By Karl Williams
Two industry experts will next week co-present a public forum on building and retrofitting houses for energy efficiency.
“Whether you’re saddled with an old Hills weatherboard or whether you’re planning to build from scratch, saving on energy bills while saving the planet must be a priority,” asserts co-presenter Daniel Wurm.
Daniel and his architect wife Yan Zhao bought an old miners cottage in Upwey five years ago to live and raise a family. When in 2019 he and Yan found out they were going to have their first child, they were deeply disappointed when Australia voted in another climate-change denying government. Motivated to take action himself, he became politically active and was a founding member of the Builders Declare movement.
Builders Declare aims to equip builders and tradies to help move the building industry to a low carbon future to bring about practical action on climate change. Builders Declare is linked in with thousands of firms and academic departments involved in the construction industry which have taken a strong practical stance on the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Daniel says the forum will also provide valuable guidance for ordinary DIY homeowners.
“I believe that it is possible for anyone on an average income and budget to build or renovate sustainably and create a net-zero home, if they have the knowledge they need to do it. I’m looking forward to sharing some really valuable tips at the forum to demonstrate how it can be achieved,” he said.
Daniel has created courses for the NSW Green Skills program and co-written sustainability courses for Holmesglen TAFE Innovation and Learning. In 2015 he created the Green Tradies program and won Trainer of the Year at the NSW Training Awards in Sydney.
The other presenter is Devin Grant, who is a licenced builder and certified Passive House tradesperson. Passive houses adhere to extremely high energy standards as well as healthy ventilation infrastructure, and require little energy for space heating or cooling. Devon is also a founding member of Builders Declare.
Daniel and Yan are currently renovating their Upwey cottage to become a seven star Hills house, incorporating passive design principles while maintaining the character of a typical Hills residence. As part of the presentation, Daniel will share many photos of his retrofitting project. There will be plenty of time for Q&A during the evening.
Selby Community House, covid restrictions permitting, will host this face-to-face event starting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 August. The price of admission is a gold coin donation, and a light supper will be served.
Enquiries can be made to 9754 2039.
