Early in 2023, Healesville CoRE received a grant from Sustainability Victoria and allocated part of it to carry out energy efficiency upgrades at two sites in Healesville. One of the sites chosen was Badger Creek Community Hall, and the other was a low rent accommodation shared house for three tenants, managed by a not-for-profit organisation. Both groups are now enjoying lower power bills and more comfort, but as we wish to respect the tenant’s privacy we have only reported here on the hall upgrades.
The purpose of the Badger Creek Hall project was to upgrade the energy efficiency of a much loved local hall that enjoyed widespread community use, and provide an outcome comparing the before and after costs and benefits. The improvements included replacing two large gas wall heaters with two reverse cycle air conditioning units, replacing a gas hot water boiler with an electric heat pump, installing ceiling insulation, heavy duty curtains with pelmets, and weather sealing.
The Badger Creek Hall committee now has a building which is more comfortable and less costly to run, and the community can enjoy a space which is warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
We prepared a short video of the improvements which can be viewed below.
You can also read about it in the Star Mail below (Top of page 8):