Sustainability
Useful Links
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme
Water shortages and the long-term security of water supply are serious concerns for Australia. The WELS Scheme labels a range of products for water efficiency, helping Australian households to save water and money. The website contains information about WELS for:
Interesting Facts You Should Know
- A water-efficient washing machine may use only one-third the water of an inefficient model.
- An old-style single-flush toilet could use up to 12 litres of water per flush. A standard dual flush toilet uses just a quarter of this on a half-flush.
- A standard showerhead may use up to 25 litres of water per minute. A water-efficient showerhead might use as little as seven litres per minute, which is less than a third.
WELS Compliance now has its own dedicated inbox. Please direct all your allegations of non-compliance against the WELS Act to welscompliance@environment.gov.au in the first instance.
About Green Loans
The Green Loans Program is offering free home sustainability assessments to over 900,000 households. Their goal is to help Australian families identify better ways to save energy and water, help save money on their bills, and protect the environment for the future.
Taking advantage of the Green Loans Program involves three easy steps:
- Book your free home sustainability assessment
- Receive your home sustainability assessment report
- Choose which of the recommended actions you will take to improve your home.
The home sustainability assessment identifies actions as simple as switching to energy efficient lights and replacing shower heads. It also recommends bigger changes such as installing a solar hot water or a grey water system.
Green Loans Subsidy
On 19 February 2010, the Government announced changes to the Green Loans Program. These changes are designed to ensure the program can meet the strong demand for free home sustainability assessments.
The loans component of the program was discontinued as of 22 March 2010. Existing loans are not affected by these changes.]
We encourage householders to visit the Living Greener website for more information on government programs and available financial support.
Living Greener
The Living Greener website provides a starting point for information about living more sustainably and reducing your environmental impact. It also includes information on government programs and financial support.
The Living Greener website provides links to Australian, State and Territory Government websites, and websites sponsored by the Australian Government. In the future, it will link to local government websites as well.
Act Now for the Future
The Act Now website is provides practical ways you can act now to improve our future in Western Australia.