Home Waste and Sustainability Advisory Service

House with roof with solar panels

Jump to: What happens during a free home assessment - EligibilityHow to book - DIY Kits - Home improvements made by past winners - Find out more

Book a FREE HOME ASSESSMENT and be in the running to win $1500 of home improvements!

Sign up now and enter the draw to be 1 of 3 lucky winners of $1,500 to spend on sustainable improvements for your home such as roof insulation and solar panels. Open to all City of Ryde residents who submit a completed application and have a home assessment completed by Council. Owners and tenants of a house or apartment are eligible to apply.

Applications close on 30 June 2025. Terms and Conditions apply, view them below.

Click here to sign up for a free home assessment

Do you feel like your home is extremely hot in summer and freezing in winter but wish it were comfortable, healthy and efficient? Would you like to know how to minimise your utility bill costs or run on Net Zero energy? Or maybe you have thought about installing solar panels but not sure where to start? Perhaps you would just like to reduce waste and liver smarter?

The Home Waste and Sustainability Advisory Service offers free tailored advice to Ryde residents that will help you understand how you can reduce your home's running costs - and at the same time improve its comfort and environmental performance.

What happens during the Home Sustainability Assessment?

A Council advisor will review your home and its energy and water bills and point out the most energy and water consuming behaviours and appliances. 

You may receive a personalised action plan with recommended actions your household can take to improve its efficiency and comfort, including how to better manage your waste.

  • Sign up and complete the home sustainability survey at the above link.
  • Inspection of energy/water bills – you are asked to please provide a copy of recent energy and water bills. This is to compare data and assists in assessing energy and water usage within the home. These can be sent to hwsa@ryde.nsw.gov.au or 0466 553 397.
  • If you nominate to receive a Home Sustainability Assessment Report you will get a personalised action plan that outlines the areas you can save money on electricity and water, and how you can improve your waste management practices.
  • If you nominate to receive an optional phone or in-home consultation, a Council Sustainability Assessor will call you to book this in.
  • Council program follow up – Council will contact you in 3-12 months time to complete a Home Sustainability Evaluation to review savings and changes from participating in the program. Completion of this evaluation puts you in the draw for one of three prizes of $1500 toward sustainable home improvements.

Council provides this free for a limited number of City of Ryde residents. The assessment process takes approximately 1 hour.

Eligibility

This program is open to all City of Ryde residents. It is open to owners and tenants of a house or an apartment.

How to participate

City of Ryde residents can book a free home assessment from a Council advisor between 8 am and 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If you are interested in a Home Assessment, please complete either:

View the Terms & Conditions below.

DIY - Save power kits

Save Power Kits can help you learn more about power use in your home. Each kit contains a range of tools to help you identify where energy is being wasted, such as a power usage meter to measure energy use of appliances and an infrared thermometer to gauge the thermal performance of your home.

Kits also include a guidebook and worksheets to help you develop an action plan so you can start saving energy immediately. The kits may be borrowed from all branches of City of Ryde Libraries

The kits do not provide advice on reducing water use and waste. To obtain a full assessment of your water, waste and energy, book a Home Assessment with the Home Waste and Sustainability Advisory Service (see How to make a booking above).

Home improvements made by past competition winners

Past Home Assessment competition winners have put their winnings toward some of the following sustainable home initiatives:

  • Roof insulation
  • Underfloor insulation
  • Solar panels
  • Pool cover
  • LED lighting
  • Double glazed windows
  • Upgrade to energy efficient appliances.

Find out more

Contact Council’s Home Waste and Sustainability Advisor on 0466 553 397 or email hwsa@ryde.nsw.gov.au.

