Sunshine Coast Regional Council powering down

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) in Queensland are demonstrating their extra support as a supportive council for Earth Hour 2009, by extending their one hour Earth Hour participation into a 4 week campaign called "Power Down". Aiming to improve their last year's result of a 10% reduction, SCRC have partnered with Energex to "power down" all energy usage across the month of March.

Sunshine Coast is 'powering down'

Sunshine Coast Regional Council, in partnership with Energex, is calling on residents across the Coast to ‘power down’ during the month of March to reduce the amount of energy used at home.

The four-week campaign begins on Monday 2 March and culminates in Earth HourTM, where Sunshine Coast Regional Council is a 'supporting' organisation switching off non-essential lights on council buildings.

Last year during Earth Hour, Sunshine Coast residents reduced their energy consumption by 10% and it’s council's aim to better the result this year.

Reducing domestic energy consumption calls for collective, long-term action every day so why not start now with these energy eliminators or Sunshine Coast residents can sign up to council's Living Smart Homes Program - http://www.livingsmart.net.au/ for more energy saving ideas.

Energy eliminators

• Switch over to energy efficient light bulbs and use low wattage globes in areas that don’t need bright light.
  Save while you are away – switch off appliances at the wall.
• Use a fan to keep you cool instead of an air conditioner. If you use an air conditioner turn it to 24 degrees – it’s the most efficient setting.
• Install water efficient showerheads – these not only save water but energy too.
• Check your fridge door seals and make sure your fridge closes properly.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full before you turn it on.
• Give your clothes a cool change and take advantage of our warm climate – wash in cold water and dry clothes on the clothes line.
• Purchase electrical items that have high energy star ratings.

For more information visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au