Make a renewable future — donate to the ATA
Help the Alternative Technology Association make practical positive change
Donate to the ATA before tax time.
Advocating for positive change can be a daunting task, and it is inspiring to know that our efforts are being recognised by people who care enough to want to add their voice.
It is only with the involvement of our supporters that the ATA can continue with its support of people making sustainable choices in their lives and sharing what they learn with others.
Help make a renewable future not a nucelar and fossil fuel time bomb.
Highlights of ATA’s achievements in the last 12 months include:
With your valuable support, ATA road test new and evolving technologies and practices to see how they perform in ‘real life’ and to ensure they provide the best environmental outcomes.
ATA Greywater trial
ATA wrapped up its two-year study into the installation of six different greywater systems in six different households. The trial delivered valuable insights regarding the pros and cons of greywater reuse and the health, safety and regulatory issues faced by home-owners and the significant barriers to wide-scale uptake of domestic greywater systems. With this knowledge, the ATA has developed a guide that will help householders select the best type of greywater system for their garden.
Greywater reuse consumer guide
Greywater reuse has the potential to significantly reduce mains water use in private homes; however the potential negative environmental and health impacts of reusing greywater also need to be considered. To help raise awareness of these potential hazards, the ATA in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment developed the Using Greywater leaflet which is freely available at greywater system suppliers and shops.
Your Home sustainable housing seminars
The ATA has developed the ‘Your Home’ sustainable building course. The three-hour workshop provides an introduction to better environmental outcomes in homes, especially for renovators and home builders who are interested in sustainable building but not sure where to start their research.
Sustainable living for low income households
ATA has developed and delivered energy and water efficiency training for the Council of Social Service NSW Affordable Water and Energy program, targeting low income households.
Green Electricians
ATA in collaboration with Royal Melbourne Institute Tafe (RMIT) has helped develop a two-day accredited course aimed at teaching energy efficient practices to electricians. All apprentices working at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games undertook this course as part of their studies, and RMIT is now running the course on demand across Australia.
ATA in East Timor: 18 projects, 5 districts in 14 days
In late 2005, 11 volunteers from the ATA’s International Projects Group implemented 18 projects in five districts of southeast East Timor. The work included provision of; solar lighting for health clinics, power for small offices, lighting for community buildings, energy for refrigeration and general power for an orphanage, and recycling equipment for a woman’s craft co-operative.
The technical skills and industry contacts of the ATA and its members enables us to provide sustainable technology solutions to poor communities in East Timor. This is the second round of projects in East Timor, bringing the total to 23, with another 25 planned for late 2006.
The ongoing enthusiasm of ATA Supporters enables us to continue our vital role in advocating for a more sustainable future. With your support, a number of valuable campaigns are currently operating, in areas including renewable energy and energy market reform, alternative urban water supplies and rural water pricing.
Renewable energy
ATA’s research report, Impediments to Grid Connection, calls for immediate action to make easier and cheaper for householders to install grid-interactive solar power systems in their homes. Over the past 12 months, ATA has brought together government, energy suppliers, regulators and system installers to discuss and resolve key issues highlighted in this report.
ATA has been contributing to a number of State and Federal Government strategies and policies on a range of issues, including:
• South Australian Greenhouse Strategy,
• Driving Investment in Renewable Energy in Victoria Issues Paper
• National Framework for Energy Distribution and Retail Regulation
All submissions can be downloaded from the ATA website.
Energy market reform
ATA has provided made a strong stance on energy market reform to the Federal Ministerial Council on Energy, highlighting the economic, social and environmental benefits of small-scale embedded generation. ATA has called for reduced barriers and greater access for renewable generation technologies, and demanded the promotion of small-scale renewable technologies at a national level as part of the preparation for Australia-wide electricity market regulation.
Green Power
ATA is calling for the restoration of public confidence in Green Power; which provides a simple, practical way for householders to support a clean energy future.
ATA sees the need for the immediate introduction and strict enforcement of marketing standards of Green Power products including the use of the Green Power logo.
Alternative urban water supplies
ATA has been actively advocating for simple and consistent National and State policies that encourage greater use of alternative water supplies, such as rainwater, greywater, stormwater and sewage, while also minimising any adverse human or environmental health consequences.
Rural water pricing
With funding assistance from the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC), ATA canvassed member opinion about water pricing and service delivery in rural Victoria, and prepared a formal response to the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Key concerns expressed by ATA in the study were:
• that the pricing structures proposed by rural water authorities do not encourage water efficiency
• that rural consumers require long-term security of supply more than low water prices
• that rural Water Plans do not acknowledge climate change impacts.
ATA Supporters make it possible for us to publish thought-provoking journals that lead towards a more sustainable future.
Sanctuary: sustainable living with style magazine launched
The ATA launched its new annual magazine, Sanctuary: sustainable living with style, an exciting new information source for people looking to create or renovate a home using the latest in sustainable design. Sanctuary brings together 15 of Australia’s leading sustainable architects and building designers to offer cutting-edge ideas and inspiration to anyone wanting a modern home designed for style, comfort, health and good environmental outcomes.
Sanctuary: sustainable living with style is published by the Alternative Technology Association and is supported by the Australian Government through the ‘Your Home’ project.
New ATA website
The ATA launched its new website which is packed with information on the best ways to live sustainably, including:
• Top 10 ways to save water
• Top 10 ways to save energy
• Information on Solar Hot Water, Solar Electricity, Wind Power and Micro Hydro
• Articles from the latest ReNew and Sanctuary magazines
• Latest activities, media releases and updates from the ATA
• Latest products from the ATA webshop
Stage 2 of the website redevelopment will include a new online shop, downloadable copies of ReNew and members only areas.
ReNew: technology for a sustainable future
ReNew continues to be Australia’s premier magazine for renewable energy, water conservation and sustainable building. ReNew provides practical examples and DIY projects to help make your home more sustainable.
