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Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Electricity was first introduced to Terragong in 1948; up until then, the homestead was lit by oil lamp and heated using coal.  The house well (located on what is now the swimming pool terrace) provided water for daily use until 1950, when the property was connected to town water. 

 

With our extensive renovation and modernisation, including the addition of numerous modern appliances, comes a responsibility to ensure our impact on the environment as a result of our day-to-day activities remains as minimal as possible.

Solar Power

 

Terragong is powered by an extensive 9.81kW solar PV Grid Connect system.  During ideal weather, the 30x SunPower 327W modules produce enough electricity to fully power the house and swimming pool plant as well as feed power back into the municipal grid.

 

Water Usage

 

We use rain water to flush all toilets, for laundry and to irrigate the gardens (showers and sinks are connected to mains water).

 

Waste

 

We treat our own sewage output onsite using a FujiClean wastewater treatment system, using treated effluent to drip water the farm orchard (underground dispersement).

 

We compost all suitable food and garden waste – with the help of our chooks it makes wonderfully rich mulch for the gardens.

 

We recycle all our glass, paper, cardboard, metal and plastics and attempt to reduce packaging containers where possible.

 

We use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents and cleaning products and line-dry laundry (weather permitting).

 

Heating & Cooling

 

Rather than air-conditioning, we rely on ceiling fans and open windows (with fly screens) to provide cooling ventilation and cross-breezes.

 

In winter, low-voltage Nobo panel heaters are used throughout the guest rooms and public rooms.

 

Underfloor heating in bathrooms and the family & dining room is powered by electricity generated by our solar array.

 

Food & Produce

 

We support local artisan producers wherever possible.  We shop weekly at the Kiama Farmers’ Market at Black Beach (Wednesday afternoon’s from 2pm to 5pm).

 

Some of our kitchen facts:

  • Locally sourced food and beverages

  • 80% local farmers produce

  • 100% free range eggs from our own flock of heritage breed chickens

  • Organic kitchen garden

  • Seasonal menu

 

Tesla Destination Charging Program

 

In April 2016, Terragong became the first site in the Illawarra and the New South Wales South Coast region to join the Tesla Destination Charging program, with the installation by Paul Dunne of Dunne Solar of a Tesla charging station. The High Power Wall Connector is powered by Terragong’s extensive 10kWh solar array, and we are pleased to announce that Tesla-driving guests are welcome to recharge their vehicles free of charge during their stay at Terragong.

 

For more information on the Tesla Destination Charging Program, visit their website.

 

 

Barn with solar array
Installing the new rain water tank
Two member of the Terragong flock.
Tesla charging station
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