On Sunday, 4 May, 230 homeowners will open their doors for Sustainable House Day (150x in person and the remainder online) in a celebration of sustainable living. The day will showcase the best of innovative green new builds as well as the clever retrofits and renovations undertaken to existing buildings to make them more comfortable and energy efficient.
Sustainable House Day aims to inspire communities with achievable ways to reduce energy bills, get off gas, and be more climate-resilient, all while being in a comfortable home environment.
With electricity prices set to rise by up to 9% from 1 July and homes responsible for over half of Australia’s built environment emissions, this year’s focus on retrofitting and renovation could not be more timely. Visitors will see firsthand how homeowners are embracing practical solutions like insulation, efficient electric appliances, solar, and batteries to reduce costs and emissions.
A national movement with deep local roots
Homeowners will offer in-person tours, giving the community the chance to learn firsthand from their neighbours - to see everything from solar panels to hot water heat pumps, double-glazing to draught sealing, to batteries and electric vehicles. Visitors to homes will be able to experience first hand how it feels to be in a well-insulated home designed to make the most of the sun.
“I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit that happens each Sustainable House Day as everyday members of the community take the time to open their homes to others in the community,” said Renew’s CEO, Helen Oakey. “When people see what’s possible in their own community, they’re more likely to act – and that’s where real change begins.”
This year, electric vehicles will also be featured at select open homes, thanks to a new partnership with the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA). Homeowners and EV drivers will share how they’re ‘running their cars off the sun’ and integrating vehicles into all-electric household systems.
Open home tours will take place across the country allowing visitors to see a diverse range of properties, from a coastal property that is saving $5,500 per year through reducing CO2 emissions, to a bushfire and snow resilient home hidden in the Blue Mountains.
Sustainable House Day has grown since 2001 and this year there are over 230 featured homes that have signed up to be on show in person or online. These properties will empower householders to take practical climate action at home, helping to demystify sustainability, electrification, and retrofitting through real-life examples. All featured homes are available to view on the Sustainable House Day website where you can search by map, state, or category.
Throughout May, Renew will host 8 online workshops, delivered by some of Australia leading energy experts and architects, that will allow people to dig deeper into topics such as how to electrify your home, what are the cheapest changes you can make to improve energy efficiency, or how you make changes to your home to be more resilient to bushfire or flood.
Why is this important?
Australians spend 90% of their time indoors, with two-thirds of it at home. Homes now account for over half of built environment emissions and roughly 24% of electricity use nationwide. Poorly performing buildings are driving up bills, emissions, and pressure on the energy grid.
With more than 4 million rooftop solar systems installed across the country – and 1 in 3 homes now using solar power – Australians are leading the charge. But there’s more work to do, and Sustainable House Day shows how real people are taking that next step.
“We’re calling on governments to support large-scale retrofitting, energy-efficient appliances and transitioning homes off gas. Sustainable House Day is a perfect way to start your own sustainability journey while we wait for all governments to get on board with the clean energy transition we need for a safer climate. Every house, every conversation builds a movement of people who are making the clean energy transition happen in their own homes and communities. It’s powerful, community-driven grass roots change, and it’s spreading fast,” Helen continued.
“Everyone is at a different stage of their journey with regards to sustainability - some are just starting out, wondering how to make their home more energy efficient, and others are ready to start switching off gas and installing efficient electric appliances. Others are ready to design and build their dream green home. There will be a home for everyone to visit, and the online webinar series across May will allow people to dig a bit deeper and ask questions of the experts.
“We are very excited this year to be partnering with councils and other community groups to bring a really exciting experience to those who are visiting open homes. Councils have great resources to support households with sustainability, and the local community is rich with knowledge and networks.”
— END —
EVENT INFORMATION:
Sustainable House Day is hosted by Renew, a national, non-profit membership organisation working to transform Australian homes for climate and energy resilience.
Sustainable House Day Open Home tours are on Sunday 4th May 2025.
-
Open Home tours are $9.50 per person per tour. For the safety and comfort of visitors and homeowners, places are strictly limited timed sessions throughout the day.
Online Webinar Series
-
Individual sessions are $12.50 and a series pass is $75, discounted to $52.50 for new and existing Renew members and subscribers of their publications.
Bookings for the entire program are open on our website, sustainablehouseday.com
—
RENEW MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudia Bergen, The Bravery, PR Account Manager | [email protected] | 0477 658 404
Rachel Harrison, The Bravery, General Manager | [email protected] | 0487 288 144
—
SUPPORTED BY:
SHD would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and council partners. Full list available at: https://sustainablehouseday.com/2025-sponsors/
