The $5k Retrofit: Small Budget, Big Impact | SHD26 Workshops

You don’t need a massive renovation budget to create a more comfortable, energy-efficient and climate-resilient home. In this practical session,

Jenny from Fix It Chicks and Light House ArchiScience will explore the smartest low-cost upgrades that deliver real impact. From draught-proofing and insulation to window coverings, heating and cooling improvements, lighting, and simple behavioural changes.

Designed for everyday homeowners, renters and renovators, this session will help you prioritise where to spend your money for maximum comfort, lower energy bills and better performance year-round.

Jenny will also share common retrofit mistakes to avoid, and how small changes can add up to big results over time.

Tickets

• You can purchase an individual ticket to this event for $15, or consider a SHD2026 Season Pass to attend the ten workshops for $110.

• If you'd like to purchase tickets to other individual workshops you can access the workshop series here: SHD Workshops

• Free season pass for full renew members and SHD Home Tour Hosts - Discount code sent directly.

• You might like to take out a Full Renew membership before you book to access the 100% discounted season pass as well as Renew member benefits.

• $55 season pass for Council Partners for their staff and Community - Contact your council for the code | Participating councils are: City of Boroondara | City of Yarra | Merri-bek City Council | Mount Alexander Shire Council | Mitchell Shire Council | Mornington Peninsula Shire | Darebin City Council | Byron Shire Council

• You will receive an order confirmation email with a Zoom link to attend the session.

• If you need to download Zoom, you can do so here.

Recording

If you’re unable to attend live, don’t worry - everyone who registers will receive access to the recording after the event - this takes about two weeks to edit & be sent to you.

Sustainable House Day (SHD) is a national event by Renew connecting Australians with practical ideas, expert advice and real homes creating more comfortable, efficient and climate-ready living.

Following SHD, join our expert-led online series covering affordable retrofits, all-electric homes, EVs, passive design, wildlife-friendly gardens, biophilic design and future-ready strata living. Hear from leading architects, builders, designers and energy experts sharing practical advice, real-world lessons and live Q&A to help you create a more sustainable home.

Sustainable House Day and the online event series wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors, we are so grateful for their support.

Principal Partner: Bank Australia

Valued Sponsors: Envirotecture | NSW Architects Registration Board | Victorian Energy Upgrades | Victorian State Government | NSW Government | SEC Victoria

Council Sponsors: City of Boroondara | City of Yarra | Merri-bek City Council | Mount Alexander Shire Council | Mitchell Shire Council | Mornington Peninsula Shire |

Darebin City Council | Byron Shire Council

Workshop Partners: Envirotecture | Light House Architecture and Science | Habitat Connection Co. | Cooee Architecture | The Sustainable Builders Alliance | Sustainable Homes Melbourne | Undercover Architect | Tim Forcey | Get Off Gas | Tim Eden | Strata Answers | Nicki Hodgson | Anderson Architecture