A new project that engages the skills and enthusiasm of young people to help reduce household energy consumption and promote sustainability across the community in hundreds of homes has been launched in the City of Whittlesea.
Launched by Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Dr Kate Auty, the Y Green project aims to actively assist residents to save on their energy bills by training young people to become accredited home sustainability assessors.
The program has broad potential benefits for the community by demonstrating practical ways for residents to live more sustainably, while also supporting the skill, educational development and employment of young people living in the municipality.
The Y Green Project is a grassroots collaboration between RMIT University, Kildonan UnitingCare, City of Whittlesea, Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network, Whittlesea Youth Commitment, Sustainability Victoria, Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre, Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Steplight Pty Ltd.
The trainee group will consist of ten local young people aged 16 to 19 years old, and ten tertiary students from RMIT University who will act as mentors.
Free nationally accredited Home Sustainability Assessment training will be provided by RMIT University and the trainees will have industry relevant skills through completion of a five week course.
On successful completion of training, young persons and mentors are employed to conduct household assessments in pairs to gain further skills and practical experience.
Up to 300 households in the City of Whittlesea will be assessed between May and December this year. Following each assessment, the householder will receive a personalised Energy and Water Action Plan, including links to the relevant rebates available.
Data collection is directly input at the time of assessment ensuring concise results.
The assessments have an interactive and holistic approach, with emphasis on behaviour change and resident education.
Follow up contact with the resident will happen three to six months after the initial assessment to track any changes.
Evaluation and community profile reporting will allow stakeholders a truly unique insight into home sustainability at a local level.
Y Green was developed by the Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Steplight Pty Ltd and has been successfully piloted in Baulkham Hills Shire Council in New South Wales in partnership with numerous stakeholders.
For further information about Y Green and igreen, phone 1300 139 996 or visit www.ygreen.com.au or www.igreen.org.au
