On the ground

Les

Kinglake

 

Les' home is an inspiring example of smart green building, and his plans for living green will maximise energy savings and comfort. But it wasn't easy.

 

After 40 years of paying regularly for insurance, the year before the fires Les fell ill was hospitalised for long periods of time.

 

Like so often happens under the circumstances, the insurance renewal forms were parked in a drawer and after the bushfires Les and his family realised they were not covered.

 

With the generosity of Australian donors, help les285from the local footy club and heaps of volunteers, and backup CDs provided by Alternative Technology Association including 10 years of green magazines, Les is well underway with a passive solar designed green full of innovative features.

In this video Les leads us through his intensively researched insulation choices that will keep the main living area of the house warm and cool at a minimal cost, while providing low cost comfort in every corner of the house.

 

His use of energy efficient lighting, heat pump heating and cooling, the highest rated energy efficient appliances, and practical wood stove heating tips combine for a very low cost, high comfort result.

 

Les has used recycled bricks for the outside of the home and we think they look great even without rendering!

In addition to being a devoted ATA member with technical qualifications, Les works with the local CFA to support phone tree ring-arounds when big events happen.

 

As the conditions leading to Black Saturday worsened, Les sounded the alarm throughout his corner of Kinglake and encouraged people to leave especially if they were elderly or in very vulnerable locations. Les is a gem and we are so grateful that he is sharing his story.

What's your story?

Share your journey

The best way to learn about rebuilding more sustainably is from people who have done it already!

 

Soon we will be rolling out the Build It Back Green website functionality, and asking you to tell us about your rebuilding experiences and the journey you are on to be more sustainable.

Latest images

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Latest videos

Kristin was keen to support the women of Flowerdale after the bushfires, to build morale and have fun in the thick of so many challenges. So she started giving belly dancing classes!

Matt and the Kinglake Men's Shed - Part Two

YouTube

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