Ginninderra Labor MLA Wayne Berry has put his words into action in addressing greenhouse gas emissions at his home.
A former Labor Shadow Environment Minister, Mr Berry has had a long term interest in domestic uses for solar energy and has designed and installed a solar space heating system in his family home.
"A major obstacle for the growth of solar space heating is affordability and adaptability to existing houses. Our house has bad solar orientation so to get the most out of the sun I decided on an active system in an extension using solar heated water in a concrete floor slab.
"This solved the problem," he said, "and it costs almost nothing to run.
"19mm inside diameter polyethylene tubing is installed at 225mm spacing in the floor slab. Water is heated in 10 square metres of domestic solar panels, circulating at about 10 litres/minute powered by a 90 watt pump.
"On a clear winter’s day the energy gain reaches around 4 kilowatts , better in autumn and spring , at all of this for the cost of running a light globe.
"The major benefits of the system is that it is uncomplicated, low cost and handyperson friendly," Mr Berry said.
"Even though the system is installed in only about 25% of the floor area of the house, I estimate that it provides about half of the space heating requirements of the house over the colder months.
"I am confident that this system has wider application in new homes because of the longer term low costs of the heating provided and would be a significant contributor to lowering green house gas emissions.