2023/24 Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw | Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions apply:

  1. The “Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw” competition commences 1 July 2023 and closes at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 4 September 2024.
  2. The Promoter is City of Ryde of Riverview Business Park, Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.
  3. Entry into the promotion is open to residents of City of Ryde, NSW, Australia only who are 18 years or older.
  4. Employees, contractors and councillors of the Promoter may respond to the survey, however, they are not eligible for the prize draw associated with this promotion.
  5. Only one entry per household is permitted.
  6. To be eligible, participants must submit and complete the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey.
  7. Once submitted, the entrant cannot alter or delete the entry.
  8. Participation in the Promotion by completing the above step is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  9. Participants who do not provide a valid Australian telephone number, their association with the City of Ryde local government area and their name will have their entry voided.
  10. In the event that an entrant’s contact details change during the competition period, it is the entrant’s responsibility to notify the Promoter.
  11. The prize draw is open to all qualifying entrants who submit a completed survey up to 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 4 September 2024. No purchase is necessary.
  12. All entries become the property of the promoter.
  13. The winners will be drawn at random from eligible participants on during September 2024 at Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.
  14. The competition is a game of chance. From the entries, four (4) winners will be randomly selected to each win an annual subscription to ReNew or Sanctuary magazine until there are no more prizes available.
  15. The total prize pool is valued at up to $250.
  16. Each winner will be notified within two (2) weeks of the draw taking place by telephone/email and will be provided with details of how to redeem the prize.
  17. The winning entries may be published in City of Ryde documents and on City of Ryde social media channels. They may also be published on the ryde.nsw.gov.au website and in local press.
  18. By entering the prize draw, the winner and runners-up consent to their name being published and to participate in any publicity accompanying or resulting from this promotion in printed and/or online formats without requiring further payment by the City of Ryde or further consent from the winner or runner up.
  19. The promoter accepts no responsibility for change in prize value between now and the ultimate prize redemption date.
  20. The prize must be taken as offered. The prize, or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
  21. The prize is subject to any conditions imposed by the supplier.
  22. If the prize is not claimed within two (2) weeks of the prize draw, the relevant winner’s entry will be deemed invalid and the Promoter will reselect the winning entry.
  23. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  24. If the prize is unavailable, for whatever reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for a prize of equal or greater value.
  25. City of Ryde will not be responsible for any entries that are not received for any reason, by the closing date and time, whether lost, delayed, corrupted or otherwise, and whether or not due to any technical difficulties or malfunctions.
  26. The information the entrants provide to us will be used in accordance with the City of Ryde privacy statement and for the purpose of conducting this competition. City of Ryde may also use this information to communicate with entrants about the running of this competition or similar competitions in the future. City of Ryde, its associated agencies and companies associated with this competition may disclose entrants’ personal information to their contractors and agents to assist in conducting this promotion or communicating with the entrants (including publishing winners’ names).

Definitions
“Participant” means any person who enters the “Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw” competition.
“Promoter” means the City of Ryde of Riverview Business Park, Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.

2023/24 Home Assessment Competition | Terms and Conditions

2023/24 Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition Terms and Conditions

Council of the City of Ryde (“Council”) “Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition” 2023/24 – Terms and Conditions

How to Enter

Applications for the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition (HSAESC) 2023/2024 promotion closes at 11:59pm AEST on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Any applications received from 1 July 2023 will be included in the 2023/2024 prize draw. 

