Several experts are gathering at a unique event in Melbourne next week to promote the concepts of sustainable living.

Alternative Technology Association (ATA), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes sustainable living is organising ‘Speed Date a Sustainable Expert’ in Melbourne on February 21 where leading green home designers, architects and sustainability experts will provide free advice to the public during 13-minute ‘dates’.

Homeowners and designers thinking about keeping their homes cool in summer with minimal air-conditioning; planning renovations to improve comfort levels all year round; making energy efficient improvements to the home; and using gardens to turn their home into more liveable spaces, will find the upcoming event helpful in achieving their goals sustainably.

Speed Date a Sustainable Expert will include experts on solar power, interior design, green roofs, walls and facades, energy efficiency, rainwater tanks and greywater, and sustainable gardens.

Award-winning sustainable architect Steffen Welsch, who will also be providing advice at the event, comments that homeowners have several options to make their homes more comfortable in summer.

For instance, insulation should cover the roof, walls and floors to ensure cool air is retained within the home in summer. Shading is also an important element to keeping cool, and requires external shades to be positioned correctly. Seal the draughts in the house and also consider double glazing for the windows.

Steffen adds that thermal comfort is impacted by air flow; therefore, when designing the home, ensure there are airlocks that reduce the spread of hot air, and place doors and windows for good cross-ventilation.

ATA chief executive Donna Luckman said Speed Date a Sustainable Expert would be an informative and fun event. Those planning to participate are requested to bring plans on their laptop or tablet, or as a hard copy. Registration is essential for participating in the event and can be done online at http://sdse.ata.org.au.

Speed Date a Sustainable Expert will be held on Saturday, February 21, 1.30pm - 4pm at Docklands Library, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands. Entry is free but booking is essential and can be done here: