Centralian Advocate
As one of five Solar Cities in Australia, Alice Springs is set to become a town filled with energy-savvy residents over the next six years.
Brian Elmer, General Manager of Alice Solar City said: "More than 140 residents have already signed up to the program since the official launch on March 10.
"That reflects the enthusiasm of people to really make a difference, not only in their own home but to climate change as well.''
The Alice Solar City project is part of the Australian Government's Solar City program which is helping change the way people think about and use energy.
Trials involving governments, industry, businesses and residents across Australia are helping create a new energy future for Australian communities.
Mr Elmer said: "While the methods we employ in the home and in business to reduce our energy use are not new, getting residents to make a mind shift from the energy habits they have now to where they can be, is.
"The idea of having 1500 residents, or 5 per cent of the Alice Springs population be committed to saving energy is really quite innovative, and we were keen to get involved in the Desert Innovation Festival.
"It is one thing to say you are going to implement energy saving measures, but it is another to sign up to a program to make a commitment to do so, and then be willing to have follow up appointments to track your progress.
"That is real commitment in my eyes, and what makes the program so innovative.
"But of course we don't just leave people on their own to make those changes; we offer a full information service when we come to visit people's homes and when they visit the Smart Living Centre.
"Over the next year we hope to also run several workshops and information sessions on aspects of saving energy in the home and in business, and what better place to start than the pub.''
"Sustainability in the Pub'' is just one of the events that will be held during the Innovation Festival, and the team from Alice Solar City will join in with other panel experts at the Firkin and Hound on May 27.
"People will have an opportunity to ask all the questions they want about saving energy.
"We will also be participating in two other events during the festival, including Sustainability on the Wall, where we will play several short films about Alice Solar City.
"Sharing the story of Alice Solar City at a video-conference with other desert regions across Australia at the the event is also something the Alice Solar City team looks forward to.''