Renew Magazine

Fact-based and human-interest stories about building climate and energy resilience in your home and community. All the latest in sustainable issues and technology, as well as useful how-tos for reducing your footprint and contributing to a more resilient future.

Renew Magazine

Editorial

Quarterly round-up

PRODUCTS

Solar concrete? • What do you do with old solar panels? Turn them into concrete, of course!

Residential 3D printing • We've looked at 3D printed homes in other countries, but not much has happened in this area in Australia. That is starting to change.

Modern sailing ships moving forward • The latest on adding wind power assistance to large cargo ships.

EV charging as fast as a fuelling stop • One of the big perceived issues with EVs is their slowness to recharge, even though it's mostly a non-issue in reality. However, one car company has a solution for those times when really fast charging is needed.

Lessons from an energy expert • The best way to do energy efficiency upgrades to your home? Call an expert before you start, writes Greg Howell.

Putting communities at the centre of the renewable transition • A consortium of non-profits has banded together to fill a knowledge gap in the energy transition, equipping rural and regional communities with the tools they need to engage in and reap the benefits from renewable developments. Nathan Scolaro reports.

Getting Australia's maritime emissions down • Jane Hone discovers how an innovation cluster might help accelerate the future of the maritime industry, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Going circular: implementing a circular economy at home • “I already reduce, reuse and recycle—isn't that the circular economy?” Kirsten Duncan explains why true circularity is so much more.

Helping locals upskill for clean energy careers • Yael Stone is a familiar face for many, with her portrayal of Lorna Morello in the hit series Orange is the New Black garnering her international fame. After the Black Summer bushfires of 2019 and 2020, Yael was compelled to take a different turn in her career, and saw an opportunity to contribute to the energy transition by supporting workers to upskill for renewable jobs. With a passionate team, she founded Hi Neighbour, a non-profit based in her home region of the Illawarra that is proactively building a diverse workforce for Australia's clean energy future. Yael spoke with Renew about the impact Hi Neighbour is already having in the community.

Resilient neighbourhoods • Connected communities are critical for enriching the journey towards a sustainable future. Tulitha King speaks to three Australian households who are creating community from their own front yards.

Winning at winter • Energy advisor Dean Lombard, who presents many of Renew's Winter Comfort at Home and Winter Comfort for Renters webinars, is here with some tips for homeowners and renters to keep the warmth in and the cold out this winter.

Renewable tourism hotspot • Phillip Island is making huge gains to become a world-leading sustainable tourism destination. Journalist Oliver Lees looks at the island's conservation and renewable energy initiatives that are being driven by the community.

Building in bushfire-prone areas • Architect Chris Freeburn shares the most up-to-date information on building and renovating for bushfire resilience.

Sustainability field guide: timber • Alasdair Taylor brings us the latest sustainability field guide on common building materials.

Finding fresh air • Renew reader Tim Lloyd reflects on his experiences using evaporative air-conditioners in the home.

Home batteries and wholesale power—it's a wild ride! • Tom Hunt no longer has a gas bill, and uses only about one tank of petrol a...