A decade of sustainable housing

Sustainable Home Toowoomba project officer Louise Mayne (centre) take Cr Peter Marks (left) and Cr Bill Cahill on one last tour of Toowoomba’s hugely successful sustainable home project.

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SUSTAINABLE House Day Sunday 11th September will be celebrating its 10th year next Sunday.

The event will again continue to showcase some of Australia's most sustainable homes to the public as millions of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling, and other practices suitable to their lifestyles.

This year more than 300 homes will open their doors for tours and give visitors the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits and practicality of solar energy, ventilation solutions, water harvesting, recycling, shading, thermal mass (materials that absorb and release heat), glazing and window treatments, gardens and a variety of lifestyle products.

Architects, builders and specialist service providers will also be on hand at many of the homes to provide expert tips.

This unique event provides inspiring ideas for sustainable living for all lifestyles. If you can't make the day or are searching for somewhere to start today, visit thousands of houses online at www.shmeco.com, where you can view, connect and share your sustainable living journey.

"More and more people are looking for a more natural lifestyle with a return to the basics,"; said event organiser Pia Vogrin.

"Things like growing their own vegies while we're seeing greater investment in harvesting water and generating electricity from the sun as communities realise our resources are finite and likely to become more expensive,"; she said.

Sustainable House Day 2011

When: Sunday, September 11.

Time: 10am to 4pm.

Locations: over 300 open homes across Australia.

For more information on homes opening in your area, visit the website: www.sustainablehouseday.com.