A Geelong-based program that offers free home energy upgrades to people with chronic health conditions, has picked up two awards.
Premier Jacinta Allan presented Geelong Sustainability with the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award for its Climate Safe Rooms Program, as part of the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
The initiative also won the Industry Leader Award in the Healthy and Fair Society category.
Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO Matt Genever praised Geelong Sustainability’s work in protecting society’s most vulnerable people.
“Geelong Sustainability has shown true leadership in its field and has demonstrated that relatively modest home upgrades can deliver positive health, social and economic outcomes,” Mr Genever said.
“[It] has shown true leadership in its field and has demonstrated that relatively modest home upgrades can deliver positive health, social and economic outcomes.”
Dan Cowdell from Geelong Sustainability said the Climate Safe Rooms program allowed Geelong residents with existing chronic health conditions to access free home energy upgrades, helping to protect them from temperature variations.
“This approach can really make a big impact, not only for people’s physical health during heat waves and extreme cold, but also their mental health, comfort and well-being,” he said.
“We’re also hoping it might shine a bit of a spotlight on the project and help us scale it up to do even more.”
Home upgrades available under the program include ceiling and underfloor insulation, draught sealing, secondary window glazing, efficient split system air-conditioner for heating and cooling and solar PV systems.
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards celebrate the businesses, government programs and community groups leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices.
