This initiative was started in 2001 by the Australian Solar Council to promote renewable energy, recycling and other practices designed to lessen our impact on the environment.

In 2015, a local home in Dignams Creek, between Cobargo and Tilba will be open for inspection from 10am to 4pm.

This home owned by Fiona Kotvojs is a solar passive home, completely self-sufficient in terms of power (solar) and water supply (rain).

The internal temperature is maintained through a combination of building materials (straw bale and rammed earth), window design, sun room, ventilation and a masonry heater – a traditional European wood heater that is more efficient and produces less emissions than other forms of wood heating available in Australia.

Water is heated with a wood fired Rayburn stove (also used for cooking) and an evacuated tube solar hot water system. The home has composting toilets which use no water.

The straw-bale walls were all rendered, internally with clay and finished with clay paints and externally with lime render and mineral paint.

These have been very successful, with the internal surfaces breathing, giving a comfortable atmosphere and balanced humidity. Further information can be found on this home at http://sustainablehouseday.com/house-profile-view/?house_id=10044 or call 0409 189 659 or 6493 6080.

There also another home open at Moruya and more information on http://sustainablehouseday.com