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Q11: I don't want to spend a lot of money upgrading my landlord's property. What are some of the practical ways I can reduce my carbon footprint while living in rented accommodation?
Submitted by Virginia Moffett

A: There are a number of ways renters can reduce energy use at home and increase comfort at little or no cost.

Large savings are easily gained through basic changes, such as washing clothes in cold water rather than warm water or changing the thermostat temperature on your heating or cooling system.

For more tips on how to improve the energy efficiency of your rental property go to the Australian Greenhouse Office publication: Low or no cost energy efficiency improvements for renters.

– Ross Carter, First Assistant Secretary of the Industry, Communities and Energy Division, Australian Greenhouse Office

A: The first thing you can do is invest in some energy-saving light bulbs. You can buy them to fit almost any incandescent lamp fitting nowadays. If the home is full of halogen downlights, keep them turned off and buy a few floor or desk lamps with compact fluoro lamps in them.

When replacing appliances, buy ones with the best energy and water ratings you can afford.

Exclude drafts from the house as much as possible. Investing a few dollars in stick-on door and window seals can noticeably reduce energy bills for heating and cooling.

Shade north, east and west windows in summer with large potted plants, or removable sails etc. There are many things you can install that you can take with you to the next house.

– Lance Turner, Technical Editor, ATA - Alternative Technology Association

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