It’s so easy – just go along and be part of Sustainable House Day on Sunday, September 14.

To learn and experience the benefits of all aspects of sustainable living, there is nothing better than talking to people who have already done it.

This year the Australia New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) and Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE) are offering an outstanding chance to listen, look and learn about how to reduce your energy, water and waste needs in your home.

This is a great opportunity to share knowledge and experiences of our journey towards more sustainable living.

Sustainable House Day is taking off with enthusiasm in the South East.

There will be six homes across the Bega Valley opening their doors to visitors.

You can hear local perspectives and hear how to design your home to keep it cool in summer without air-conditioning and warm in winter with little or no heating.

There are owner-built self-sufficient houses with families living off-the-grid on renewable energy with minimal ecological footprints in Black Range and Brogo.

As well, Philippa Rowland, publicity officer for CEFE, will open her house - a 10-year-old solar passive brick home in Angledale with grid-interactive solar panels.

Ms Rowland and her family have been in the home for some two and a half years and she says it is working well.

“There was a lot of thought that went into where the house was built,” she says.

“We are very happy with the way things are going and the difference it makes.”

Ms Rowland says she hardly notices any real difference but when she does see an effect it is “only to our bills and our conscience”.

She says sustainable housing can make a huge difference to anybody’s budget, especially those on low incomes.