The following terms and conditions apply

  1. The Promoter is the Council of the City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113 (“Promoter”).
  2. Entry into the HSAESC promotion is open to residents of the City of Ryde, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older and are the registered proprietor or occupier of the premises reported in the application. A person is also an occupier of the premises if he or she occupies the premises pursuant to a lease agreement.
  3. Only one (1) entry per household is permitted.
  4. To be eligible, Participants must complete the Home Sustainability Survey and include current average daily energy use (electricity, and where applicable gas) and complete the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey at the end of the program, including current energy usage (electricity, and where applicable gas).
  5. Employees of The Promoter are eligible to enter for a free home sustainability assessment but are not eligible for the prize draw.
  6. Failing to complete the Home Sustainability Survey in full (including energy use) or complete a Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey (including energy use) will void the entry.
  7. Submission of both the Home Sustainability Survey and Home Sustainability Evaluation (hard copy or online) is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  8. The home assessment will be completed by the Promoter’s Home Waste & Sustainability Project Officer who will either visit the Participant’s home to conduct a visual sustainability assessment or conduct a remote consultation via an online survey and/or phone. No products or services will be sold to the Participant.
  9. There will be a total of three (3) prize winners. Each prize consists of a total value of $1,500.00. Total prize pool of $4,500.00 for the three (3) prizes (including GST).
  10. Participants may purchase as many environmentally beneficial/ sustainable prizes to a total of $1,500.00, including GST, subject to clause 12 of the terms and conditions.
  11. Participants are welcome to spend above $1,500.00 on products or services of eco improvement. However, the Promoter will only pay for a prize total of $1500.00 inclusive of GST. All other expenses or liability is assumed solely by the Participants.
  12. Participants are required to submit a total of no less than three (3) quotations to the Promoter (unless otherwise advised in writing by the Promoter) for acceptance before the Promoter will pay the prize. Participants cannot claim previous purchases. i.e. goods and services purchased before the promotion Commencement Date (1 July 2023).
  13. Goods or services must demonstrate an Environmental Benefit to the premises as approved by the Promoter (Council). Goods and services not deemed to provide an Environmental Benefit will not be approved for purchase. Products which are eligible include:
    • Water tanks; Garden or Grey water
    • Sustainable garden landscaping
    • Energy efficient lighting upgrades
    • Solar panels
    • Heat pump/ Solar hot water
    • Insulation batts; and
    • Other items accepted – must seek prior approval by the Promoter.
  14. The Promoter accepts no responsibility on behalf of chosen products or services and has no affiliation with any company. Selected prizes are chosen at the discretion of the Participant. Participants are to seek suppliers, quotations and communicate directly with supplier. The Promoter is not involved in the selection, procurement or installation of goods or services and shall not be held liable for any claims or damages which may arise from chosen products or services.
  15. Participants are to pay in full for chosen goods, services and installation and the Promoter (once approved) will reimburse the Participant to a total value of $1,500.00, including GST. Where a Participant experiences financial hardship, they may contact the Promoter to discuss options for payment of goods or services prior to engaging any supplier for works.
  16. The prize will be drawn from eligible Participants in September 2024 at City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113 with the winner notified via personal contact information as provided on the Home Sustainability Survey. Information on how to redeem a prize will also be given to the winners, inclusive of a copy of the Terms and Conditions of the HSAESC.
  17. All quotations must be formally submitted, in writing, and approved by the Promoter before purchase. Winners have six (6) months from the date of the competition draw to redeem their prize in total. No prize collection or quotations will be accepted after the specified period unless prior written request by the applicant and approval by the Promoter.
  18. The prize must be taken as offered. The prize or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
  19. By accepting the prize draw, the winner consents to their name being published as winner of the prize draw and to participate in any publicity accompanying or resulting from this competition in printed and/or online formats.
  20. If the prize is not claimed within fourteen (14) days of the prize draw, the relevant winner’s entry will be deemed invalid and the Promoter will conduct an unclaimed Prize draw. Should an unclaimed Prize draw be necessary, the winner of the unclaimed Prize draw will be notified via personal information as supplied on the Home Sustainability Survey.
  21. The prize winners agree to allow the Promoter to visit the home (as nominated on the application form) to inspect the product installation or to conduct a remote inspection (e.g. via video conference, provide photographic evidence).
  22. The judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into after the closure of the competition.
  23. If the prize is unavailable, for whatever reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for a prize of equal or greater value, subject to State Regulation.
  24. The Promoter will not be responsible for any entries that are not received for any reason, by the closing date and time, whether lost, delayed, corrupted or otherwise, and whether or not due to any technical difficulties or malfunctions.
  25. Failure to comply and sign the Terms and Conditions will result in the prize award to be void to the household and the next prize draw to occur for another Participant.
  26. The Promoter has the right at any time, to change or modify these Terms & Conditions.

Definitions

“Participant” means any City of Ryde household entrant completing the application for the HSAESC.

“Promoter” means the Council of the City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113.

“Premises” means the property the subject of the application or competition.

“Environmental Benefit” demonstrates opportunity to reduce carbon output through installation of goods or to provide environmental natural enhancement reducing reliance on natural resources.

