Geelong Sustainability has been coordinating Sustainable House Day in our region on behalf of the City of Greater Geelong since 2009. 2018 was our biggest event yet!
Open Houses
Visitors
Volunteers + Experts
As it was our tenth year coordinating this major event, we decided to conduct a post event survey. All participants in Sustainable House Day were invited to complete our SHD2018 survey. 133 responses were received.
Key findings:
First time SHD attendees
Surprisingly 56% of people were attending Sustainable House Day for the first time.
1 to 3 houses visited
78% of people visited one to three open houses.
More confident to talk to experts
We were pleased to see that 70% of people felt more confident to seek advice after attending SHD .
People were interested in many different types of properties especially ones with passive heating/cooling, productive gardens and renovated older homes.
The most popular sustainability features were:
passive solar & orientation
insulation
passive cooling
solar and battery storage
permaculture and edible gardens
Cost is biggest barrier
Unsurprisingly cost is the biggest barrier to people taking action at 54% followed next by the time to research options (32%) and knowing who to trust (25%).
Useful seeing SHD aspects firsthand
Everyone (100%) found it useful to see sustainable features firsthand and 95% liked talking to homeowners and the onsite experts.
Event expectations met
The event fully met or exceeded the expectations of 91% of participants.
We were rapt to learn that 44% of people were more likely to include sustainable design, materials or appliances in their home after attending SHD and (48%) were planning to add more features.
Yes, already taken action to include more sustainable features
Yes, planning to include more sustainable features
Unsure
No, not planning to include sustainable features
Not applicable
Micro village support
95% of people were supportive of the new collaborative project seeking to establish a pilot micro village of affordable small homes in Geelong.
Wide range of visitors
There was a good spread of people across the age groups from 25+ to 65+.
Visitor Stats
87% of visitors were homeowners and 13% were renters.
SHD2018 Survey Results
For the full survey result report please download it here.
Download Full ReportGeelong Sustainability wishes to thank everyone who took the time to respond. The winners of our prize drawn have been notified.
Congratulations go to:
1st Place
Annie Davis (who won a free Residential Energy Scorecard assessment)
2nd Place
Wendy Wilkinson (who has taken delivery of a box of WGAC premium toilet paper)
3rd Place
Steve Levakis (whose GS membership has been extended by 12 months)
Over coming weeks, the committee and event teams will study the survey data and the requested topics for seminars and workshop. Be assured, our 2019 program of activities will be designed to assist your sustainable living journey.