Renew Magazine

Fact-based and human-interest stories about building climate and energy resilience in your home and community. All the latest in sustainable issues and technology, as well as useful how-tos for reducing your footprint and contributing to a more resilient future.

Renew Magazine

Editorial

Quarterly round-up

PRODUCTS

Big grid, big batteries • Transitioning away from fossil fuels is going full steam ahead for Australia's most western state.

Sail sees a resurgence • Is wind power the future for cargo ships?

Heavy lifting, no diesel • Can big cranes go electric? You bet they can, just not here, yet.

Air New Zealand going electric! • Airlines are starting to realise that even aircraft will start to electrify. We take a look at the electric light aircraft Air New Zealand is trialling.

The suburb making solar simple for everyone • A team approach to renewable energy uptake has turned a leafy community in Adelaide into a solar powerhouse. Anthony Cox explores a City of Mitcham program which has been extremely popular amongst its residents.

Distributed renewables in Africa • Co-founder of CrossBoundary Group Matthew Tilleard speaks with Nathan Scolaro about how distributed renewables are reshaping energy access across Africa—and what Australia can learn from it.

Ensuring a nature-positive energy transition • The energy transition is urgent, but it can't come at the cost of our unique and precious nature, writes Janina Waldmann.

Solar in schools: how to build a renewable legacy for generations of students • Peter Hormann, school council president at Mount Alexander Secondary College in Melbourne's inner west, documents the school's journey to installing rooftop solar, sharing practical guidance on approvals, funding, tendering and delivery.

Tackling microplastics in everyday life • Jane Hone investigates the rise of microplastics, and the simple changes we can make to reduce our daily exposure.

Energy and carbon futures in the Kimberley • The Kimberley region in the north of Western Australia is moving to a sustainable energy future, but there are challenges that need to be overcome along the way. Dick Clarke explains.

Post-script: Traditional Owners’ vision for Balanggarra

Toward community energy zones • Building on their 2021 Renew article “Toward Zero Emissions” (Renew 156), Neville Lockhart, Greg Knight and Ty Christopher examine how Community Energy Zones could integrate rooftop solar, batteries and electric vehicles into locally controlled energy systems, and why reforming the legacy electricity market is essential.

Using science-based storytelling to improve Australia's housing stock • From reality TV to mass-market storytelling, behavioural science is being used to shift social norms and help drive Australia's long-overdue home energy retrofit boom. Daniel Simons reports.

Inside two Sustainable House Day homes • Sustainable House Day is back in 2026, and on Sunday 17 May, neighbours across Australia are once again opening their doors. Here are two examples of homes where real people are sharing practical lessons about efficiency, affordability and climate-ready living.

The silent impact of mould in our homes, and what you can do about it • Indoor mould is far more than a cleaning problem; it's a health issue. Alexx Stuart from Low Tox Life explains how it forms and how to stop it.

“Where's my small EV hatchback?” • Australians are being offered more electric vehicles than ever, but mostly in medium and large SUVs. EV expert Bryce Gaton looks at the small electric hatchbacks many city drivers are asking for, and tells us what's available now and what's coming next.

No mansion for a millionaire • Long time Renew member Ron Walker takes us on a tour of...