2024/25 Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw | Terms and Conditions

2024/25 Home Assessment Feedback Survey Competition Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions apply:

  1. The “Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw” competition commences 1 July 2024 and closes at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 4 September 2025.
  2. The Promoter is City of Ryde of Riverview Business Park, Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.
  3. Entry into the promotion is open to residents of City of Ryde, NSW, Australia only who are 18 years or older.
  4. Employees, contractors and councillors of the Promoter may respond to the survey, however, they are not eligible for the prize draw associated with this promotion.
  5. Only one entry per household is permitted.
  6. To be eligible, participants must submit and complete the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey.
  7. Once submitted, the entrant cannot alter or delete the entry.
  8. Participation in the Promotion by completing the above step is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  9. Participants who do not provide a valid Australian telephone number, their association with the City of Ryde local government area and their name will have their entry voided.
  10. In the event that an entrant’s contact details change during the competition period, it is the entrant’s responsibility to notify the Promoter.
  11. The prize draw is open to all qualifying entrants who submit a completed survey up to 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 4 September 2025. No purchase is necessary.
  12. All entries become the property of the promoter.
  13. The winners will be drawn at random from eligible participants during September 2025 at Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.
  14. The competition is a game of chance. From the entries, four (4) winners will be randomly selected to each win an annual subscription to ReNew or Sanctuary magazine until there are no more prizes available.
  15. The total prize pool is valued at up to $250.
  16. Each winner will be notified within two (2) weeks of the draw taking place by telephone/email and will be provided with details of how to redeem the prize.
  17. The winning entries may be published in City of Ryde documents and on City of Ryde social media channels. They may also be published on the ryde.nsw.gov.au website and in local press.
  18. By entering the prize draw, the winner and runners-up consent to their name being published and to participate in any publicity accompanying or resulting from this promotion in printed and/or online formats without requiring further payment by the City of Ryde or further consent from the winner or runner up.
  19. The promoter accepts no responsibility for change in prize value between now and the ultimate prize redemption date.
  20. The prize must be taken as offered. The prize, or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
  21. The prize is subject to any conditions imposed by the supplier.
  22. If the prize is not claimed within two (2) weeks of the prize draw, the relevant winner’s entry will be deemed invalid and the Promoter will reselect the winning entry.
  23. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  24. If the prize is unavailable, for whatever reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for a prize of equal or greater value.
  25. City of Ryde will not be responsible for any entries that are not received for any reason, by the closing date and time, whether lost, delayed, corrupted or otherwise, and whether or not due to any technical difficulties or malfunctions.
  26. The information the entrants provide to us will be used in accordance with the City of Ryde privacy statement and for the purpose of conducting this competition. City of Ryde may also use this information to communicate with entrants about the running of this competition or similar competitions in the future. City of Ryde, its associated agencies and companies associated with this competition may disclose entrants’ personal information to their contractors and agents to assist in conducting this promotion or communicating with the entrants (including publishing winners’ names).

Definitions
“Participant” means any person who enters the “Home Assessment Feedback Survey Prize Draw” competition.
“Promoter” means the City of Ryde of Riverview Business Park, Building 0, Level 1, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113.

2024/25 Home Assessment Competition | Terms and Conditions

2024/25 Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition Terms and Conditions

Council of the City of Ryde (“Council”) “Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition” 2024/25 – Terms and Conditions

How to Enter

Applications for the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey Competition (HSAESC) 2024/2025 promotion closes at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 30 June 2025.

Any applications received from 1 July 2025 will be included in the 2025/2026 prize draw. 

