TT: What is ATA?

PL: The Alternative Technology Association is a not-for-profit organisation to advance sustainability in homes and communities. Established in 1980, the ATA also provides expert, independent advice on sustainable solutions for energy and water. Headquartered in Melbourne, ATA has over 5500 members in Australia and New Zealand. The Canberra branch has 215 local members and is very active. ATA branches are involved in activities like sustainable house tours, organising informative seminars and workshops and attending fairs and events.

TT: So, ATA is more than hippies in mud-brick houses?

PL: It certainly is. ATA's interests include electric vehicles, solar panels, energy efficiency, passive-solar home design and rainwater tanks. Its members range from students and young households through to retirees. The ATA publishes two market-leading sustainable living magazines, Sanctuary: modern green homes and ReNew: technology for a sustainable future. The magazines have a combined readership per issue of 110,000. They are sold through newsagents and by subscription to ATA members. There is a lot of publishing and professional "firepower" in the two magazines, which feature in-depth articles written by staff writers and contributing architects, engineers, building professionals, policy experts and others.

TT: What activities does ATA have in Canberra?

PL: In April, ATA held their monthly meeting at ANU where the guest speaker, Shane Rattenbury spoke about "A Fair Price for Solar". This tracked the history of photovoltaic feed-in tariffs in the ACT and where they are heading. The field of renewable energy is very fast-moving and there was much discussion of the "right" feed-in tariff that gives home investors a fair rate of return that is also manageable for society and utilities. The previous month, Craig Memery spoke on the theme of a recent ATA study, Are we still Cooking with Gas?. Domestic gas prices are rising steadily at the same as new, super-efficient, electric residential heat pumps are becoming affordable. This is just one example of where our fuel mix in south-east Australia is changing while at the same time, new technologies are hitting the market. While just five years ago, the judgment on using gas or electricity for major appliances (space and water heating) would have weighed firmly in favour of gas on price and environmental grounds, however, the Cooking with Gas study released by ATA last November shows a much more favourable result for electricity when modern, heat-pump-based appliances are used. The comparison can change depending on geographic area and type of home, so it is worth reading the report on the ATA website.

TT: How about electric cars and transport?

PL: ATA has many electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and owners. EVs include cars, vans, bikes and scooters. Although slow to get going, the EV scene in Australia is developing rapidly especially with the advent of high-end manufacturers like Tesla. ATA members are optimistic that EVs are one field where the "trickle-down" effect will actually work. To further blur the line between transport and stationary energy, we are beginning to see major price drops in battery technology, which will benefit vehicles and building energy users alike. Overnight energy storage is becoming cheaper and more viable. The ACT Electric Vehicle Association is available to any community members who have a particular interest in EVs.

TT: Are appliances getting much attention from ATA?

PL: ATA welcomed the policy on appliance efficiency that was set out in the federal government's recent energy white paper. Australia's track record on setting minimum energy-efficiency standards for appliances is quite good, but there is always room for improvement. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and star ratings are being progressively ratcheted up, in most cases with no price increases. ATA is also working with major charities, Choice magazine, and community advocacy organisations so that low-income households can benefit from efficient appliances.