologies
Rationale: The results of the Project shows that a large number of households is interested in one or more than one of the larger sustainable technologies like Solar Hot Water Systems, Rainwater Tanks, Grey water Systems, Insulation or PV Systems. Part of the initial service from EcoSmart was to provide the householders with brief information on those technologies as well as a supplier contact. It was left to the householders’ discretion to then contact that supplier or to find another one to have the technology of interest installed. It is very likely that not all of the householders who expressed interest in those technologies will eventually follow through with the installation of those ‘big-tick-items’ however these technologies generally have the largest GHG reduction potential. In order to fully maximize on the GHG savings potential, it is important that every possible support is offered to the interested customers.
Possible Delivery Methods: EcoSmart’s Assist Program continues where the Home Assessment ends. We contact the households who expressed interest in installing relevant technologies and inquire whether the household has followed through with the installation. This will be part of the follow up assessments regardless of whether or not the Assist Program will take place. In addition to only having follow up calls as part of the City of South Perth Project, the Assist Program would offer the householder the option of having EcoSmart create the initial contact between the householder and a supplier of the technology of interest. It has been seen from experience of the past that many home owners are interested in upgrading their home with sustainable technologies, but many fall short of following through with this intention. This is due to many reasons, one of which is lack of time. The Assist Program helps the householder by providing the initial contact with the installer, and gets the installation on its way. This way, the largest possible Greenhouse Gas reduction will be achieved!
City of South Perth EcoSmart Home Audit Project – Final Report
Page 23 of 23