The following terms and conditions apply

  1. The Promoter is the Council of the City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113 (“Promoter”).
  2. Entry into the HSAESC promotion is open to residents of the City of Ryde, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older and are the registered proprietor or occupier of the premises reported in the application. A person is also an occupier of the premises if he or she occupies the premises pursuant to a lease agreement.
  3. Only one (1) entry per household is permitted.
  4. To be eligible, Participants must complete the Home Sustainability Survey and include current average daily energy use (electricity, and where applicable gas) and complete the Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey at the end of the program, including current energy usage (electricity, and where applicable gas).
  5. Employees of The Promoter are eligible to enter for a free home sustainability assessment but are not eligible for the prize draw.
  6. Failing to complete the Home Sustainability Survey in full (including energy use) or complete a Home Sustainability Assessment Evaluation Survey (including energy use) will void the entry.
  7. Submission of both the Home Sustainability Survey and Home Sustainability Evaluation (hard copy or online) is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  8. The home assessment will be completed by the Promoter’s Home Waste & Sustainability Advisor who will either visit the Participant’s home to conduct a visual sustainability assessment or conduct a remote consultation via an online survey and/or phone. No products or services will be sold to the Participant.
  9. There will be a total of three (3) prize winners. Each prize consists of a total value of $1,500.00. Total prize pool of $4,500.00 for the three (3) prizes (including GST).
  10. Participants may purchase as many environmentally beneficial/ sustainable prizes to a total of $1,500.00, including GST, subject to clause 12 of the terms and conditions.
  11. Participants are welcome to spend above $1,500.00 on products or services of eco improvement. However, the Promoter will only pay for a prize total of $1500.00 inclusive of GST. All other expenses or liability is assumed solely by the Participants.
  12. Participants are required to submit a total of no less than three (3) quotations to the Promoter (unless otherwise advised in writing by the Promoter) for acceptance before the Promoter will pay the prize. Participants cannot claim previous purchases. i.e. goods and services purchased before the promotion Commencement Date (1 July 2024).
  13. Goods or services must demonstrate an Environmental Benefit to the premises as approved by the Promoter (Council). Goods and services not deemed to provide an Environmental Benefit will not be approved for purchase. Products which are eligible include:
    • Water tanks; Garden or Grey water
    • Sustainable garden landscaping
    • Energy efficient lighting upgrades
    • Solar panels
    • Heat pump/ Solar hot water
    • Insulation batts; and
    • Other items accepted – must seek prior approval by the Promoter.
  14. The Promoter accepts no responsibility on behalf of chosen products or services and has no affiliation with any company. Selected prizes are chosen at the discretion of the Participant. Participants are to seek suppliers, quotations and communicate directly with supplier. The Promoter is not involved in the selection, procurement or installation of goods or services and shall not be held liable for any claims or damages which may arise from chosen products or services.
  15. Participants are to pay in full for chosen goods, services and installation and (once approved) the Promoter  will reimburse the Participant to a total value of $1,500.00, including GST. Where a Participant experiences financial hardship, they may contact the Promoter to discuss options for payment of goods or services prior to engaging any supplier for works.
  16. The prize will be drawn from eligible Participants in September 2025 at City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113 with the winner notified via personal contact information as provided on the Home Sustainability Survey. Information on how to redeem a prize will also be given to the winners, inclusive of a copy of the Terms and Conditions of the HSAESC.
  17. All quotations must be formally submitted, in writing, and approved by the Promoter before purchase. Winners have six (6) months from the date of the competition draw to redeem their prize in total. No prize collection or quotations will be accepted after the specified period unless prior written request by the applicant and approval by the Promoter.
  18. The prize must be taken as offered. The prize or any unused portion of the prize, is not transferable and cannot be redeemed as cash. The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
  19. By accepting the prize draw, the winner consents to their name being published as winner of the prize draw and to participate in any publicity accompanying or resulting from this competition in printed and/or online formats.
  20. If the prize is not claimed within fourteen (14) days of the prize draw, the relevant winner’s entry will be deemed invalid and the Promoter will conduct an unclaimed Prize draw. Should an unclaimed Prize draw be necessary, the winner of the unclaimed Prize draw will be notified via personal information as supplied on the Home Sustainability Survey.
  21. The prize winners agree to allow the Promoter to visit the home (as nominated on the application form) to inspect the product installation or to conduct a remote inspection (e.g. via video conference, provide photographic evidence).
  22. The judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into after the closure of the competition.
  23. If the prize is unavailable, for whatever reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for a prize of equal or greater value, subject to State Regulation.
  24. The Promoter will not be responsible for any entries that are not received for any reason, by the closing date and time, whether lost, delayed, corrupted or otherwise, and whether or not due to any technical difficulties or malfunctions.
  25. Failure to comply and sign the Terms and Conditions will result in the prize award to be void to the household and the next prize draw to occur for another Participant.
  26. The Promoter has the right at any time, to change or modify these Terms & Conditions.

Definitions

“Participant” means any City of Ryde household entrant completing the application for the HSAESC.

“Promoter” means the Council of the City of Ryde of North Ryde Office, Level 1, Building 0, Riverview Business Park, 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde 2113.

“Premises” means the property the subject of the application or competition.

“Environmental Benefit” demonstrates opportunity to reduce carbon output through installation of goods or to provide environmental natural enhancement reducing reliance on natural resources.